Written question asked by Lord Clark of Windermere (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 20 November 1996. It was answered by Lord Soames of Fletching (Conservative) on Wednesday, 20 November 1996 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: What qualifications are required for service personnel to fly helicopters in each of the services. - (Holding answer 15 November 1996).

Answer: Dr. David Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what qualifications are required for service personnel to fly helicopters in each of the services. [4424] Mr. Soames: [holding answer 15 November 1996]: The qualifications required by service personnel to fly helicopters are as follows: Royal Navy Education--minimum five GCSEs (English and Mathematics) and two A-levels (or equivalent) Flying aptitude tests and medical Initial officer training Army Minimum rank Lance-corporal (recommended for Corporal) Pre-selection course, including aptitude tests, written tests and medical Royal Air Force Education--minimum five GCSEs (English and Mathematics) and two A-levels (or equivalent) Flying aptitude tests and medical Initial officer training Elementary flying training Basic, advanced and operational helicopter flying training are currently carried out separately by the single services. However, from 1 April 1997 all basic and advanced helicopter training will be provided for the three services by the defence helicopter flying school, a tri-service establishment at Shawbury.

Secondary information