§ Mr. Sheermanasked the Secretary of State for Transport what allowance is made for the higher levels of noise and vibration experienced in helicopters as opposed to fixed wing aircraft in establishing satisfactory flight-time limitation regulations.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThe Civil Aviation Authority is responsible for regulating the flying and duty hours performed by helicopter pilots, advised by a panel which includes independent experts. No allowance is made for50W the greater noise and vibration characteristic of helicopters in the present flight time limitation regulations. However, the CAA is currently reviewing the causes (including noise and vibration) of fatigue in helicopter pilots, and whether any change to the flight time limitations is called for.