HC Deb 28 February 1951 vol 484 cc299-300W
114. Mr. J. Grimston

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if he will make a statement on his proposal to withdraw the standard beam approach blind landing aid from aerodromes at which the instrument landing system has been installed.

Mr. Beswick

Except at London Airport, it is intended to continue to operate existing S.B.A. installations in parallel with the new instrument landing system for a period sufficient to enable operators to obtain and equip their aircraft with I.L.S. airborne receivers.

115. Mr. J. Grimston

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation why it is proposed to remove the standard beam approach blind landing aid from London Airport; and what would be the additional cost per annum of keeping it in service.

Mr. Beswick

Standard Beam Approach is an obsolescent system very seldom used at London Airport. All regular users of the Airport are now, or shortly will be, equipped with I.L.S. (the accepted International Standard Aid). When Number 1 runway is closed for major constructional work, therefore, the S.B.A. will not be moved to Number 5 which will become the main Instrument runway. The cost of moving the equipment would be £3,500 (beside the cost of acquiring the land), with an annual maintenance charge of £800. This expense is not justified.

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