C..
CONFIDENTIAL
ten or fifteen years ago of the R.A.F. flying training programme (i.e. not of the overall R.A.F. training programne) not by the number of pilots trained in a year but by the number brațild in an average year ten or fifteen years ago, and then by the number of effective years' service hoped for from pilots trained at that time (if different from current expected length of service). If this were done, the rate of charge per pilot would be bound, whatever the explanation of the inconsistency I have drawn attention to above, to be less than you have suggested because, since the number of pilots currently under training is less than some ten to fifteen years ago, one would be dividing either the same
We have been told or a smaller cost by a larger number. by those concerned with pilot training in MOD(Air) that the number of pilots completing training in a year is currently some 270, while the numbers for the two years 1952-53, for
We instance, totalled 2400 - an average of 1200 a year. feel it would be reasonable to assume that the average age of pilots on loan to Commonwealth countries is somewhere between 30 and 35 (although this could notdoubt be sub- stantiated without undue difficulty): on this assumption the years 1952-53 seen a fair period to take as the basis for calculating the amortised flying training charge.
11. The effect of the basis for calculating the charge out- lined in the foregoing paragraph is, of course, to relate the charges to the cost of training the pilots whose service
I is actually lost by the R.A.P. while they are on loan. am sure you will see that we could not agree to the charge being related to any other flying personnel.
5. I am sorry to inject a note of urgency in this matter having delayed so long before letting you have our comments. However, I would be grateful if you could let us have your views on the above points at the earliest opportunity. Ferhaps we could arrange a meeting, especially since we are still not happy with your comments on Hong Kong and since there are certain other points about the explanatory note enclosed with your letter under reference which we would
We would of course be like to amend with your agreement. happy to hold any such meeting here.
c.c. J.F. Wayne, Esq.
Ministry of Defence, DS8.
(J. W. Collett)
CONFIDENTIAL