§ Mr. John Home Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Defence what height and speed limits apply to military aircraft over South-East Scotland; and what means he uses to ensure that these limits are not broken.
§ Mr. Wellbeloved:The vast majority of military low level flights over South-East Scotland are conducted between 250 feet and 500 feet above the ground at a speed of 420 knots. As I told my hon. Friend the Member for Berwick and East Lothian (Mr. Home Robertson) last month, pilots' orders before flight invariably specify heights and speeds which are no more demanding than particular sorties require. Thereafter, we rely primarily on the sense of responsibility of aircrew to ensure that these limits are not exceeded. The limits can also be checked in the air by other aircrew in formation. On occasion, special random checks are made from the ground, and specific complaints from the public are investigated. Flagrant infringement of low flying regulations is rare and invariably attracts disciplinary action.