The Royal Air Force has assessed the possibility of allowing reservist pilots to operate F-35 fighter jets but concluded that such a model is not suitable for the UK at present, the Ministry of Defence said.
The response came in a written parliamentary answer from Defence Minister Louise Sandher-Jones to Conservative MP Steve Barclay, who asked whether the UK had considered adopting an approach similar to a partnership between KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and the Dutch Ministry of Defence. That arrangement allows airline pilots to serve as reserve F-35 pilots in the Royal Netherlands Air Force.
According to the minister, the RAF has examined the potential for reservist pilots to support the UK’s F-35 force but determined that the model would not currently provide sufficient value. “The Royal Air Force (RAF) has assessed options for reservist pilots to bolster our F35 force and concluded that this model is not appropriate for the RAF at this time.”
The Government said the primary issue relates to the time and cost required to train and maintain operational proficiency on the aircraft. “The investment in time and money to train a part-time pilot on F35 and keep them sufficiently trained and current to operate the aircraft is similar with that of a full-time pilot.”
Sandher-Jones added that the current stage of development of the UK’s F-35 capability also influenced the decision. “At this stage of growth in the UK F35 Wing, the cost is not justified by the amount of service a part-time pilot could offer compared with a full time regular.”
The UK operates the F-35B Lightning as part of a joint RAF and Royal Navy force, with aircraft based at RAF Marham and routinely deployed aboard the Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers.
Seems daft expecting airline pilots to just switch to a fast jet?
The RAF have a reserve Sqn for aircrew, but that’s rightly for the AT and AAR force.
The day we have RAF Reserve Sqns with their own aircraft assets ( RAF, RN reserves have no assets ) is the day hell freezes over.
It’s traditionaly been the other way round.
Works well in the US Air National Guard. The idea is very much to retain older pilots on a part time basis and retain much of their knowledge. It’s better than the never ending placements we send RAF pilots on to keep them interested for more than ten years.
And the air national guard has consistently lost fast jet units over the past 3 decades based on costs and availability. Many have transferred to drones.