FAA COVID-19 SFAR Summary
4 May 2020 The FAA announced special temporary rules changes in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated risks that have prevented pilots from maintaining currency requirements.
The Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) can be found at:
Effective date: through 31 Mar 2021
Agriculture or Charity Flights by Private Pilots
Pilots eligible: Operations that require a commercial pilot certificate or:
Private pilots with at least 500 hours/400 hours PIC/50 hour in last 12 months
Private pilot who exercise these exemptions are limited to:
- Flights incidental to business or employment
- Flights supporting family medical needs or transporting essential goods for personal use.
- Flights to transport essential goods or medical supplies to support public health needs
- Flights necessary to move an aircraft to a location in order to meet a requirement of this chapter
Flight Review: If your Flight Review 24 months expired in March to June of 2020 the FAA has extended your due date by 3 calendar months.
-If the pilot has logged 10 hour PIC in the previous 12 calendar months AND
-Pilot completes 3 WINGS credits of the FAA Safety Team online courses
IPC: The 6 month instrument currency requirements are extended by an additional 3 calendar months IF:
-in the preceding 6 months, the pilot has logged 3 instrument approached in actual or simulated (hood) weather or conditions.
Written (knowledge) test: Knowledge tests expiring between March -June 2020 are extended by 3 calendar months. If taking a check ride, simply show your knowledge test certificate and it will be considered extended, not need for waiver paperwork.
Drone (Part 107) Recurrent Test: Instead of the 24 month recurrent knowledge test, certificate holders may complete online training (at www.faasafety.gov) for a one-time 6-month extension before taking the recency requirements.
Medical Exams: Medical certificates that expire from 31 March through 31 May 2020 will remain valid to 30 June 2020.
