HL Deb 09 April 1984 vol 450 cc899-900

2.48 p.m.

Lord Beswick

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows: To ask Her Majesty's Government what consideration is being given to the possibility of review by the Civil Aviation Authority of the operating safety requirements of aircraft less than 5,700 Kg all up mass, particularly in the case of those aircraft below that weight now capable of carrying up to 19 passengers.

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, the Civil Aviation Authority is reviewing the flight crew complement required for aircraft with a maximum total weight authorised not exceeding 5,700 kilograms engaged in public transport operations. Any proposals to extend to such aircraft the existing statutory requirements for aircraft above that weight to carry not less than two pilots will be the subject of consultation with the industry.

Lord Beswick

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for that reply, and particularly for its helpful content. I should like to ask the noble Lord whether there is a case today for relating the safety requirements to the number of passengers rather than to the weight of the aircraft?

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, that is one point of view which will be taken into account although there are other matters that ought to be considered as well. Speaking from my own experience, I think that probably the workload is the important criterion.

Lord Beswick

My Lords, I am much obliged to the noble Lord, and, of course, I value his experience and agree with him that it may be necessary to have two pilots rather than one in the case of an aircraft carrying 19 passengers. When is it likely that there will be a decision taken as regards this matter?

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, I cannot be precise, but I imagine that it will be within months rather than years.

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