§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has as to how many airlines use and how many aircraft are fitted with safety factors category 3B allowing them to fly in all weather conditions; if he will estimate the cost of fitting this type of equipment for all British passenger airlines; if he will consider giving financial support to sponsor such a programme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerCurrently, 55 aircraft of British Airways are equipped, certificated, and approved for category 3B operations. A further seven, belonging to three other airlines, have similar airborne equipment and they are seeking certification for category 3B.
Not all aerodromes are suitable for the instrument landing system ground installation. The cost of equipment and certification varies from one aeroplane type to another and it is not possible to assess the cost of fitting all British airliners.
It is for airline operators to judge whether the benefits they and their passengers gain from avoiding diversions in bad weather justify the expense of equipping their aircraft and training crews to the hight standards required for such operation.
It is not Government policy to fund such investment. The Government have in the past contributed considerable resources to the development of auto-land systems.