§ Mr. BaldryTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement as to the reasons why the flight paths have been changed at RAF Upper Heyford.
§ Mr. FreemanThe fine-weather take-off patterns employed at RAF Upper Heyford until 1 June this year aimed to minimise the disturbance to the surrounding population caused by aircraft noise. These patterns were unique in military aircraft operations in the United Kingdom, in that they required aircraft to bank and turn immediately after take-off. The poor weather take-offs do not involve this banking procedure. Although the F-111 has a very good safety record, a number of modifications have been made to the aircraft during its life which have reduced its thrust-to-weight ratio. The take-off patterns at Upper Heyford, like all flying operations, are kept under continual review and recent operational experience indicated the need to introduce new fine weather take-off patterns, in line with standard procedures elsewhere, to ensure that the high safety standards of the United States Air Force are maintained. In fine weather the aircraft now depart in a straight line from the airfield as they have always done in poor weather.