§ Mr. Sheermanasked the Minister for Trade (1) what progress there has been in conjunction with the Civil Aviation Authority in ensuring the proper airworthiness standards of microlight aircraft and powered hang-gliders;
(2) whether he has discussed the question of the control of microlight aircraft with the Civil Aviation Authority; and whether any new initiatives are planned in this area;
(3) what progress has been made in the discussions regarding the control and licensing of microlight aircraft;
(4) which authorities are responsible for the control of microlight aircraft; and if he is planning any change in the control and use of the aircraft.
(5) what is the current number of registered microlight aircraft or powered hang-gliders in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. SproatThe problems created by microlight aeroplanes (which include powered hang-gliders) have been a cause of concern to both my Department and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which has the prime responsibility for their regulation; my Department's responsibility is for their environmental impact. We have 3W been working together to see how best to alleviate the annoyance caused by this sport, and to ensure that it is carried out safely. I am satisfied that these responsibilities are properly defined. I have also discussed the subject with the representative bodies. Some means of regulation is undoubtedly desirable, but my Department and the CAA are anxious not to impose undue restrictions on the use of these aeroplanes.
Microlight aeroplanes, like all other aircraft, have to be flown in conformity with the rules of the air and air traffic control, and now have to be registered with the Authority. At 11 November 1982, some 978 were so registered. The Authority introduced formal pilot licensing requirements from 1 September this year, and are also drawing up in conjunction with the representative bodies airworthiness requirements in the form of a "permit to fly" for aeroplanes with an empty weight of between 70 and 150Kg. These requirements should be promulgated early next year.
My Department has recently commissioned two studies into the noise levels created by these aeroplanes, and, when the results are available, we shall consider what might be done to reduce the noise at source, and whether formal controls should be introduced.