44. Dr. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for Air what is the purpose of the constant crossing and recrossing of the western part of Portsdown Hill by his Valetta or Varsity aircraft at altitudes of the order of one thousand feet; and what is the reason for the changes in engine revolutions which often take place during this process.
Mr. WardThe aircraft are mainly those taking off from R.A.F. Station, Thorney Island. The main exit lane from the airfield takes the aircraft due west to a point just south of Portsdown Hill, at which stage they are in level flight at a height of about 1,500 feet above sea level. They then turn north under an airway and engine revolutions are increased as they begin to climb to their operating height.