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Dept for Transport Local Government and the Regions

Answer

Mr. Beith: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what steps his Department is taking to reduce the risk of air proximity incidents involving civilian and RAF aircraft in the vicinity of Newcastle airport, following the recommendations of the Air Investigation branch and the Airprox board. [45815] Mr. Spellar: The Government's aviation safety regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), has introduced several initiatives aimed at reducing conflicts between civilian and military aircraft in the vicinity of Newcastle airport following the recommendations of the Air Accident Investigation branch and the UK Airprox board. Military jets on exercises in the area must carry and use a serviceable secondary radar transponder and communicate directly with Newcastle Air Traffic Control Unit (ATCU). During large-scale military exercises a temporary additional buffer zone is placed around Newcastle and a military liaison officer is deployed to the Newcastle ATCU. The airport also provides CAA and MOD with monthly reports on issues of concern and appropriate remedial action is taken. The CAA and MOD have also jointly reviewed the airspace arrangements around Newcastle and are satisfied with them in the short and medium term, and are continuing to work towards further long-term improvements.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

45815; 383 c93W

Session

2001-02

Subjects

Aircraft Military aircraft Air misses Risk management Newcastle Airport

Link

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