§ 27. Mr. Sheermanasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on priority areas for improving helicopter safety.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerPresent and future helicopter airworthiness certification standards have been reviewed in depth by the Helicopter Airworthiness Review Panel (HARP) formed by the Airworthiness Requirements Board. Its report was published in June this year and makes 15 recommendations with emphasis on improvements in crashworthiness, sea survivability and reliability of rotor and transmission systems. Preliminary action is being taken on those capable of being implemented in the short term and actions are being planned on the remainder.
The trial track structure to and from Aberdeen has reduced the number of airmisses reported between helicopter and military aircraft; the trial is being extended through the winter months to determine its effectiveness when icing conditions force helicopters to fly at much lower heights. Revisions have also been introduced to the procedures for military aircraft at the Rosehearty bombing range. With the increasing helicopter activity in the Humberside area, the Ministry of Defence and the national air traffic services are currently developing procedures to integrate the activities of civil helicopters and military aircraft.