§ Mr. WallaceTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps his Department is taking to follow up the recommendation of the Air Accident Investigation Branch in its aircraft accident report 2/94, that his Department should commission an operational analysis of fast jet low flying training in the United Kingdom to determine whether the use of see and avoid as a primary means of collision avoidance is satisfactory from the point of view of flight safety; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HanleyAs a result of this accident, the pipeline inspection notification system was introduced in October 1993. Further safety measures already in hand include the following:
- (i) Hawk training aircraft are being painted black to improve conspicuity. Similar paint schemes are also being considered for other aircraft types.
- (ii) Action is in hand to fit all RAF aircraft, not already so equipped, with high intensity stroboscopic lights.
- (iii) The feasibility of installing forward facing headlights in tactical aircraft is being examined.
- (iv) A technology demonstrator for a collision warning system is currently undergoing trials.
My Department is considering how best to take forward the particular recommendation of the air accident investigation branch in the light of results of the safety measures already implemented.