91998E0411

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0411/98 by Giuseppe Rauti (NI) to the Commission (24 February 1998)

Subject: Safety regulations for flights over inhabited areas

In the light of the disturbing facts emerging about the accident in the Italian Dolomites killing twenty Italian, German, Belgian and Polish tourists and caused by an American aeroplane, in breach of all the safety regulations, does the Commission intend to tighten up the safety regulations relating to low-level flights over inhabited areas? In addition, can the Commission say whether those regulations must be deemed also to apply in their entirety to military flights and training flights and to aircraft from the American military bases established throughout the territory of the European Union?

Since there is a need to discuss this issue urgently will it be put on the agenda for the European Parliament's part-session to be held in Strasbourg from 16 to 20 February 1998 (at which transport regulations are also due to be discussed)?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission (8 April 1998)

At present, the national civil aviation regulations of each Member State contain satisfactory rules governing the minimum height with which civil aircraft must comply.

As far as military aircraft are concerned, different rules apply and special zones are usually devoted to low flying exercises.

These rules and the designation of low flying zones also fall within the responsibility of the Member States.

There are, therefore, no current city rules concerning the minimum flying height above populated areas.

The Honourable Member will be aware that Parliament debated this issue and adopted a resolution on 19 February 1998.