Written question asked by Derek Wyatt (Labour) on Wednesday, 27 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 1 November 2004. It was answered by Ivor Caplin (Labour) on Monday, 1 November 2004 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many military helicopters have flown over the Isle of Sheppey at a height of (a) less than 1,000 metres, (b) 1,000 metres, (c) 2,000 metres and (d) over 2,000 metres since May; what permission military helicopters require when flying over the Isle of Sheppey below 2,000 metres. - Including figures.

Answer: Mr. Wyatt: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many military helicopters have flown over the Isle of Sheppey at a height of (a) less than 1,000 metres, (b) 1,000 metres, (c) 2,000 metres and (d) over 2,000 metres since May; [195141] (2) what permission military helicopters require when flying over the Isle of Sheppey below 2,000 metres. [195140] Mr. Caplin: The western tip of the Isle of Sheppey lies within the Thames Valley Avoidance Area (TVAA). To operate within the TVAA below 2,000 feet military aircraft require permission from MoD Head Office, must make a booking with the low flying booking cell and will also be under air traffic control. The Isle of Sheppey lies predominantly within Low Flying Area 18, which includes most of Kent and parts of Sussex. If Military helicopters are flying below 500ft they are operating in the Low Flying System, in which case flights need to be pre-planned, and suitably authorised. Otherwise no specific permission is required for flying over the Isle of Sheppey below 2,000 metres. There is an avoidance for all helicopters over the Swaleside Prison. The information in respect of overflights is not available in the form requested. Details of the number of helicopter flights above 500ft are not held. Data for flights below that height is recorded according to the Low Flying Area (LFA) within which aircraft are operating. Since May 2004, 247 helicopter sorties, totalling 157 hours have been recorded for LFA 18.

Secondary information