To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to ensure that complaints about helicopter noise are collated in one place and made available to the public. (248885)

It has not been the practice for the Department for Transport to collate complaints about helicopter noise and there are no plans to do so.

The Civil Aviation Authority’s Directorate of Airspace Policy (CAA/DAP) has developed a strategy for answering helicopter noise complaints. This includes a well publicised contact point that receives noise complaints from across the UK. Further details are available on the CAA website at:

www.caa.co.uk

CAA/DAP supplied information on complaint statistics to help inform the DEFRA sponsored research by Salford university into improving the management of noise from helicopter operations. 370 complaints had been received in 2007 although a number of helicopter operations are not included (e.g. military helicopters and complaints received by aerodromes, helicopter operators and local authorities.)

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will impose restrictions on the use of helicopters for advertising; and if he will make a statement. (248886)

The use of aircraft, including helicopters, for aerial advertising is already regulated by section 82 of the Civil Aviation Act 1982 and by the Civil Aviation (Aerial Advertising) Regulations 1995.

While in the air, such aircraft must also comply with the Rules of the Air Regulations 2007, and any relevant air traffic control directions.