§ Mr. GroganTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to improve the safety of passengers in balloons. [78319]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe operation of commercial passenger balloons is regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority Safety Regulation Group (CAA SRG). While the safety standards and requirements for these flights are well-established they remain under constant scrutiny by the CAA. Consequently, ballooning operates to a very high safety standard and there has been only one fatal accident in the last 10 years.
One additional safety measure to be implemented soon will require Balloon Air Operator Certificate Holders to produce and operate to a Company Safety Management System. The CAA will provide advice and assistance in establishing this system which is part of an introductory programme for all aircraft undertaking public transport operations.
§ Mr. GroganTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many accidents there have been involving power lines and passenger balloons in each of the last 10 years. [78320]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe Civil Aviation Authority have provided accident figures for commercial balloons involving power lines as follows:
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Injuries Year Collision with cables Fatal Serious Minor 1989 0 0 0 0 1990 0 0 0 0 1991 1 0 0 0 1992 4 0 3 3 1993 5 0 1 3 1994 2 0 1 0 1995 2 0 2 0 1996 3 0 2 1 1997 2 1 8 4 1998 2 0 0 2 Total 21 1 17 13
§ Mr. GroganTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many(a) fatalities and (b) injuries have resulted from accidents involving passenger balloons in each of the last 10 years. [78318]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe Civil Aviation Authority have provided accident figures for commercial balloons as follows:
Injuries Year Total accidents Fatal Serious Minor 1989 0 0 0 0 1990 0 0 0 0 1991 8 0 4 5 1992 11 0 9 13 1993 11 0 7 5 1994 11 0 7 18 1995 7 0 5 0 1996 6 0 4 2 1997 6 1 12 20 1998 6 0 3 3 Total 66 1 51 66