The UK is facing a shortfall in fast jet pilots which will last until 2012 even if present planning targets are met, according to a report from the UK Government watchdog, the National Audit Office (NAO).
In the five years 1994-5 to1998-9 the British Army, Royal Air Force and Royal Navy had an annual requirement for 250 newly trained pilots but around 45 a year fewer entered operational service, according to the NAO's Training New Pilots report.
Pilots are trained for fast jets (RAF and RN), helicopters (all three services) or multi-engine aircraft (RAF only). Fast jet pilot numbers are most affected, says the NAO, adding that on current planning the shortfall will not be eliminated until 2012. It says that the number of pilots required will increase to 290 in 2001-02. It says the pilot shortfall is contributing to overstretch within the RAF.
Part of the shortfall in trained pilots is due to the increase in the time taken to train pilots. Whereas the Training Group Defence Agency plans to take just over three years to train a fast jet pilot, the average time is 5.5 years, although the NAO acknowledges this as a reduction from a peak of six years in 1997-8. It costs about £5.8 million ($8.2 million) to train a fast jet pilot, says the report.
The NAO has also reviewed the impact of contracting services from the private sector. The Defence Helicopter Flying School will save £27 million over 15 years rather than the predicted £77 million, says the NAO as the Ministry of Defence needed to revise forecast savings.
The MoD is considering privatising the remainder of UK flying training (Flight International, 18-24 July). A Whitehall source says the MoD needs to improve its understanding of contracting and determining quality standards if privatisation is to be successful.
MoD junior defence minister Lewis Moonie says many of the report's points have already been addressed.
Source: Flight International
