§ Mr. GrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what air traffic control restrictions on movements into and out of RAF Brize Norton are necessitated by the air tattoo at RAF Fairford; for what reason the C-17s are training out of RAF Lyneham during the Fairford Tattoo; what consideration his study of RAF Brize Norton, RAF Lyneham and RAF St Mowgan is giving to air traffic control issues; and if he will make a statement.[72863]
§ Mr. IngramThere were no air traffic control restrictions on movements into and out of RAF Brize Norton necessitated by the air tattoo at RAF Fairford. A Temporary Restriction on Airspace was implemented, which increased the size of the Station's standard Control Zone.
On 18 July, the "arrival day" of the RAF Fairford Air Tattoo, the C17 that was to attend the event completed a number of training circuits at RAF Lyneham. This training could have been undertaken at any location where suitable support and infrastructure facilities exist. It is not unusual for aircrew to undertake training away from their station as this increases the variety and thus value of their training.
Appropriate consultation and assessment is being undertaken on the air traffic control aspects of the basing options being considered as part of the Strategic Review. It would not be appropriate to comment on specific details of the Strategic Review until the report is complete.