§ Mr. Croninasked the Minister of aviation what investigations he is making into the dangers of taking-off and braking when there is slush on runways.
§ Mr. ThorneycroftMy Department has recently concluded a series of experiments to determine how braking efficiency on a wet runway varies with such conditions as speed, runway surface, undercarriage and tyre design, and locked or automatic braking.
164WThis work brought to light additional effects that would make landing or taking-off much more difficult in slush. Because of this, and of additional international experience, my Department is now planning a further research programme into the effects of slush and water which will include full-scale experiments, beginning this summer. These will involve special vehicles, instrumented aircraft, and a specially prepared runway surface.
Full use has been made of the results of last year's tests in the United States of America and arrangements have been made with the authorities there for exchanging information on our respective programmes and results.
§ Mr. Croninasked the Minister of Aviation whether he will revise the information on take-off from slush in Civil Aviation Information Circular No. 8, published a year ago, having regard to the results of the recent United States Federal Aviation Agency tests on slush-drag at Atlantic City, details of which have been sent to him.
§ Mr. ThorneycroftThis Information Circular is being re-written to incorporate experience gained since its publication, particularly the results of the full scale trials with a Convair 880 jet transport aircraft in the United States. The draft revision is now under discussion with the airlines and the Air Registration Board. The main conclusions of the American trials on the depths of slush at which take-off distance might be seriously affected were made known to those concerned through the Flight Safety Committee, immediately the preliminary results became available last December.