§ 41. Sir David Rentonasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether, in view of the experience gained as a result of the crash of the RAF Canberra at Huntingdon on 3rd May, he will undertake consultations with a view to ensuring that building development does not take place under well-established flight paths; and if he will give an undertaking that engine failure practice landings will not take place over built-up areas.
§ Mr. WellbelovedSome overflying of built-up areas by military aircraft, as by civil, is inevitable. Before planning permission is granted, local authorities are already required to consult my Department about all proposed developments in a specific area immediately surrounding a safeguarded RAF airfield, and, in cases of development rising above certain heights, in larger outer areas. My Department may lodge objections to such development proposals, but the final decision in such cases rests with the appropriate Minister responsible for planning. I am considering the possibility of further consultations with other Departments on this general policy.
With regard to engine failure practice over built-up areas, practice approaches simulating engine failure, if properly carried out, are not of themselves any more dangerous than other forms of flying. Indeed, by maintaining the pilot's proficiency in handling his aircraft after an engine failure, they enhance overall safety. Initial training is carried out avoiding built-up areas. However, a pilot who has been trained and has demonstrated his competence should practise his handling skills in circumstances as similar as possible to those which might apply following an actual engine failure. This could involve carrying out an approach at the aircraft's 669W base and might necessitate overflight of built-up areas if they lie near the approaches to the runways or the airfield traffic circuit.