To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many training hours fast jet pilots spent on average in each aircraft type in the Royal Air Force in each (a) year since 2005 and (b) month of 2009. (305103)

The training hours for fast jet pilots spent on average for each aircraft type in the Royal Air Force for the periods specified are given in the following tables. The information relates to pilots from frontline fast jet squadrons only and includes, in addition to normal frontline flying, the total hours flown while on operations, all of which include some element of training to improve pilot skills. By way of illustration approximately 40 per cent. of the Harrier and 30 per cent. of the Tornado GR4 hours in the table were actually consumed on operations. A proportion of Typhoon and Tornado F3 hours were consumed in the Falkland Islands and performing Quick Reaction Alert missions. All hours include some transit flying to operational theatres and to overseas exercises or training areas. To break down these hours between operational and training would incur disproportionate cost.

Average pilot flying hours for the Hawk training aircraft and the testing, evaluation and conversion training for all fast jet types are not included.

The reduction in flying hours for Tornado F3 in 2008-09 is attributable to the effects of the ongoing withdrawal from service of the fleet.

The reduction in flying hours for Tornado GR4 in 2008-09 is attributable to a variety of factors primarily the availability of aircraft for UK training as maintenance and modification activity was prioritised to deliver aircraft for operations.