Written question asked by Owen Paterson (Conservative) on Tuesday, 2 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 November 2004. It was answered by Charlotte Atkins (Labour) on Monday, 8 November 2004 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Dept for Transport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he has (a) contacted and (b) been contacted by (i) the European Aviation Safety Agency and (ii) other European certification agencies regarding failures in the winch manufactured by Hydrotechnics and used by the Aerophile Aerostat in the past five years; what representations he has (a) made to and (b) had from (i) the European Aviation Safety Agency and (ii) other European certification agencies concerning failures in any part of the Aerophile Aerostat in the past five years. - Including ref to 6 October 2003 410 c1057-60W.

Answer: Mr. Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) whether he has (a) contacted and (b) been contacted by (i) the European Aviation Safety Agency and (ii) other European certification agencies regarding failures in the winch manufactured by Hydrotechnics and used by the Aerophile Aerostat in the past five years; [196546] (2) what representations he has (a) made to and (b) had from (i) the European Aviation Safety Agency and (ii) other European certification agencies concerning failures in any part of the Aerophile Aerostat in the past five years. [196548] Charlotte Atkins: In the UK, aerostats (captive balloons) were exempt from any requirement for airworthiness certification prior to 28 September 2003, as explained in the answer of 6 October 2003, Official Report, columns 1057- 60W, given to the hon. Member. There was no reason for communications with any European certification body prior to that date. Since 28 September 2003, neither the Government nor the Civil Aviation Authority has had contacts with EASA or other European certification agencies regarding any failures in any part of the Aerophile Aerostat.

Secondary information