Let's prepare our Return to Flying
News of 23 April 2020. Last updated on 14 June 2020: some information may have changed. Latest news
In what politicians and scientists are saying, we can sense a glimmer of hope for an easing of lockdown that, everyone agrees, will be gradual. But how should we approach this moment, which everyone is waiting for impatiently?
This return to flying after lockdown will be a very clear demonstration of the growing maturity of our movement, recognised by the supervisory authorities, whether the Ministry of Transport or the Ministry of Sport. 2020 got off to a very bad start, with repeated strikes in the 1st quarter, Covid-19 since March, and on top of that very unfavourable weather in many regions, which certainly did not allow the season to start as it does every year. The media flood us with depressing news and fine weather is settling over France just when we are all confined at home. But let us stay resolutely optimistic and positive!
Being optimistic
This crisis will leave its mark, let us be certain of that, but let us see the glass half full rather than half empty, and stay optimistic! Let us work on positive projects rather than brood over the current situation. We must all come out of it stronger, even more united than before. Let us already think about gatherings and outings we could organise this summer or in the autumn, even though our visibility over time is limited today; but as when we fly, let us stay ahead of the aeroplane and look ahead. The sky will clear in the end. That is what the whole Federation team is working on and, even though we have sadly had to postpone a number of events (the regional and French championships, the General Assembly), everyone involved is working on rescheduling them in the end-of-year calendar.
For two years, accident statistics in our activity have been improving, and even though the positive results remain fragile, this improvement is now recognised by the whole aviation community and the State authorities. It is the work of everyone: pilots, instructors, presidents of clubs and for-profit organisations, flight safety officers, presidents of regional committees and heads of divisions.
This return to flying is an enormous safety challenge for all of us, and it must be approached in a structured and thoughtful way. Let us remember that we alone are masters of our regulations. Microlighting is an activity of freedom, and we stand by that, but it relies on the self-responsibility of all who take part, and it is at that price that we will preserve it.
The ReV+ scheme
A good number of pilots have not flown, or have flown very little, since the start of the year, which is why we have decided to introduce ReV + for everyone who wishes to benefit from it. The Federation will contribute €60 towards the cost of this flight.
Pilots of all classes can take part; it is also open to instructors, and we advise them too not to hesitate to do a ReV +.
Having gone without training or flying for at least two months has narrowed our circle of competence and our safety zone. Before flying with a passenger again, we will also need to make sure that the pilot in command has completed the 3 take-offs and landings within the last 3 months. We will certainly have to follow social distancing rules in our clubs and structures, which should not be too difficult. Let us plan ahead now for a supply of hand sanitiser, soap, gloves and hair caps for those wearing helmets in weight-shift microlights, gyroplanes and paramotors. Let us encourage our pilots and students to buy their own radio helmet, which guarantees better hygiene for the ear cushions. Good-quality equipment now costs about the same as an hour of flying. For the time being, wearing a mask is left to each person's judgement, but let us use plain common sense…
Many of us are asking: when will we be able to fly again, and under what conditions?
Quite clearly, nothing has been decided today. We might assume that if driving schools reopen with certain measures imposed, the same should apply to light and recreational aviation. We will of course come back to you very soon, as soon as we have reliable, precise information on the resumption of flying, its conditions, and the DGAC's position on postponing the dates for instructor qualifications and training centre approvals.
Until then, let us keep our spirits up and keep smiling, and let us use the time to revise our theory and dream a little while planning some fine cross-country flights for when flying resumes.
Jean-Christophe Gibert
