Operators can continue to use pilots and other crew members who have unable to comply with certain training, recent experience, testing, and checking requirements due to the COVID-19 outbreak in support of essential operations. Additionally, this Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) provides regulatory relief to certain persons and pilot schools unable to meet duration and renewal requirements due to the outbreak.

This SFAR is effective until March 31, 2021, which is the longest duration of relief under this rule, provided to airman who hold inspection authorisations under part 65. The FAA advises, however, that this date does not reflect the duration for every provision in the SFAR. Each person exercising relief provided by this SFAR should understand the conditions and duration of such relief.

The FAA recognises that there are aviation operations outside of air carrier and commercial operations conducted under part 119 of title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) that are critical during the COVID-19 outbreak, including operations that support essential services and flights that support fighting the outbreak.

These operations are likely to face disruption due to a decreased supply of qualified pilots.

Since March 2020 and with each month thereafter, a new group of pilots becomes unavailable to perform critical operations because they cannot comply with certain training, recent experience, testing, or checking requirements. This SFAR will provide temporary relief to certain individuals whose qualifications would otherwise lapse, to ensure there are a sufficient number of qualified personnel available to conduct essential aviation activities during this period. The FAA finds that this temporary action is needed to enable individuals to continue to exercise their airman certificate privileges during the national emergency.