HC Deb 23 June 1988 vol 135 cc710-1W
Dr. Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the minimum permitted height for fixed-wing military aircraft operating(a) over the landward portion of the Castlemartin danger area, D 113, (b) over the landward portion of the Manorbier danger area, D 115, (c) over the landward portion of the Pendine danger area, D 117, (d) in the Salisbury main training area and (e) in the Shawbury area of intense aerial activity.

Mr. Freeman

[holding answer 16 June 1988]The information concerning the minimum permitted operating heights for military fixed-wing aircraft is as follows:

  1. (a) 15,000 ft over Castlemartin range, when the danger area is activated. When inactive, a 250-ft minimum separation distance (MSD) is operated;
  2. (b) 30,000 ft from Monday to Friday between 8 am and 5 pm and 23,500 ft at weekends and on public holidays (unless this needs to be raised to 30,000 ft on occasion) over Manorbier range danger area. At other times, a 250-ft MSD exists;
  3. (c) 27,000 ft over P&EE Pendine danger area when this is activated. When not activated, a 250-ft MSD is used;
  4. (d) the minimum operating height varies between 2,000 and 15,000 ft according to the type of live firing taking place on the five United Kingdom danger areas on Salisbury Plain training area. When live firing is not taking place, 250-ft MSD is followed;
  5. (e) the Shawbury area of intense aerial activity extends from the surface to 6,000 ft and covers part of low-flying area (LFA) 9 which is a user area for intensive helicopter pilot training. Military fixed wing aircraft are allowed to fly through LFA 9 at low level (below 2,000 ft) with prior clearance from RAF Tern Hill.

As regards all the above areas, aircraft may, however, transit danger areas when these are activated at the 250-ft MSD with prior clearance from the danger area co-ordinating authority.