Written question asked by Peter Bone (Conservative) on Thursday, 21 July 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 October 2005. It was answered by Lord Touhig (Labour) on Monday, 10 October 2005 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

University Air Squadrons

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the role of university air squadrons in (a) making a risk assessment of potential pilots and (b) providing a link between the Royal Air Force and the civilian population.

Answer: All new pilot recruits to the Royal Air Force have to successfully complete the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre, regardless of method of entry. It is here that in-depth psychometric competency testing is undertaken to ensure that the right pilots are taken into the Royal Air Force. While the University Air Squadrons do not specifically make a risk assessment of potential pilots, they have, over the past 10 years, acted as part of the streaming process during Elementary Flying Training. The recent changes mean that Elementary Flying Training will now be undertaken at a more appropriate stage.University Air Squadrons provide a link by raising the profile of the Royal Air Force and project a positive image of the service through University Air Squadron members to other undergraduates, university staff and the wider civilian community. Their principle aim is to provide a practical link between the Royal Air Force and universities, thereby fostering an interest in and understanding of the Royal Air Force.

Secondary information