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 length is of the training period required for Harrier GR7 pilots to qualify for flying operations from aircraft carriers. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the length is of the training period required for Harrier GR7 pilots to qualify for flying operations from aircraft carriers. [59786] Mr. Ingram: The additional training required to qualify Harrier GR7 pilots for aircraft carriers combat ready (Day) and (Night) status has historically taken a minimum of 16 aircraft carrier based flying days during which 15 day time sorties and five night time sorties must be accrued. The night sorties must be undertaken within 72 hours of the last day time sortie. The length of time to complete this training can vary, as it is aircraft carrier availability and weather dependent. It would be rare for the training to be completed within 16 days, however, on occasions when optimum operating conditions have been experienced, some pilots have qualified in a slightly shorter time.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 59786; 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