Route (Portsmouth-Ryde).

Oral Answers to Questions — Civil Aviation. – in the House of Commons at on 16 February 1938.

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Photo of Mr Reginald Fletcher Mr Reginald Fletcher , Nuneaton

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that the air route laid down by the Air Ministry for the passage from Portsmouth to Ryde directs pilots to fly for some two miles on a circular route, keeping a distance of exactly 4,520 yards distant from Portsmouth dockyard clock tower; why pilots may not fly in a straight line from Portsmouth to Ryde; and, as the present instructions are impracticable, whether he will withdraw them with a view to revision.

Photo of Lieut-Colonel Anthony Muirhead Lieut-Colonel Anthony Muirhead , Wells

The Air Ministry has no information that compliance with the existing instructions is impracticable or presents any special difficulty to pilots. The possibility of a revision of the present air route, which was instituted with regard to Defence considerations, in order to permit a straighter line of flight between Portsmouth and Ryde is, however, under consideration.

Photo of Mr Reginald Fletcher Mr Reginald Fletcher , Nuneaton

Has the Minister seen this clock tower, and is it not practically indistinguishable from the air?

Photo of Lieut-Colonel Anthony Muirhead Lieut-Colonel Anthony Muirhead , Wells

No, I have not seen it personally.