§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Transport when the Civil Aviation Authority study of the 304W working environment of North sea helicopter pilots is due to commence; what are its terms of reference; and what information he has as to when it will be completed.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThe Civil Aviation Authority study of the working environment of North sea helicopter pilots is due to commence in January 1986 and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
The CAA tells me that the study, which also involves Southampton university and the Institute of Aviation Medicine, will investigate the fatigue factors in North sea rotary wing operations. The terms of reference cover the noise, vibration and temperatures to which pilots are exposed in the course of their work.