The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has created a series of checklists to help GA pilots return to aviation safely as governments relax COVID-19 restrictions.
Announced today, the Fit to Fly checklists are designed for pilots returning to flying after a long absence to assess their fitness to return to the cockpit.
"The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many aviators to take a pause until non-essential travel restrictions have been lifted," CASA notes.
"As we move into the recovery journey it is important to stop and think carefully about the safety implications of a return to more ‘normal’ aviation operations. One way to make your return safer is by using one of the simplest but most effective tools in aviation – the checklist.
"Conducting checks in advance of your first flight back, can significantly increase the safety of your flight."
CASA's Fit to Fly checklists are upper-level lists you can be used to complement existing aircraft and personal checklists.
The checkists cover several aspects, including:
- Personal planning
- Aircraft
- Aerodrome and Airspace
- Maintenance
"Make sure you are aware of any regulatory requirements with which your compliance may have been affected by the cessation of your flying activities – including conditions on any of CASA's COVID-19 relief exemptions that may apply to you, your aircraft or your operation," CASA says.
The Fit to Fly checklists are on the CASA website.