asked the Minister for Transport and Power if the BAC 111 jet aircraft sanctioned for order by the Government have the automatic safety landing device; and, if not, if such equipment can be installed in these aircraft for the greater safety of the passengers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Aer Lingus Jet Aircraft.
5.
There is no such thing as an automatic landing device designed mainly for safety and, accordingly, there is no fully automatic landing system approved for use in civil aircraft. Automatic landing devices are therefore primarily devices to improve regularity and punctuality rather than to improve safety. The design of the BAC One-Eleven jet aircraft provides for the introduction of an automatic flight control system in progressive stages following the proving and certification of equipment and procedures.
Aer Lingus have, over the years, taken every precaution to ensure safety in the operation of their aircraft. The company was represented at the recent International Air Transport Association Technical Conference in Lucerne which discussed the problem of all-weather operation of aircraft. All-weather landings and takeoffs can only be introduced in step with development of suitable air and ground equipment.
Am I to infer from the Minister's reply that there is no automatic landing safety device available in any aircraft today?
As I have stated in the reply, there is no such thing as an automatic landing device designed mainly for safety. There are automatic landing devices which do not take safety considerations into account.
Is it not a fact that there is an automatic safety landing device in aircraft today and that the BAC 111 has not got that automatic safety landing device?
I do not know what the BAC 111 has——
That is what the question is about.
——but I am informed that the installation of automatic landing devices for safety purposes in aircraft is not a practical proposition just now because there is no corresponding device and equipment on the ground at airports at which Aer Lingus aircraft, or indeed any other aircraft, would be landing.
Is the Minister not aware of the fact that there is an up-to-date aircraft with an automatic safety landing device whereby the plane can take off in fog and land in fog and that this particular plane has not got that type of device?
Aer Lingus would prefer to rely on the ordinary safety standards which take into account certain minima of visibility and other atmospheric conditions. I think that is a far safer landing device by which to operate than the one the Deputy suggests. I do not know if the plane the Deputy has in mind has that type of device but, if it has, my advice is that it is not functionable in present airfield conditions.
Does the Minister consider that the company concerned have even made inquiries about this plane? The Minister has come into the House with a brief, knowing nothing about this safety device.
I should not like to pit my aeronautical knowledge against that of the Deputy but I should be prepared to accept the advice of Aer Lingus against it.
The Minister is representing Aer Lingus who sent him in here with no information at all.
These were the people who advised you not to buy the helicopters.
Who sold the DC6's?