HC Deb 08 February 1996 vol 271 cc356-7W
Redmond

Top ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list (i) the categories of(a) aircraft and (b) types of mission for which aircrew are required to book entry into a low-level operational training area and (ii) the controlling authorities for each of the low-level operational training areas. [13206]

Mr. Soames

Tornado F3 aircraft wishing to conduct intercept training within a low-level operational training area are required to book into that LOTA. LOTAs are solely a management tool for HQ No. 11 group and have no status in terms of airspace reservation or regulation. There are therefore no nominated controlling authorities for any of these areas. Any aircraft using a LOTA but wishing to operate at low level, is still required to book into the UK low flying system in the normal way.

Mr Redmond

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the crew of the Belgium Alpha jet involved in an aircraft proximity incident over East Anglia on 25 August 1994 were found to have breached low flying regulations. [13257]

Mr. Soames

The Alpha jet entered the UK low flying system without authorisation during a transit flight which was intended to be conducted above 2,000 ft.

Mr. Redmond

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information is provided to the civil air traffic control authorities concerning levels of military air activity in low-level training areas; and how civil users of that airspace are informed. [13208]

Mr. Soames

All intense or unusual military low flying activity is notified to both civil air traffic control authorities and civil airspace users by means of notices to airmen or aeronautical information circulars.

In addition, general information on military low flying operations is contained in aeronautical information circulars which are widely available within the civil aviation community.

Mr. Redmond

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the United States air force F15 crews involved in a breach of controlled airspace at Newcastle airport on 27 June 1994 had received a briefing on the United kingdom low flying system from RAF personnel before flight; if the sortie involved planned interaction with any British military aircraft at low level and in which areas; and if the F15 crews had obtained authorised bookings into(a) low flying area 16, (b) low flying area 12 and (c) low flying area 11 before the flight. [13256]

Mr. Soames

My noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence will write to the hon. Member.