§ Mr. Michael Spicerasked the Secretary of State for Defence what reports he has had of military aircraft flying below 250 ft.
§ Mr. JohnI have had no recent reports. Past experience of such reports often shows after careful investigation that the estimates of height were inaccurate.
§ Mr. Michael Spicerasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will confirm that no military aircraft may fly below 250 ft.
§ Mr. JohnMilitary low-level flying is carried out away from centres of population and is normally conducted at a minimum height of 250 ft. above ground level. On those occasions when, for operational or training reasons, special dispensation is given for lower flights, additional steps are taken to avoid inhabited areas.
§ Mr. Michael Spicerasked the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he will take to prevent low-flying military aircraft in view of the evidence in south Worcestershire that flights by military aircraft are taking place at a level of between 100 and 200 ft., causing fear among the population, particularly among younger children.
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§ Mr. JohnI have no evidence that military aircraft are flying across South Worcestershire at heights between 100 and 200 ft.
§ Mr. Michael Spicerasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether the frequency of low flying by military aircraft over south Worcestershire has increased in the past two months.
§ Mr. JohnI can confirm that partly for seasonal reasons but also as a result of increased operational activity there has been a rise in the frequency of low-level flying over south Worcestershire in the past two months. I am reviewing the situation to see if ways can be found of alleviating the nuisance without imposing unacceptable operational penalties.