Written question asked by James Gray (Conservative) on Wednesday, 22 May 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 June 2002. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Monday, 10 June 2002 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the maximum number of Harrier GR7 pilots is that can be trained for aircraft carrier flying operations at any one time. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the maximum number of Harrier GR7 pilots is that can be trained for aircraft carrier flying operations at any one time. [59787] Mr. Ingram: The maximum full front line strength of the three operational Harrier GR7 squadrons is 48 pilots and it is unlikely that there would be a requirement to train more than that number. 36 pilots are currently qualified to fly operations from aircraft carriers. Training to enable Harrier GR7 pilots to conduct aircraft carrier based operations is usually conducted as part of a Squadron's routine training programme. The maximum number of pilots that could be trained for aircraft carrier operations at any one time is dependent on a wide range of factors. These include aircraft carrier availability, operational tempo, pilot requirement for such training, weather conditions and completing training priorities, themselves dictated by anticipated operational requirement.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 59787; 386 c756W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Air force Crew Staff Military aircraft Training Aircraft carriers Harrier aircraft
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk