Out of step!

On Tuesday morning the DGAC published on its website a text entitled “ Covid-19 crisis: post-lockdown phase”. This text is out of step. It was written in early May, in a context that already feels distant. Many of us were waiting for a communication from the DGAC that never came at the time. The CNFAS Federations took their responsibility, in strict compliance with the law.

We are now in a phase where freedom is the rule and prohibition the exception. This is the moment the DGAC chooses to communicate about prohibitions. Specifically, about the impossibility for clubs, and not for companies, even if the title of the text is ambiguous, to offer trial flights! On what legal grounds? On what health grounds? And above all, for what purpose?

More precisely, this short text, widely circulated, is organised in six points. The first two refer to obsolete provisions (travel, maintenance), and the last two deal with generalities everyone agrees on (responsibility, safety). Point 4 sets out the health measures that we have widely communicated since the start of the lifting of lockdown. It is point 3 that is problematic and “bans” trial flights in clubs!

We maintain that this provision has no legal basis. It cannot be enforced against anyone as it stands. All it does is bring uncertainty on the ground for club managers and instructors. It creates an incomprehensible distortion between companies and clubs. Trial flights are essential to the balance of our clubs and to introducing people to our activities. Television reports in recent weeks have constantly promoted what we do. The dramatic peak of the crisis seems largely behind us, and now a ban is decided just as a new wind of freedom is blowing?

Fortunately we live under the rule of law, and in uncertain times we should return to simple things. The Federation therefore maintains that, unless legal provisions say otherwise, all flights may be undertaken in strict compliance with health conditions for affiliated clubs and companies. This has been the position of the CNFAS Federations since 2 June.

We have carried out more than 1000 REVs this year, including more than 900 since 11 May. This is a success that we also owe to the support of the DGAC. We should be able to congratulate ourselves on what works. Let us stay positive and confident. The Federation is with you, committed to freedom and respect for the law.

Safe flying

Sébastien PERROT

President of FFPLUM

Text published on Tuesday 9 June on the DGAC website:

The rules and measures applicable to general aviation flown privately or in a club (or similar organisation)

1. Travel by land to the departure aerodrome complies with the rules on movement.
2. Maintenance flights are permitted for any aircraft operator. These flights include flights for engine upkeep and those carried out for a maintenance operation in a workshop.
3. Flights to maintain currency, training flights, practice flights and flights to get back into flying are permitted. Introductory flights, trial flights and the carriage of fare-paying passengers are not permitted at this stage.
4. Clubs ensure that their members apply the measures set out in the federal guides, which comply with the national lockdown-exit protocol published by the Ministry of Labour. This applies in particular to the rules on physical distancing, wearing a mask, limiting the number of people in the premises, adapting briefing rooms where necessary, movement on the ground, handling of aircraft and their regular cleaning and disinfection. Wearing a surgical mask is compulsory in flight unless the pilot is alone on board.
5. The aircraft operator is responsible for its proper working order and carries out the necessary actions and checks on resuming flying.
6. The urge to fly must not overshadow safety, which remains every pilot’s first concern.