It has been confirmed today that flying training can resume in England from 04 July.
In a letter to General Aviation associations, David Harding, DfT Deputy Director, General Aviation, Skills, Safety and CAA Division, wrote: “Following the Prime Minister’s announcement earlier this week about changes to lockdown measures, I can confirm that the reopening of GA businesses and the safe restart of General Aviation dual and instructional flights will be permitted from 04 July 2020 in England.
“We will be publishing updated guidance around recreational GA flying on the GOV.UK website as soon as possible. In the meantime, it may be helpful to view the COVID-19 Secure guidelines that the Government has already published which set out guidance to help employers, employees and the self-employed understand how to work safely during the coronavirus pandemic.
“Many thanks for all your engagement on this and other matters over the last few weeks and months – we know there is a lot going on and more to do – and it has been appreciated.”
UK devolved nations have yet to confirm when they will be following suit.
At the same, FTN has learnt that the Light Aircraft Association (LAA) Rally, due to be held 03-05 September, has now been cancelled.
LAA CEO Steve Slater said: “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the cancellation of the 2020 LAA Rally. The LAA’s rally working group and Sywell aerodrome have been working hard to develop ways in which the Rally could continue and stay true to our traditions, while at the same time keeping our members, volunteers, exhibitors and other visitors safe. However the continuing risk of transmission of COVID at large social gatherings is likely to continue later in the summer and this made the 2020 Rally untenable.”
