§ 18. Mr. Onslowasked the Minister of Aviation whether he is satisfied with the safety standards at present prevailing on transatlantic flights; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StonehouseThe International Civil Aviation Organisation decided last year to reduce the minimum lateral 1305 separation applicable to air traffic over the North Atlantic from 120 to 90 nautical miles. Accordingly we and the other countries responsible for air traffic control in the North Atlantic area put the decision into effect on 13th January.
A number of pilots are continuing to ask for the old separation standard to be applied to their particular flights. When they do so they are being allocated flight paths which provide this but at a lower altitude than the normal since it is impracticable with complete safety to apply different separation standards at the same altitude.
In view of the pilots requests the matter has been reported to I.C.A.O. In the meantime I am fully satisfied that adequate safety standards are being maintained.
§ Mr. OnslowIs it not still the case that this separation is thought by many pilots to increase the risks of mid-air collisions. Will the hon. Gentleman at least agree to receive a deputation from pilots' organisations to discuss this further?
§ Mr. StonehouseWe are satisfied that the standards are adequate for safety. There is no doubt in our minds about that. But, in view of the concern expressed by the pilots, I will, of course, agree to meet them and discuss it.
§ Mr. RankinWill my hon. Friend also note that the British Airline Pilots' Association is unanimously opposing this change in the distance between aircraft crossing the Atlantic?
§ Mr. StonehouseWe are well aware of that. Where a pilot in charge of an aircraft demands to have a 120-mile separation we will allocate it to him, providing that he flies at 28,000 ft. Above 29,000 ft. the I.C.A.O. standard will apply.