§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Trade to what extent United Kingdom aircraft operators use Jet A rather than Jet B fuel; what are the relative implications of the two fuels so far as fire hazard in aircraft accidents is concerned; and whether he is satisfied that United Kingdom operators should continue to be allowed to use Jet B.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisThe approval of fuels for use in aircraft on the United Kingdom register is a matter for the Civil Aviation Authority, and I am advised by the Authority that, while all United Kingdom registered turbine engined aircraft are certified to use either Jet A or Jet B fuel, all United Kingdom operators use Jet A fuel as a matter of478W preference and in accordance with the CAA's own published advice. Jet B fuel is likely to be used only in the now very rare circumstances when supplies of Jet A are not available.
The safety issues which arise are also matters for the Civil Aviation Authority, and with regard to fire hazard in an aircraft accident the Authority advises me that if the crash is a major one the type of fuel is of little consequence, but if it is a potentially survivable accident the rate of spread of fire, if it occurs, Is likely to be somewhat less with Jet A than with Jet B fuel.