Covid situation after 26 March 2021 for microlight flights
News item of 26 March 2021. Last updated on 8 April 2021: some information may have changed. Latest news
Many of you have contacted us in recent days about the new Covid situation for microlight flights. By clicking below you will find the Federation’s clarifications on recreational, instruction and paid flights.
Having taken note of the latest government texts dated 20 March 2021, and following analysis by our legal adviser Maître Serge Conti, we set out below the consequences of these new provisions for flying, in particular for microlights:
IN DÉPARTEMENTS SUBJECT TO TIGHTENED MEASURES
Recreational flights
Recreational flights, solo or with a person from the same household, are permitted between 6:00 am and 7:00 pm within a radius of 10 km around the pilot’s home. Note: the right of access within a 30 km zone ((professional purchases and home deliveries, house moves and permitted gatherings) which could possibly have been carried out by microlight was removed by the government on 20 March 2021.
Instructional flights
The instructor may travel without any distance limit because it is a training activity (box 6 of the daytime exemption travel certificate). The same does not apply to their student. The student’s situation depends on whether their flight is recreational or professional in nature:
- if the student’s training is part of a professional project, such as instructor training, training for a student who has just set up a flying school or an aircraft rental business, or an instructor rating renewal (box 6 of the certificate) to be justified in the event of a check, there is no distance restriction,
- otherwise, and without justification of a professional reason, the student is subject to the 10 km rule around their home between 6:00 am and 7:00 pm.
It is recommended to be able to justify the professional reason for the flight or flights undertaken.
Paid flights
- Paid flights by a non-professional pilot with a non-professional passenger:
Both the non-professional pilot and the passenger – provided they do not fall into the category of professional flights - must not travel more than 10 km from their home (proof of address or box 1 of the daytime certificate) between 6:00 am and 7:00 pm.
- Paid flights by a professional pilot with a non-professional passenger:
A professional pilot may not carry a passenger – provided the flight does not fall into the category of a professional flight - beyond the 10 km limit from their respective homes (proof of address or box 1 of the daytime certificate) between 6:00 am and 7:00 pm.
We recommend that you keep passengers’ contact details so that contacts can be traced in the event of infection.
IN THE OTHER DÉPARTEMENTS
The conditions have remained the same since 15 December. They can also be viewed by clicking here.
Other situations may arise; they will be examined case by case.
Of course, preventive measures continue to apply (hand sanitiser provided, equipment disinfected, masks worn, etc.).
In any event, we confirm that the aviation insurance cover works properly in the event of an accident for members insured through the FFPLUM.
All these recommendations are given subject to updates to these provisions following the publication of new government measures.
Happy flying, with caution, and keep taking care of yourselves and others.
