§ Mr. Grant-Ferrisasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether the present meteorological service for British aircraft, operating on established routes, is able to forecast with reasonable accuracy the likelihood of ice-forming conditions being encountered on any particular flight; and to what extent instructions are given to pilots as to how they can avoid encountering these conditions either by flying at specific heights or by following a particular route?
§ Sir P. SassoonIn the present state of meteorological knowledge it is seldom possible to issue forecasts of ice-forming conditions with certainty. Whenever possible forecasters state at what level the conditions are favourable for ice formation and add the two heights above and below which ice formation is not likely to be encountered. If reports of actual ice accretion have been received this is indicated in the forecast and detailed information broadcast. With regard to the second part of the question it is the recognised practice for pilots to obtain meteorological reports as to the conditions likely to be met and as to any heights of danger and alternative routes.
§ Mr. Grant-Ferrisasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is satisfied with the progress being made in the development of anti-icing or de-icing apparatus for aircraft; and whether either type of apparatus has yet reached the stage at which it would be justifiable to make its fitting compulsory on commercial aircraft?
§ Sir P. SassoonI think that it must be accepted that no system yet devised can guarantee immunity to an aeroplane flying continuously through ice-forming conditions of a serious character. The immediate object therefore of experiments and devices of various kinds is to ensure that an aircraft encountering such ice-forming conditions may have its essential parts so protected as to enable it to fly out of the ice area. The most important factor is to ensure the efficient operation of engines, instruments and controls, and considerable progress has been made in this respect. Next in importance is to ensure as far as possible that ice does not form on aero-dynamic surfaces and on the airscrew. The object of experiments here 357W and elsewhere is to establish the most effective means of attaining the above objectives. But I do not at present think that sufficient experience has been gained to justify pronouncing in favour of any particular device.