HC Deb 17 October 1991 vol 196 cc183-4W
Mr. Speller

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will seek powers to provide a legal definition of noise pollution relating to privately owned helicopters and light aircraft flying low over areas that are not adjacent to an accepted landing place.

Mr. McLoughlin

No. Civil aircraft, including helicopters, are already subject to the Rules of the Air 1990 which specify the minimum heights at which aircraft may operate when not taking off or landing. Section 76 of the Civil Aviation Act 1982 does not exempt civil aircraft from actions for nuisance if these rules have not been observed without good reason, taking into account all the circumstances of the case.

In addition, any aircraft considered to be in breach of these regulations, or generally flying in a dangerous manner not in accord with normal aviation practice, may be reported to the air safety enforcement branch of the Civil Aviation Authority or to the police.