20 Feb 2007: Column WA216

Aviation: Pilots

Lord Tyler asked Her Majesty's Government:

(a) what guidelines have been issued; and (b) what training has been given to pilots to ensure compliance with Directive 2003/42/EC. [HL1946]

Lord Bassam of Brighton: The UK has had a civil aviation mandatory occurrence reporting scheme for over 30 years. It is established under the Air Navigation Order and administered by the Civil Aviation Authority. Information and guidance on the mandatory occurrence reporting scheme is contained in Civil Aviation Publication 382. Both the order and CAP 382 have been amended to implement the directive. However, the requirements of Directive 2003/42 are virtually identical to the existing requirements of the UK occurrence reporting scheme. Implementation of the directive had a negligible effect on the UK scheme and so did not raise any compliance issues for pilots.

Airlines are required to included guidance and instructions to pilots on occurrence reporting in their operations manuals. However, airlines are not required to provide pilots with specific training on occurrence reporting.