§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the cost to the Royal Air Force of accidents resulting from bird-strike in 1965 and 1966; and if he will give a break-down of the figures.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesApproximately £1 million in each year, of which about £300,000 is in respect of bird strikes on or near airfields and about £700,000 in respect of strikes away from airfields. In these years the number of R.A.F. flights was 685,000 and 678,000 respectively. A breakdown of the cost figures is given below:54W
1965 £ 1966 £ Cost of Bird Strikes on or near Airfields Major incidents including engine damage 232,000 217,000 Minor damage to airframes and equipment 70,000 70,000 Cost of Bird Strikes away from Airfields Major incidents including engine damage 566,000 640,000 Minor damage to airframes and equipment 130,000 70,000 998,000 997,000