§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment his Department has made of the reduced final approach aircraft separation trials at Heathrow and Gatwick airports. [5604]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonNational Air Traffic Services Limited commenced a trial at Heathrow in October 1994 to reduce the distance between aircraft at final approach from 3 to 2.5 nautical miles in certain specific circumstances. Its use has been infrequent as it is confined to daytime and used only when there is sufficient visibility. The trial was monitored continuously and modified from experience gained. A full safety assessment was carried out and is now being considered by the Safety Regulation Group of the Civil Aviation Authority. A similar trial is expected to start at Gatwick soon.