Written question asked by Gerald Howarth (Conservative) on Friday, 28 July 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 23 October 2000. It was answered by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Monday, 23 October 2000 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the function of the Institute of Flight Safety; and what role it performed in the Inquiry into the crash of RAF Chinnook ZD576.

Answer: Mr. Gerald Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the function of the Institute of Flight Safety; and what role it performed in the Inquiry into the crash of RAF Chinook ZD576. [133994] Mr. Spellar: The principal aim of the Royal Air Force Inspectorate of Flight Safety (IFS) is to increase the operational effectiveness of the RAF through the promotion and development of flight safety. This is done by providing specialist flight safety advice, guidance and data to assist in eliminating unnecessary flying related risks that contribute to aircraft accidents. One of the core functions of IFS is to advise Boards of Inquiry on the procedural aspects of running such an Inquiry. This is undertaken by two trained Service accident investigation advisers, who also act as the first point of contact for all external agencies during the initial stages of an Inquiry. These tasks were carried out in the case of the Mull of Kintyre accident but IFS took no part in the actual Inquiry.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 355 c28-9W; 133994
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Accidents Inquiries Chinook helicopters RAF Inspectorate of Flight Safety
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk