§ 97. Wing-Commander Robinsonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation the reason for the grounding of the Vickers Viking by B.E.A.C; whether these aircraft conform to the regulations of airworthiness in all countries; and when it is expected that they will fly again.
§ Mr. LindgrenThe building up of ice in certain forms on the tail surfaces resulted in an unusual adverse effect on the aerodynamic stability of the machine. On the advice of the Air Registration Board, therefore, the Certificate of Airworthiness has been restricted to operation in non-icing conditions. As the British European Airways Corporation consider it impossible to operate under this restriction in European weather conditions with sufficient regularity they have suspended the use of the Viking on regular services until the reported defect has been fully investigated and remedial action taken. Foreign countries accept or validate British Certificates of Airworthiness, and all those concerned have been informed of the temporary restriction imposed in this case. Urgent action is being taken but pending the outcome of the aerodynamic investigation now proceeding, it is not possible to forecast when the Viking will go back on service.