§ Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for Trade what are the current regulations or other rules in respect of authorised helicopter air corridors over built-up area of London, other than those designated over or near to the River Thames; and if he will make a statement concerning helicopter safety in the London area.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisThe general arrangements for the regulation and routing of helicopter flights in the London area are matters which fall within the responsibility of the Civil Aviation336W Authority and I have drawn the attention of the Chairman of the Authority to my hon. Friend's inquiry. With regard to the safety of helicopter flights in the London area, this is also a matter for Authority, and I have been assured that the helicopter route structure in the London control zone has been designed to ensure that in the event of a failure of a power unit a helicopter can alight in an open space. In the Greater London area, as in other built-up areas, helicopters are required to fly at a specified height, clear of obstacles, from which they can alight without danger to persons or property on the surface in the event of a power unit failure. These requirements have been satisfactory but, nevertheless, the subject is kept under continuous review.