§ Mr. MichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give the technical definition of low flying as used by(a) the RAF and (b) his Department; and if he will indicate how stringently the use of the term is controlled and what other definitions are also used by either or both.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleFast jet aircraft are classified as low flying when below 2,000 feet minimum separation distance (MSD). Minimum separation distance is the minimum separation in all directions between the aircraft and the ground, or water or any object other than aircraft in the same formation. This definition is used both within the Ministry of Defence and by the RAF. No other definitions are used.
§ Mr. MichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what limitations on low flying are in operation(a) over Cardiff, (b) over Penarth and (c) over other built-up areas in south Wales; and what speed limitations are in operation in each case where any flights are allowed.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleFor the limitations on low flying over Cardiff, Penarth and other built-up areas in south Wales, I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 24 July at column703. As regards speed limitations, the normal maximum cruising speed for military aircraft in the United Kingdom low-flying system is 450 knots, except for F111s which, for aircraft handling reasons, are allowed to fly at speeds of up to 480 knots.
§ Mr. MichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many flights by RAF aircraft have passed(a) over Cardiff, (b) over Penarth and (c) close to either town in the last 12 months; and in each case if he will give the number below 300 ft and within each 100 m band above 300 ft.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleCentral records are not held in a form that would enable the information requested to be provided.