§ Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what reduction is planned in the amount of low flying at less than 250 ft over the United Kingdom; and what consideration has been given to closing one or more of the tactical training areas.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleI refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave to the hon. Member for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley (Mr. Foulkes) on 18 October 1991 at column303.
§ Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the one-way flow control system for low flying military aircraft in the Bwlch Llyn Bach valley is marked on the military low flying chart covering the area.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleYes.
§ Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the maximum length of time for which air force training units are permitted to use a particular fixed low-level flying route.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleAir crew are required to avoid the use of standard routes whenever possible. Where the use of such routes is unavoidable they are replaced at regular intervals.
§ Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what specific advice or instructions is given to pilots flying at less than 250 ft over the United Kingdom, regarding flight at speeds greater than 450 knots in the run-up to simulated targets.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleThe normal cruising speed for all low flying aircraft is 450 knots. While aircraft may fly at faster speeds in the run-up to simulated targets pilots are instructed to observe speed limits ranging from 420 knots to 550 knots, depending on height and aircraft type. These controls were imposed to ensure that noise levels on the ground in excess of 125dB(A) are not created by low-flying aircraft.