COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
As you have already noticed, the situation changes from hour to hour. In order to provide you with timely and correct information, the BCAA has created a specific “COVID-19 (Coronavirus)” web page. On this page the BCAA will regularly post information related to the Coronavirus that may be useful to you. May we therefore ask you to consult this page regularly.
Exemptions
The Belgian Civil Aviation Authority has granted some exemptions regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus).
| domain | topic | link exemption |
|---|---|---|
| ACW / OPS / ATCO / CAW | licences, ratings, endorsements, certificates and attestations | |
  Attachment to Part-FCL licences (PDF, 153.32 KB) |
||
| CAW | airworthiness review certificate |
|
| DG | recurrent training programmes | C-OPS/RDA/26-03-2020 (PDF, 182.11 KB) |
| ACW | licences, ratings, endorsements, certificates and attestations | |
|
|
Explanation domains:
- ACW: Aircrew
- OPS: Air Operations
- ATCO: Air Traffic Control Officer
- CAW: Continuing Airworthiness
- DG: Dangerous Goods
Belgian recommendations and other measures
Manned aviation
Following the ministerial decision of Wednesday March 18, 2020 concerning the urgent measures to limit the spread of the coronavirus Covid-19, the following activities are prohibited:
- gatherings
- private activities of a sports and recreational nature
This means that all training and regular flights of a sports and recreational nature are prohibited. Only essential flights necessary to protect the vital interests of the Nation and the needs of the people are allowed. The BCAA is well aware that many training sessions, skill tests (proficiency checks) and proficiency checks (proficiency checks) are currently not possible due to corona problems. The BCAA, together with EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency), is examining which measures can be taken for pilots whose rating (s) and certificates are about to expire.
The following measures apply in connection with training in or outside recognized training institutions (ATO / DTO):
- Theory: Classroom lessons are prohibited. Currently, training can be given via video conference or in a virtual classroom;
- Practice: The practical training and exercises in aircraft or simulators are prohibited.
In light of the government measures in the context of the fight against the Coronavirus, sending and receiving deliveries from BPost may be slightly delayed.
Theoretical examinations for pilot licences
In the context of the coronavirus crisis, the theoretical examinations for obtaining a pilot's licence or a rating (ATPL, CPL, IR for aeroplane or helicopter, private pilot for aeroplane, helicopter or glider, microlight or national balloon), the didactic examinations for the microlight and paramotor instructor rating, as well as the radiotelephony examinations are cancelled until 3rd May included.
Drones
Gathering of persons and recreational activities are prohibited in accordance with the Ministerial Order of 18 March 2020 concerning urgent measures to limit the spread of the corona virus. For drone users, this means that training and exam flights are prohibited until 5 April 2020. Drone flights in controlled airspace (all CTRs, TMAs and even higher altitude controlled airspace) are prohibited.
Continuous airworthiness aircraft
More information regarding maintenance flights and the continuing airworthiness of aircraft during this COVID-19 period can be found here (PDF, 198.77 KB).
Notams
The following notams (Notice to Airmen) are in effect:
B1584/20
From:03 APR 20 12:04 Till:19 APR 20 23:59
Text:COVID-19: BASED ON THE PROTECTIVE MEASURES IN THE BELGIAN AIRSPACE: VFR FLT PROHIBITED, EXC MEDICAL, POLICE, SAR, STATE, MIL, MAINTENANCE, TECHNICAL INSPECTION FLT AND FLT TO ASSURE FUNCTIONING OF THE STATE.
B1585/20
From:03 APR 20 12:06 Till:19 APR 20 23:59
Text:COVID-19: BASED ON THE PROTECTIVE MEASURES IN THE BELGIAN AIRSPACE: REMOTELY PILOTED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS (RPAS) FLT IN CONTROLLED AIRSPACE, TRAINING FLT AND EXAMINATION FLT PROHIBITED, EXC MEDICAL, POLICE, SAR, STATE, MIL, TECHNICAL INSPECTION FLT AND FLT TO ASSURE FUNCTIONING OF THE STATE.
Passenger rights
More information on the impact of the corona crisis on passenger rights can be found here.
Border crossings
The Belgian borders are closed to non-essential movements. However, the authorized flights are considered as an essential movement and therefore the quarantine rulesdo not apply to the Belgian or foreign crew of these flights. Belgian residents who work abroad (for example MUAC) are also allowed to cross the border.
Advice and info from international organisations
Here you will find useful links to the relevant pages or documents of international organisations and the European Union regarding the (management of the) current Covid-19 pandemic.
European Union
- Overview of measures token on mobility at European Union level, including the recently published guidelines on passenger rights in commercial air transport
- Overview of measures with an impact on mobility and transport per EU Member State, including air traffic
EASA
- Measures taken by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for the safe operation of existing air traffic, including guidelines for crew
- Interim guidance on Aircraft Cleaning and Disinfection (PDF, 604.9 KB)
International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)
- Information related to actions taken by ICAO
- Communication regarding the economic impact of the current situation on the aviation sector
Eurocontrol
World Health Organisaton (WHO)
This page was updated on 10/04/2020 at 16:26.