§ 5 and 6. Mr. Collardasked the Minister of Aviation (1) if he will authorise a modified standard of certification for light aircraft up to about 6,000 lb. weight;
(2) if he will raise the weight limit for ultra-light aircraft from 1,000 lb. to 2,000 lb.
§ Mr. RipponThe Ministry of Aviation and the Air Registration Board are now developing simplified airworthiness requirements for the certification of light 958 aircraft under 6,000 lb. in weight, including ultra-light aircraft.
§ Mr. CollardI thank my hon. Friend for that reply, and acknowledge that both his Ministry and the Air Registration Board are helpful in these matters. With regard to ultra-light aircraft, does my hon. Friend recognise that it is of importance because of the specification for an economic light aircraft which his right hon. Friend has recently issued? Is he aware that I will not insist on the upper figure of 2,000 lb. so long as there is a reason, because makers now have to sacrifice performance in some cases to meet the figure of 1,000 lb.?
§ Mr. RipponThe Popular Flying Association has raised the question of the ultra-light aircraft with us. It has been asked to put forward proposals, and we are still awaiting them.