Coronavirus and flying your own aircraft.
Coronavirus and flying. If you haven’t heard, Coronavirus is causing a few issues with aviation events, like Sun ‘n Fun (go to their website to get the details), which have been postponed or cancelled.
And of course, there are non-aviation events around the world that are being closed, postponed or cancelled. It appears that traveling on airlines and crowds are two of the big issues. Most of the “news” right now is about Coronavirus and flying on the airlines. The risks associated with large terminals with hundreds or thousands of people in close proximity.
While that is a problem for the majority of the public, there is more to aviation than just the airlines. Which brings up how important personal aviation is now! General aviation is a great way to fill in the gaps of travel.
Sure, we all need to practice safe behaviors and “social distancing” to protect ourselves and others. Which is why flying your own aircraft is a way to actually keep you away from the crowds. For example, you only fly with known passengers and crew instead of people you have never met. It really gives a pilot a lot more control in this situation.
Just think, no more long security lines, mingling with hundreds or even thousands of other people, waiting to get on a commercial flight.
Remember, small local airports have fewer people and easier access. Think about it, you can usually go through the gate to your airplane and fly out without much, if any, personal contact. Yes, walking through the FBO there may be people, but its a lot fewer than at the commercial terminals.
Even in a time when the rest of the media would have us stay isolated and locked inside our homes, maybe it wouldn’t hurt to sneak out to the airport, stay away from crowds and go fly around the pattern, maybe make a few landings, just to relax and clear your head. Oh and don’t forget to wash your hands.
