HC Deb 09 May 1973 vol 856 cc144-5W
Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to what degree a pilot landing at an airport for the first time is solely dependent on navigational and landing aids in the absence of any personal experience at the relevant airport.

Mr. Michael Heseltine

The basic techniques associated with the use of navigational and landing aids are common to any airports at which such aids are available. Pilots are trained and tested in their use and in addition draw upon their knowledge of the principles of airmanship acquired in the course of their training and subsequent experience.

Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many different navigational aids are in use at the world's major international airports; and what steps are taken to ensure that British pilots are familiar with all the various systems.

Mr. Michael Heseltine

I am advised by the Civil Aviation Authority that the radio navigational aids made available at major international airports for approach and landing purposes would normally include one or more of the following:

  • Very high frequency direction finding.
  • Non-directional beacon.
  • Instrument landing system (with fan markers).
  • Very high frequency omni-range in association with distance measuring equipment.

At a small number of civil aerodromes precision approach radar is provided in addition to any other of the above aids.

Operators of United Kingdom public transport aircraft are required under the terms of the Air Navigation Order 1972 to ensure by periodical tests that their pilots are proficient in the use of all systems they will be called upon to operate.

Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will consider an amendment to the Air Navigation Order 1972 to ensure that visual experience as a co-pilot is a necessary requirement for any British pilot of a British airliner landing his aircraft at an airport at which he has not previously landed an aircraft as pilot, other than in cases of emergency.

Mr. Michael Heseltine

No. The Civil Aviation Authority, whose responsibility it is to consider such matters, sees no need for the Air Navigation Order to be amended to this effect.