When we fly again!

Season 20203 April 20203 min read

If we look at the tragic experiences of the Covid-19 disaster around the world, it is certain that lockdown will last throughout April and probably a good part of May. Easing will also be very slow and gradual, in stages, with social distancing measures lasting some time and specific arrangements for receiving the public.

Since the start of this lockdown period, the Federation has considered that no flight should be undertaken whether for leisure or instruction, by affiliated clubs or companies.

Last week the French Aeronautical Federation (FFA) obtained from the authorities a certificate of participation in public-interest missions; for the sake of equality and consistency, we obtained a certificate specific to microlights. We invite you to use this legal tool with great care and restraint. It is valid for clubs. Our affiliated companies already have the possibility of such measures under the general framework of the decree of 23 March 2020. Everything rests on the responsibility of club presidents or company managers. For private owners, we invite them to turn to clubs or companies. We stress that there is no urgency whatsoever and that all this must remain exceptional in a period when the notion of the general interest and everyone's public-spiritedness are essential. From a purely technical standpoint, our machines can very well remain grounded for many weeks.

In the interest of clarity in a complicated period, we have drawn up a Covid-19 Memo which will be updated. Below you will find examples of certificates for taking part in public-interest missions issued by some DSACs, which will be added to as we go. If you have any doubt about the scope of this text, we invite you to contact the Federation.

Despite our requests, we still have no precise answers on licence derogations for non-professionals in general aviation. As the European Agency and the DGAC have ruled on professionals for a period of four months, renewable for four months, it would be logical for the derogation to follow at least the same extension. So there is no short-term cause for concern. It would be desirable in the coming weeks, both at the aeronautical federations and at the DGAC, to favour simple, common and agreed decisions.

The main aim is to prepare the return to flying, which will happen in a homeopathic way when we are given the green light. To encourage all pilots to get back to the fundamentals with our instructors, the Federation has decided to raise the Return to Flying (REV) aid from €40 to €60. The application has been simplified further. You can register if you have not yet done so. We will put major resources into ensuring the quality of this restart.

Until then, let us be very attentive and set a collective example. More than ever, individualistic lapses in following the rules will affect everyone. We will also have to bear in mind that public opinion is getting used to some positive effects of this extraordinary period on the environment. We will therefore need to be particularly sensitive to this requirement in the use of our machines, which have many assets in their favour: lightness, modern engines, accessibility compared with traditional aviation, and a resolutely "fun" spirit coming from the free-flight culture.

But let's take it step by step, week by week. The Federation continues its work of contacting and supporting our organisations. A small clarification that is always useful: it is FFPLUM that supports, defends and promotes our activity, even though our microlights benefit everyone.

Take care of yourselves and your loved ones!