Lockdown news update
The DGAC has partly met the requests the CNFAS made at the start of the second lockdown… only partly.
Maintenance
Since Wednesday, it has been possible to fly to a maintenance workshop, whether you are a professional (already possible) or a private owner (the new part). We recommend that you carry the Ministry document (here), tick reason 2 on the certificate (travel to authorised establishments) and, if possible, book an appointment with the workshop. Filing a flight plan is recommended but not compulsory. The certificate from the first lockdown, which fell under the category of missions of general interest, no longer applies.
Training
On training, positions have not changed. Exams are possible but training is not (except for professionals under certain conditions, see table below). The CNFAS maintains that all training must resume as soon as possible, for several reasons. First, an exam cannot be separated from training over time; the two are linked. Second, and above all, the general level of safety is mainly maintained by practice and training, of pilots on the one hand and of instructors on the other. It is therefore essential for everyone's safety that training, including initial training, resumes. The problematic situation of driving schools will be decisive for how this decision evolves.
On extending calendar deadlines
Although our activity is less constrained on this point than certified aviation, since in our case it mainly concerns instructors' validity periods, it is nevertheless necessary to have a consistent position that is simple to apply. Any overlapping of the extensions from the first and second lockdowns risks leading us into great practical confusion.
On resuming flights for everyone
Finally, we need an overall strategy that allows all flying to resume, anticipating possible scenarios. We must also recall, as the whole sports movement did this week, that our activities, especially outdoor ones, have never been identified places of contamination and that they have applied a very strict health protocol since June, which has worked very well.
Options suited to lockdown
In this very particular context of uncertainty, the Federation has developed two useful insurance products. Parking liability insurance (RC), which covers damage your machine may cause when parked with the engine off, and static-running liability insurance (RC) without taxiing, which allows you to run your machine's engine on the spot without flying or taxiing. The amounts paid for these two policies will of course be deductible from your user liability insurance or aircraft liability insurance when all flying can resume.
It should also be noted that your licence entitles you to legal assistance from the Federation (whether or not you are insured through the federal broker). This applies to pilots, instructors, and club or company managers. The head office staff are there to resolve your difficulties as far as possible.
Have a good weekend, everyone.
| Permitted | Prohibited | |
|---|---|---|
| Recreational flying |
Flights up to 20 km from your place of residence for a maximum of 3 hours. These are solo flights or two-seat flights with people living at the same address. |
Solo or two-seat recreational flights other than those listed in this table |
| Training |
Travelling to exams Giving theory lessons in an after-school setting Training flights in a professional setting given by a school holding a vocational training approval number (DIRRECTE). Instructor refresher training, as part of maintaining competence Instructor rating renewal flights, as part of maintaining competence. |
Introductory flights. Training flights. BIA flights. |
| Maintenance | All maintenance flights and associated travel | |
| Other |
Aerial work (organisation holding an MAP) Air travel by a professional, whatever the (justified) professional reason. Skill-maintenance flights for instructors (solo) |
Table updated on 01/12/2020 at 4.15 pm
