On March 8, 2020, I stepped out of G-SWAY and onto the soggy British mud at Damyn’s Hall Aerodrome an hour east of London. G-SWAY is a Super Cub that belongs to one of Britain’s most famous and historic flying clubs—the Tiger Club. I was the newest member of the Tiger Club, having completed my checkout with an instructor and then soloing an EU-registered airplane for the first time since completing my EASA pilot license in Iceland. At the time, I was flying to London every few weeks with my job as a Boeing 757/767 pilot for a US airline. The future was bright and the skies were clear; but a rumbling was developing throughout the world of a new virus that would threaten our very existence.
Flying During A Global Pandemic
Key Takeaways:
- The author, a commercial and ferry pilot, experienced the rapid and drastic impact of COVID-19 in early 2020, leading to deserted airports, empty flights, and widespread travel restrictions.
- Transitioning to ferry flying, she encountered numerous challenges, including strict and inconsistent border controls, FBO closures, and varied public health measures across North America.
- The enforcement of restrictions and public behavior differed significantly between states and regions, creating complex and often awkward logistical hurdles for pilots.
- Despite initial severe disruptions, the author notes a shift towards reason and expresses optimism for the aviation industry's resilience and eventual recovery.
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