HC Deb 08 March 2004 vol 418 c1241W
Mr. Tyrie

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received for changes to be made to the Rules of the Air to limit helicopters and other recreational aircraft from flying over urban areas. [159319]

Mr. McNulty

I receive letters from time to time, from individual members of the public, requesting for reasons of safety, privacy and nuisance that helicopters and light aircraft should be restricted from flying over urban areas.

A number of respondents to the consultation in 2000 on "Control of Noise from Civil Aircraft" suggested that the height restrictions specified in Rule 5 (Low Flying) of the Rules of the Air Regulations 1996 should be tightened so as to lessen noise. However, that consultation did not specifically encompass the Rules of the Air regulations, which are primarily safety-related.

Mr. Tyrie

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment has been made of the danger and nuisance of(a) helicopters and (b) other recreational aircraft from flying over urban areas. [159877]

Mr. McNulty

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I have given today (ref 159319).