§ Mr. Higginsasked the President of the Board of Trade what steps are taken to check that aircraft flying on international air routes pass over Worthing above the minimum regulation height.
§ Mr. J. P. W. MallalieuAircraft using the airway above Worthing are required to report their height and other information at mandatory Reporting Points, one of which is 14 statute miles south-east of the town. Throughout their journey along the airway they must adhere to the height and other instructions received from Air Traffic Control and report their height if required. Contravention of A.T.C. instructions is unlikely because the air-40W craft's safety may depend on adherence to them.
§ Mr. Higginsasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is satisfied with the penalties that may be imposed on airlines whose aircraft fly on international routes below the regulation height; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. J. P. W. MallalieuI am satisfied that the penalties prescribed in the Air Navigation Order, 1966, for breach of the Rules of the Air and Air Traffic Control Regulations, 1966, as amended, under which aircraft using the airways are given height instructions by Air Traffic Control, are not in need of amendment. Contravention of the A.T.C. instructions is, in any case, unlikely because pilots are well aware that the safety of their aircraft may depend on adherence to the instructions given (in case of emergency the rules may be departed from to the extent necessary to avoid immediate danger).