§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) at what height the Chinook helicopter flew over Kew, Surrey, on 11 April 2000; [155167]
(2) what instructions are given to military helicopters on training flights regarding low flying in built-up areas, with special reference to the Kew Bridge/M4 junction at Chiswick; [155166]
(3) what recent discussions he has had with military authorities concerning the behaviour of Chinook helicopters operating over Greater London. [155168]
§ Dr. MoonieThe Kew Bridge/M4 junction lies within the Thames Valley Avoidance Area and flights over the whole Greater London area are controlled by Heathrow Radar Control. Helicopters must be flown strictly within specific routes and heights unless otherwise directed by the Heathrow Radar Controller.
The Chinook helicopter which flew over Kew on 11 April 2000 did not fly below 750 feet (not 700 feet as I stated to the hon. Member in my letter of 17 February). Neither I nor my Ministerial colleagues have had any discussions with military authorities about the behaviour of Chinook helicopters operating over Greater London.