Getting to a “New Normal”
by Dr. Michael Berry, FAA Federal Air Surgeon
As the nation cautiously begins moving towards the “new normal” amid the current COVID-19 public health emergency, aircrew members need to be especially cautious. Aviation is less forgiving than most other occupations and pursuits. While we all face life challenges from time to time, such as the loss of loved ones, financial issues, divorce, illness, etc., the current situation is unprecedented in its impact on so many general aviation (GA) pilots simultaneously. Many pilots, especially those who rent the aircraft they fly, have limited their flying or stopped altogether for months. At some point, many will return to the skies.
Take Your Time!
Eagerness is understandable, but “take your time” needs to be step one in the new normal. Here are a few considerations.
Human Factors: Think about how the emergency has affected you personally, and use the IMSAFE checklist (Illness, Medication, Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue, and Eating/Emotion). Are you or a family member in a high-risk group? Have you experienced economic or financial distress? Will these issues distract you from safe flight? Is your best option to wait a bit longer?
Health Risk: A second consideration is the potential health risk of sharing an aircraft. Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces between flights will take extra time; factor it into your schedule and do not rush pre-flight planning or aircraft inspection. There is a growing body of information on proper use of disinfectants on various surfaces, but don’t forget ventilation. Freshly swabbed surfaces need time to dry, both for effectiveness of the disinfectant used and to minimize the potentially adverse impact of strong in-flight odors.
If you decide to take a passenger, you will need to manage the risks of inadvertent transmission of this highly contagious virus in the confines of a typical GA aircraft cockpit. That raises questions on using personal protective equipment (PPE) during flight. Masks can interfere with placement of a boom mike. Gloves reduce tactile perception and may impede use of today’s ubiquitous touch screens.
If you do use a mask, remember that its major benefit is to protect others, but it does trap particles on both sides. If you touch the mask and then touch your face, you lose any personal benefit. The same applies to the use of gloves. Headsets are another issue: if you do not have a personal headset, now is a good time to consider making that investment.
Plane and Pilot: You also need to allow time to verify that both the plane and the pilot are in a condition for safe flight. Many aircraft have been sitting idle for extended periods. Verify that maintenance is current. Take extra time with pre-flight inspection and look for any sign of animal infestation.
Pilots grounded for long periods of time also need extra pre-flight time. Having long experience working with pilots who have been grounded for an extended period, the military and air carriers have formal plans to enable safe return to flying. GA organizations offer similar programs. It’s a good time to check these out. While the FAA extended currency timelines for many aviation activities, proficiency is up to the pilot. In addition to hitting the books and flying with an instructor, consider chair flying as an approach to re-establishing dormant habit patterns — to include diligence in using checklists.
Proper planning is always important, but the effects of the COVID-19 public health emergency creates an extra dimension. As you brief on weather, fuel, and other usual things, check as well on airport and Air Traffic Control (ATC) status and hours of operation, as well as any public health measures in place at your points of arrival and departure and any intermediate stops. Note that airport overflow parking may have resulted in runway closures or changes to taxi procedures. Plan, and allow extra pre-flight time in case you encounter anything unexpected.
While it may not be the first time you have returned to flying after a hiatus, this situation is unique in scale and scope for pilots, aircraft, air traffic controllers, and public health authorities. Respect this reality, and take the time needed to ensure that your return to the skies is a safe one.
Dr. Michael Berry received an M.D. from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, and a master’s in preventive medicine from Ohio State University. He is certified by the American Board of Preventive Medicine in aerospace medicine. He served as an FAA senior aviation medical examiner and vice-president of Preventive and Aerospace Medicine Consultants for 25 years before joining the FAA. He also served as both a U.S. Air Force and NASA flight surgeon.
