It was widely predicted that flight training resumption from 04 July would be given the green light this week, but according to AOPA UK, nothing has been formalised yet.
Posting on his Twitter feed this morning (26 June), Martin Robinson, CEO of the AOPA UK, wrote: “We were hoping to get 3 Greens for restarting FT on July 4 unfortunately the DFT has said there will be a delay as cabinet office needs to give the approval – let’s hope the delay is short.”
The delay has been described as confusing, due to the fact that the Department for Transport has already authorised other close-contact industries to recommence from 04 July, most notably the driving instruction industry.
According to the DfT, driving lessons and tests can resume from 04 July. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Driving lessons and tests are vital in helping people get to work and visit loved ones, and provide the skills for a lifetime of safe driving.
“As the country recovers from COVID-19 we can now open-up our services to help get the country moving again and I am very pleased to announce the restart of driving tests and lessons in a covid secure way.”
While the flight training industry continues to wait to be afforded the same recommencement privileges as driving schools, FTN has also learnt today that the annual Light Aircraft Association (LAA) Rally, due to take place 03, 04 & 05 September has 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.”
