§ Mr. Sheermanasked the Secretary of State for Transport what action he is proposing to take to ensure that flight-time limitation regulations offer sufficient protection to helicopter pilots against the onset of fatigue.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThe regulation of flying and duty hours performed by helicopter pilots is the responsibility of the Civil Aviation Authority. The current flight time limitation regulations ensure that duty and flying hours are restricted to a safe maximum. Whilst the regulations make allowances for the more arduous tasks such as repetitive short sectors, winching and carrying external loads, the CAA are investigating other special features of the North sea oil operations which, although not directly related to fatigue, may produce similar symptoms.