Maintaining Currency
 

Are airlines still able to maintain their pilot currency programs during the lock down?
Otherwise there will be a lot of catching up to do when it is finally lifted.

Simulators.

Any lifting will result in a gradual ramp up of operations, it won't be like switching a light back on. There won't be an instant demand for large numbers so hopefully sim capacity will match a phased return.

CASA have/are working with operators on exemptions with regards to currency of various check and training requirements.

Not in New Zealand. NZCAA have given an exemption on medicals and flight currency that will allow for continued operations in the interim.

Isn’t qantas supposed to get a fang dangled new sim centre and move all their sims later this year?
Will that still be an option?

Next year.

So the simulators are running as per normal?

At some stage the lurgy could get into the simulator or staff in the building. This could result in a general shut down.
With exemptions to periodic checking already granted by CASA, it should not matter if we go several months with no simulator checks. The few pilots not laid off will remain proficient simply by flying regularly.
A problem with a training backlog will only occur for pilots laid off then recalled 6-12 months from now. The airlines will just have to suck it up and plan it.

Only required for those who are still flying; some 737 and 330 pilots who's recency requirements fall due. Same with other requirements like EPs.

It requires more than regular flying to demonstrate proficiency. How about emergency procedures?

Indeed it does. But whether at six month or 12 month intervals, or even two year intervals, depends much on familiarity with the aircraft and route structure. There are ways to examine emergency procedure knowledge without a simulator, if need be. The flying bit is usually the easy part for current, experienced pilots.
As an aside, in the USA a private pilot holding an instrument rating never needs to renew it by formal proficiency check. All that is required is 90 day instrument flight time and approach recency. Somehow their safety record is as good or better than many jurisdictions that demand an annual test.

Another problem that seems not well addressed is the crews based elsewhere have to suffer increased exposure on flights and in quarantine hotels for their sim sessions. I have decided to follow my base manager’s lead and work from home for the duration.