§ Mr. Moateasked the Minister for Trade how many injury accidents have occurred in the recent past involving microlight aircraft.
§ Mr. SproatI am advised by the Civil Aviation Authority that only fatalities and serious injuries are notified in accordance with the regulations. In respect of microlight aeroplanes, in the last six months there have been two fatalities and three serious injuries.
§ Mr. Moateasked the Minister for Trade what recent communications he has had with the Civil Aviation Authority on the question of the early introduction of formal airworthiness specifications for microlight aircraft; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SproatThe authority has been drawing up in conjunction with representative bodies airworthiness requirements in the form of a "permit to fly" for aeroplanes with an empty weight of between 70 and 150 kg. A first draft has been circulated to interested parties and after consultation the authority expects to publish its requirements early next year.