Written question asked by Lord Willis of Knaresborough (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 26 June 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 1 July 2002. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Monday, 1 July 2002 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what criteria are used by the Department to evaluate the success of the 15 university air squadrons in training RAF pilots in the elementary stage of their flying careers; and whether comparative evaluation has been made with the Joint Elementary Flying Training School at RAF Church Fenton.

Answer: Mr. Willis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what criteria are used by the Department to evaluate the success of the 15 university air squadrons in training RAF pilots in the elementary stage of their flying careers; and whether comparative evaluation has been made with the Joint Elementary Flying Training School at RAF Church Fenton. [65388] Mr. Ingram: Elementary flying training for members of University Air Squadrons is undertaken to a defined syllabus and output standard. A direct comparison of University Air Squadron trained and Joint Elementary Flying Training School trained RAF pilots is seen at the point of streaming to aircraft type (fast jet, rotary wing, or multi-engine), which follows immediately after elementary flying training. At this point, there is no discernible difference between them. Historically, a comparison of success rates through to the more difficult fast-jet front line has shown a small advantage for University Air Squadron trained students.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 388 c37-8W;388 c37W; 65388
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Air force Standards Training University air squadrons RAF Church Fenton
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk