§ 22. Mr. LYONSasked the Undersecretary of State for Air the number of children who, under the age of 16, have made solo flights in British aerodromes during the last six months or nearest convenient date; and what is the lowest age at which any such flight has been recorded?
§ Sir P. SASSOONI regret that the information for which my hon. Friend asks is not on record in my Department. I am advised, however, that the aero clubs discourage solo flying by children, and I understand that instances of solo flights of the kind referred to in the question are very rare. The Air Ministry has informed both the Abridge Aerodrome authorities and the association which issues certificates to flying instructors that it is undesirable to allow solo flying by boys or girls until shortly before they reach the age of 17, at which age they can obtain a private pilot's licence. Whether any further steps should 952 be taken in the matter is under consideration.