§ Mr. Matherasked the Secretary of State for Trade if the Sikorsky S-61 helicopter flying on the Heathrow-Gatwick link has been subjected to the eight-hourly inspections of the rotor blade and to tests of lugs on the sleeve of the blade spindle which were called for by the United States Federal Aviation Administration; and if he is satisfied that all safety precautions are being taken following the loss last May of a United States S-61R Sikorsky helicopter deriving from a fault in the rotor blade assemblies.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisThe Civil Aviation Authority is responsible for matters of airworthiness. I understand that it has endorsed the directive issued by the United States Federal Aviation Administration as well as the recommendation made by the aircraft manufacturer so as to require a special inspection of all Sikorsky S-61 helicopters on the United Kingom register. The aircraft used on the Heathrow-Gatwick link is comparatively new, but will be subjected to the special inspection procedure at the required time.