HC Deb 24 October 1961 vol 646 c69W
94. Mr. Gresham Cooke

asked the Minister of Aviation whether the official requirements with regard to pilot training, route testing and other safety conditions are the same for independent airline operators as for the nationalised corporations.

Mr. Thorneycroft

Yes.

95. Mr. Gresham Cooke

asked the Minister of Aviation to what extent the aircraft of independent airline operators are required to be equipped with navigational aids; and to what extent the countries in Europe to which such aircraft normally operate are equipped, under International Civil Aviation Organisation agreements, with corresponding navigational aids.

Mr. Thorneycroft

The requirements for navigational aids laid down in the Air Navigation Order for public transport aircraft apply to all operators, whether public or private, alike. All must provide in their aircraft radio apparatus capable of enabling the aircraft to be navigated on the intended route.

European routes on which independent airlines fly are covered by direction finding stations, radio beacons, or the Decca Navigation system, and frequently by a combination of these aids.