§ 26. Mr. Shepherdasked the Minister of Aviation whether he is satisfied that the regulations governing the level of noise at United Kingdom airports do not involve the risk of using inadequate power or dangerous throttling back on take-off; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WoodhouseI am satisfied that the procedures for noise abatement do not involve any risk which would prejudice safety. They have been worked out in collaboration with the International Air Transport Association and with their full agreement.
§ Mr. CollardIs my hon. Friend aware that in the case of modern long-range aircraft take-off at full load is the most critical part of the flight and that at that time the captain's attention should be directed entirely towards making a safe and efficient take-off and that it is undesirable that his attention should be diverted in any way by consideration of whether he is making too much noise?
§ Mr. WoodhouseYes, Sir; I am very well ware of all those considerations. In fact, the noise abatement procedures do not require the pilot to reduce speed or undertake any kind of manœuvre below 1,000 feet.