§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what limits are set on the height of helicopters flying over residential areas of south-west London. [32842]
§ Mr. JamiesonCivil helicopter operators are required to adhere to the Rules of the Air Regulations 1996. These require that helicopters should not fly within 500 feet of any person, vessel, vehicle or structure (except when landing or taking off) nor below 1,500 feet over a24W congested area unless written permission has been obtained from the Civil Aviation Authority, or in certain other specified circumstances. Police helicopters are broadly exempted. Airspace constraints require that the 1,500 feet restriction is disapplied by the CAA, in some areas. Rule 5(1)(c) further specifies an area of London, including parts of south-west London, over which a helicopter may not without permission fly below such height as would enable it to alight clear of the area in the event of failure of a power unit.
To assist helicopter operators in complying with these rules and in maintaining safe clearance from other air traffic, the CAA has published a chart showing helicopter routes in the London Control Zone, with relevant altitudes shown. Routes H3 and H7 overfly parts of south-west London at altitudes between 1,000 feet and 2,000 feet.
Policy on military helicopters is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence.
§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what recent representations he has made to air traffic control for Heathrow concerning helicopters in south west London. [32841]
§ Mr. JamiesonNone.
§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what controls are in place to limit the numbers of helicopters flying over Kew and Chiswick. [32843]
§ Mr. JamiesonNo such limits are set.