AOPA Australia CEO Ben Morgan yesterday wrote to Prime Minister Scott Morrison seeking an approval for recreational and private pilots to conduct flights for the purpose of running aircraft engines during the COVID-19 restrictions period.
The letter outlines the need for aircraft engines to be run regularly in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations to reduce the chances of internal corrosion.
"During periods of inactivity, aircraft engines are susceptible to internal component corrosion as a result of humidity and air temperatures day/night cycles," Morgan points out. "Aircraft engines with internal corrosion damage are required by Civil Aviation Safety Authority regulation to undergo significant inspection and component overhaul maintenance that can run into the many tens of thousands of dollars.
"To prevent internal engine corrosion aircraft owners are encouraged by engine manufacturers to regularly exercise engines, which requires owners to fly their aircraft, ensuring the engine has been brought up to full operating temperatures and operating loads.
"Under restrictions imposed by the various state and territory governments, pilots face fines up to $13,000 should they conduct a flight for engine maintenance purposes.
"AOPA Australia recommends that essential engine maintenance flights be permitted in accordance with engine manufacturers requirements, with flights taking off and landing at the same airfield."
COVID-19 restrictions are recommended by a National Cabinet made up of both the federal and state governments, but each state government is free to mandate and enforce the guidance as they see fit. AOPA has requested that the Federal Government advise the state governments that engine maintenance flights should be permitted.