CASA tells recreational pilots to stay grounded

Recreational pilots looking to go for a flight beyond their lockdown should think again said aviation regulator

COMMUNITY CARE: Lismore Aviation Centre head of operations Bill Kiernan.said the Northern Rivers Aero Club has closed its doors during the Covid lockdown. “Our members are doing the right thing and staying at home,” he said. File Photo: Marc Stapelberg.

Recreational pilots are generally seen as free spirited individuals, but even they have been grounded by the recent lockdown laws.

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), confirmed that even if you like within a the allowable distance to leave your residence during lockdown, you must still abide by the public Health Orders.

On Sunday 15 August, 2021, a CASA spokesman confirmed that all pilots must respect the public health orders which apply to their local government area.

“There are no specific Covid related restrictions for pilots, but they have to abide by the state restrictions that apply at their location,” he said,

“If they cross any borders they must comply with border requirements, pilots are no different to anyone else, they need to abide by the rules.”

However, On Sunday afternoon at least two light aircraft, each a Cessna Skyhawk with a Gold Coast point of origin, were shown on an aviation mapping website as flying across NSW airspace on two different routes,

GROUNDED?: Two light aircraft (on far right of image) bearing Gold Coast points of origin were sighted on a live aviation tracking website on Sunday 15, 2021. Alison Paterson

From Monday 16 August, 2021, new Public Health Orders come into place which further restrict light aircraft from taking off, as leaving your home for recreational purposes will no longer be allowed.

Northern Rivers Aero Club head of operations Bill Kiernan, said that their members were abiding by the rules.

Mr Kiernan was adamant that adhering to the Covid stay at home orders is important.

“We have decided to close the club for the duration of lockdown,” he said.

“All our members know the importance of doing the right thing and looking after the community.”