HC Deb 26 February 1958 vol 583 cc45-6W
67. Sir W. Wakefield

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he is satisfied that at all airports where Elizabethan aircraft land, and for which he is responsible, there are available satisfactory facilities for inspecting the top of the aircraft wing in wintry weather conditions, in view of the fact that the top of the Elizabethan wing cannot be seen by the pilot from the cockpit, nor from the ground in front or behind the aircraft, and in view of the joint responsibility both of the dispatching authority and the pilot to satisfy themselves that there is no hoarfrost, snow or ice on the wing which will hinder or impede airflow, affecting the lift of the aircraft; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Watkinson

Responsibility for seeing that the wings and control surfaces are free from ice or snow rests, under the provisions of the Air Navigation Order, 1954, on the person in command of an aeroplane and its operator. It is the operator's responsibility to provide any necessary equipment for this purpose. I understand from B.E.A. that means of inspecting the top wings of the Elizabethan are available at the aerodromes which this aeroplane normally uses.