HC Deb 18 November 1968 vol 773 c220W
Mr. Onslow

asked the President of the Board of Trade what weight limit is in force for civil aircraft movements at Royal Air Force, Northolt.

Mr. Rodgers

The present limit is 12,500 lb. but it has been agreed to raise it to 13,500 lb.

Mr. Onslow

asked the President of the Board of Trade why civil aircraft using Royal Air Force, Northolt, are not permitted to fill an instrument flight plan either for arrival or departure.

Mr. Rodgers

The amount of traffic to and from R.A.F., Northolt, which can use controlled airspace is severely limited because of the interaction with Heathrow traffic. No I.F.R. capacity can be spared for civil movements which are therefore obliged to fly under Visual Flight Rules.

Mr. Onslow

asked the President of the Board of Trade why civil helicopters are prohibited from using Royal Air Force, Northolt.

Mr. Rodgers

The ban is one of a series of measures designed to ensure safety of operation and to minimise disturbance by noise.