HC Deb 26 January 1995 vol 253 cc367-8W
Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the responsibility of(a) his Department and (b) other agencies in respect of (i) the issuing of licences for aircraft operators and (ii) satisfying themselves of the safety and air worthiness of aircraft operated by air freight operators; and if he will outline the procedures and regulations involved.

Mr. Norris

[holding answer 24 January 1995]: Under article 6 of the Air Navigation Order 1989, operators of United Kingdom registered aircraft must hold a valid Air Operator's Certificate, issued by the Civil Aviation Authority certifying that aircraft operated by the holder are operated safely.

For an aircraft operated by an European Economic Area airline, the UK recognises an air operator's certificate issued by the country of registration and no further permit is required.

For an aircraft operated by non-EEA airline, under article 88 of the Air Navigation Order 1989 a permit must be obtained from the Secretary of State for Transport for the carriage of passengers or cargo to or from the United Kingdom. In support of an application, an operator must supply evidence that:

  1. a. the national authority of the state of registry of the aircraft considers that the operating company is operationally competent to undertake the type of flight concerned. This is normally in the form of an air operator's certificate.
  2. b. the aircraft to be operated is considered by the national authority of the State of registry of the aircraft to be airworthy.
  3. c. the operating company has entered into adequate insurance arrangements in respect of the aircraft to be operated.
  4. d. the aircraft to be used complies with noise compliance standards.
  5. e. Aerodrome operating minima have been provided and approved by the Civil Aviation Authority.

Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how often airworthiness checks on aircraft operated by air freight operators are carried out.

Mr. Norris

[holding answer 24 January 1995]: A United Kingdom aircraft is not permitted to fly unless there is a valid certificate of airworthiness in force issued by the Civil Aviation Authority. This requires that the aircraft is maintained by the operator in accordance with a maintenance schedule approved by the CAA. This schedule specifies when maintenance reviews should be carried out.

As part of its monitoring and regulations of UK operators, the CAA checks the airworthiness of aircraft and maintenance schedules on a random basis throughout the year. All UK aircraft are checked in depth at least every three years when their certificates of airworthiness are renewed. Prior to each day's flying, and prior to each flight, all UK aircraft are checked by the commander to ensure that they are fit for flight.

For other aircraft, the frequency of checks depends on the policy adopted by the administration in the country of registration. The CAA also inspects foreign-registered aircraft when in the UK and when requested by the Department if there is any concern about the safety standards of a particular aircraft.

Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many inspections of aircraft have been carried out over the last five years at Coventry airport; how many licences were refused; what were the reasons for any refusals; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Norris

This information is not readily available. As part of its responsibilities the Civil Aviation Authority carries out regular inspections of all United Kingdom operators as well as inspecting UK airports and aerodromes. The Department has asked the CAA to carry out two inspections of foreign aircraft at Coventry. The first on 11 January 1995 was on a Nigerian registered Boeing 707 aircraft owned by ADC Airlines of Nigeria. My Department is currently discussing the CAA's findings with the Nigerian authorities. No further applications by ADC Airlines will be considered until these discussions have been completed. The second was on a Russian aircraft operated by Atlant Soyuz on 23 January 1995. My Department is awaiting a report from the CAA.