Military Aircraft: Helicopters
Defence
Written answers and statements, 19 October 2009
Mike Hancock (Portsmouth South, Liberal Democrat)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 16 July 2009, Official Report, columns 589-90W, on military aircraft, what plans his Department has to meet the required pilot strength in the Merlin and Chinook forces.
Bill Rammell (Minister of State (Armed Forces), Ministry of Defence; Harlow, Labour)
Required and actual strengths will both vary with time due to many factors including operational requirements, the introduction of newly trained crew on completion of training courses at set times during the year, the number of trained personnel assigned to non-flying duties (as part of the necessary broader career development), injuries, and service leavers. The helicopter fleet is managed to ensure that our operational and other commitments are met.
The RAF and Royal Navy are recruiting and training sufficient personnel to ensure that the Defence Helicopter Flying School (DHFS) rotary wing training pipeline is fully stocked with trainee pilots for both Merlin and Chinook forces.