§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many low-flying sorties were booked in 1995 by non-United Kingdom based aircraft from each foreign air force. [12893]
§ Mr. SoamesThe number of sorties booked in the United Kingdom low flying system in 1995 by non-United Kingdom-based foreign aircraft were as follows:
30W
Number Belgium 154 Denmark 99 France 139 Germany 111 Holland 164 Italy 115 New Zealand 1 Norway 45
Number Portugal 21 Switzerland 4 USA 53 Total 906
§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the pilots of the four Italian air force AMXs involved in an aircraft proximity incident near Teesside airport on 12 July 1994 were(a) given a pre-flight briefing by RAF personnel on the rules of the United Kingdom low flying system and (b) interviewed by the Royal Air Force personnel following the report of the incident; and how many formal approaches seeking a report from the Italian pilots were made to the Italian authorities by the Civil Aviation Authority personnel. [13255]
§ Mr. SoamesThe information requested is as follows:(a) yes; (b) no. The Civil Aviation Authority advised that it has no records of any formal approaches to the Italian" authorities.
§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what instructions are given to Royal Air Force Chinook crews concerning the safety aspects of prolonged cruising flight at heights of less than 300 ft above ground level. [13211]
§ Mr. SoamesTo maintain essential skills for operational low flying, it is routine for RAF Chinook crews to train below 300 ft above ground level. Normal RAF rules for low flying apply and Chinook crews receive training, both in the simulator and in the aircraft, to cope with emergencies which might arise.