From the LAA: Tuesday 3rd November 13:30
FLYING DURING THE LOCKDOWN PERIOD
The LAA position, which we are advocating to DfT and the CAA, is that there is no safety reason why an LAA member should not fly, either to maintain pilot currency or to maintain aircraft serviceability. If a flight is solo, or with a passenger from their social ‘bubble’ and from ‘A-to-A’ then there is minimal additional COVID risk provided ‘hands, face and space’ precautions are taken on the ground.
The risks posed by losing flying currency are arguably greater. In July, at the end of the first lockdown the CAA identified the primary risk to pilots as ‘Skill Fade’, from private pilots to instructors and commercial. Even though most private pilots are cautious and there is greater risk in areas such as infringement rather than direct accident risk, maintaining flying currency is an important safety asset.
However, we recognise that public perception is a major challenge and we therefore recommend discretion in carrying out flights at this time. It should also be noted that movement restrictions, which differ from England in the devolved administrations, may affect travel and access to airfields.
We also note recent advice from the Secretary of State for Transport that “flying training and tests are not allowed during the lockdown, the same as driving lessons and tests. Airfields are allowed to stay open and hiring of aircraft is okay so long as it is for one of the reasons you are allowed to leave home”. LAA Pilot Coaching activities will therefore be suspended for the month ahead.