HC Deb 11 April 1934 vol 288 cc298-9
11. Mr. LYONS

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether his attention has been called to a solo flight made at Abridge, Essex, aerodrome by a boy aged 14; whether any aerodrome licensing regulations exist for the prohibition of such solo flights by children; and whether he will consider fixing an age limit by which such flights can be prohibited at all aerodromes?

Sir P. SASSOON

Yes, Sir; I have seen Press reports of this incident. The Air Navigation Directions provide that no licence shall be granted to persons under 17 years of age. There is no regulation which explicitly prevents a person under that age from making flights within gliding distance of an aerodrome, when flying for the purpose of becoming eligible for a licence. I should add that authority to give instruction in flying is vested only in specially authorised pilots who themselves would normally be the first to realise that solo flights by very young persons are obviously undesirable.

Mr. LYONS

In view of the public interest which is being aroused by the fact of children using aeroplanes alone, will the right hon. Gentleman take steps, in the public interest, to require some age limit at all aerodromes before allowing children of tender years to go into a source of great danger to themselves and the surrounding localities?

Sir P. SASSOON

I have indicated in my answer that no one is allowed to fly solo except within gliding distance of the aerodrome without a licence, and a licence is only issued at the age of 17.

Mr. LYONS

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the limit is three miles from the aerodrome, and that within that area not only can disaster overtake the infant, but grave damage to other people may ensue?

Sir P. SASSOON

I think we can trust the discretion of these authorised instructors not to allow any passenger, of whatever age, to fly solo unless they are fully aware that he can fly with safety.

Mr. T. SMITH

Who would be responsible for any damage that might occur as a result of these young fellows flying?

Mr. LYONS

Does my right hon. Friend think it right in the public interest that a child of 14 should have unfettered control over an aeroplane in flight?

Sir P. SASSOON

He would not be allowed to fly solo unless the instructor considered that he was capable of doing so.

Mr. LYONS

Can he be capable at 14?