Pilot shortfall means fewer than half of Harrier jets are manned

The Fleet Air Arm has fewer than half of the 35 jump-jet pilots it needs to man its two surviving Harrier squadrons, and a 38% shortfall in replacement crew coming through the training pipeline.

Senior officers now fear budget cuts and a lack of qualified naval fliers will mean the RAF will have to provide most of the pilots for the new aircraft carriers finally ordered last week and scheduled to enter service in 2014 and 2016.

There is also a 57% shortfall in naval flying instructors, according to the Ministry of Defence's own "pinchpoint" figures outlining the key military skills in short supply.

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