The UK Government has today clarified the position on Recreational Flying of General Aviation (GA) aircraft during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak control period.
The current government guidance on coronavirus precludes recreational GA flying while a minority have been ignoring this, the vast majority are adhering to the rules.
The Government goes on to say that “The message we are receiving from the GA community is that they fully appreciate the need for these restrictions, and observing them is being widely encouraged throughout the community. Again, we are grateful for this.
“Because the directive to stay at home is being well observed, we do not perceive a need to introduce a specific ban on flying by visual flight rules (VFR) as seen in some European countries.
“This will have the significant benefit of allowing flexibility, and allowing GA flights to resume as overarching restrictions on movement are lifted.”
It does not, however, rule out enacting stricter measures if a minority continues to flout the directive to stay at home for recreational purposes.
The only exception where GA flying is permitted is where it is essential for work, or to get to work.