DGAC press release for recreational flight pilots

To fight the spread of the Covid-19 virus, and in application of the decree of 16 March 2020, contact and travel must be kept to the strict minimum.

The decree specifies the only journeys permitted:

• journeys between home and the place of work, where essential for activities that cannot be done remotely (with permanent supporting document), or business trips that cannot be postponed;

• journeys to buy basic necessities in authorised establishments (list on gouvernement.fr);

• journeys for health reasons;

• journeys for compelling family reasons, to assist vulnerable people or for childcare;

• brief journeys close to home for individual physical activity, excluding any collective sporting activity, and for the needs of pets.

  It follows from the above that any journey to make a recreational or sporting flight is prohibited. The flights in question are therefore de facto impossible, notably solo flights, instruction, training, introductory or trial flights.

  The DGAC is aware of the possible consequences for licences, ratings and certificates that are about to expire. Publishing measures for professionals is the first priority and solutions have been found. The search for solutions for recreational aviation is under study, in compliance with the rules of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.

  Many pilots are fully complying with the above rules, but cases of recreational flights have been observed. Light and sport aviation is expected to set an example during this health crisis, with strict observance of the ban reiterated above, any breach of which is punishable and harms the whole aeronautical community.