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Ministry of Defence

Answer

Mr. Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what criteria were applied in selecting areas of airspace suitable for testing the Eurofighter; what consultation was carried out with local communities; and what steps he is taking to monitor nuisance caused by test flights. [91153] Mr. Ingram: The Eurofighter aircraft requires large areas of airspace in which to train. Following a review of current allocation of air space, the National Air Traffic Control Services and the Ministry of Defence have therefore agreed to redesignate airspace over the North Sea. Three large managed areas have been designated which, when required, may be "booked" and used for military training. Only the most northerly designated training area covers any land, and within this area all flights will be conducted above 24,500ft. Under Government guidelines public consultation regarding the use of airspace is not required except where flight takes place below 7,000ft. The conduct of military flying is taken extremely seriously and any complaints are thoroughly investigated by the Ministry of Defence. Particular rules govern supersonic flight and these will continue to be strictly enforced.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

91153; 398 c637-8W;398 c635-6W

Session

2002-03

Subjects

Pollution Nuisance Monitoring Location Noise Military aircraft Testing Typhoon aircraft Airspace

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk