§ Mr. Harrisasked the Secretary of State for Transport which of the eight safety recommendations in the report of the inquiry into the British Airways helicopter crash off the Isles of Scilly has not been accepted by the Civil Aviation Authority; and what stage has been reached in implementing the other seven.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThe only safety recommendation not accepted by the Civil Aviation Authority is that concerning the use of aerodrome pressure setting (QFE) by BAH helicopters on low level aproaches to St. Mary's prior to crossing the coast.
Of the other seven recommendations, two will be implemented through amendments to legislation to be presented to Parliament shortly; they are the inclusion of audio warning for radio altimeters and revisions of requirements for the carriage of survival beacons. The CAA is revising weather minima and instrument monitoring procedures and investigating the practicability of relocating radio altimeters and the provision of lifejackets suitable for continuous wear. For the longer term, consideration is being given to the developement of a helicopter ground proximity warning system and the strengthening of passenger seats.