The CAA recognises the significant and sudden impact that Covid-19 has had on the UK General Aviation (GA) sector during 2020.  To support the sector through this most challenging period, the CAA has provided a suite of temporary alleviation exemptions to provide maximum flexibility, whilst maintaining safety assurance to support organisations, operators, pilots and students.  Some of the CAA's current licensing exemptions for Aircraft Maintenance, Air Traffic, Flight Crew licence holders and Cabin Crew are due to expire on 22 November 2020 with some Medical Certificate exemptions continuing until 31 December 2020.

We recognise that Covid-19 remains a significant challenge for the foreseeable future and we remain committed to continuing to provide as much support as possible to GA.  For procedural, legal and safety reasons, we are not able to provide exemptions in perpetuity and the GA sector needs to prepare for an ending of certain exemptions soon as part of the return to a more normal operational and licensing framework

GA organisations, operators, pilots and students are encouraged to review their own circumstances now in order to decide how they can best prepare themselves for the ending of exemptions which have extended the validity of some pilot licences (which would otherwise have expired) to 22 November 2020 and some medical certificates (which would otherwise have expired) to 31 December 2020.

Noting the unpredictability of the British weather, particularly in the winter, and the potential for future Covid-19 measures to unexpectedly curtail planned flying, pilots whose ratings may lapse soon or over the winter months are advised to take early action to revalidate their ratings if they have the opportunity to do so. 

The exemptions ending are:

•  ORS4 No.1373:Temporary certificate extended to be valid for 6 months for licences/ratings/certificates. Pilots can exercise the privileges without holding the licence/rating up until the expiry of the temporary certificate. Exemptions ends 22 November 2020.
  
  
• ORS4 No.1408 : Extension of Validity Periods for Medical Certificates of Aircrew, Cabin Crew and Air Traffic Controllers.  Medical certificates can be extended until 22 November or 31 December 2020.  Please refer to the terms of the exemption for more details. 
  
  
• ORS4 No.1409 : Validity and other Time Periods for Licences, Ratings, Privileges, Endorsements and Certificates of Balloon and Sailplane Pilots, Instructors and Examiners due to expire before 31 October 2020, extended until 22 November 2020.
  
  
• ORS4 No.1410 : Validity Periods for UK EASA Licences, Ratings and Certificates of Aircrew, Instructors, Examiners, Aircraft Maintenance Licence Holders and Air Traffic Controllers due to expire before 31 October 2020, extended to 22 November 2020.
  
  
• ORS4 No.1412 : Extension to privileges of any UK EASA licence, rating, certificate or endorsement due to expire before 31 October 2020, extended until 22 November 2020 (when Conducting Flying Operations other than within an Organisation holding a National Air Operator's Certificate, Police Air Operator's Certificate or required to comply with Part-ORO).
  
  
• ORS4 No.1413 : Extension of Validity Periods for Medical Certificates of Pilots Holding a United Kingdom Licence.  Medical certificates can be extended until 22 November or 31 December 2020.  Please refer to the terms of the exemption for more details.
  
  
• ORS4 No.1414 : Validity Periods for National Licences, Ratings and Certificates of Flight Crew due to expire before 31 October 2020., extended until 22 November 2020.
  
  
• ORS4 No.1415 : Validity and Other Time Periods for UK National Licences, Ratings, Privileges, Endorsements and Certificates of Balloon Pilots, Instructors and Examiners due to expire before 31 October 2020, extended until 22 November 2020.
  
  
• ORS4 No.1425 : Theoretical Knowledge exams started by 19 March 2020 are to be completed by 18 November 2020 instead of the normal 18 months validity period, if the 18-month period expires before 18 November 2020, when counting towards an EASA pilot licence issue. 

To help the GA sector transition safely and smoothly, we remind you that the following GA related exemptions will remain in place to provide further support into 2021.

•  ORS4 No.1386: The 6 month validity rule for Skill Tests and Assessments Of Competence is extended until 1 December 2020 for pilots applying for a UK issued EASA licence/rating/certificate.
  
  
• ORS4 No. 1416 : Flexibility of revalidation by experience for Part-FCL pilot licence holders with SEP and TMG class ratings until 30 April 2021.
   
• ORS4 No. 1418 : Flexibility of revalidation by experience for UK national pilot licence holders with SEP, TMG, SSEA, SLMG and Microlight class rating(s) until 30 April 2021. Further CAA Covid-19 guidance for recreational and commercial aviation is available here.
  
  
• ORS4 No. 1421 : Medical declaration use with a Part-FCL pilot licence until 31 March 2021.

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic we put in place a number of exemptions for licences and medicals recognising the fact that it could be impossible or difficult for individuals to revalidate licences and renew medicals or maintain their currency.

We have now updated the exemptions covering medical requirements ORS4 No.1408 for EASA medicals and ORS4 No.1413 for National medicals. The following licence exemptions have therefore been updated to reflect that. There are no other changes to these licence exemptions which will now remain valid until 22 November 2020 although all COVID-19 exemptions are subject to regular review as the pandemic evolves.

This table shows the previous exemption, what it has now been replaced with following the change to the medical element and what it covers:

Revalidation

Pilots will need to revalidate 12 months (to the final day of that month) from the date that their check was conducted (i.e. a check conducted on 12 August 2020 will render the rating valid until 31 August 2021.)

We suggest licence holders revalidate as soon as possible while instructors are available, and the flying weather is good.

Pilots not meeting their renewal requirements in time will have to meet the more stringent and onerous renewal requirements.

Airworthiness and maintenance

We have published an exemption to allow operators the ability to carry a copy of the Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC) onboard the aircraft for a period of up to 30-days after issue or extension of the ARC to allow the original certificate to be put onboard the aircraft.

Please see ORS4 No 1355 for details.

Further guidance for airworthiness organisations and licensed engineers is available on this page.

Cabin crew

Guidance for operators regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19) and cabin crew proficiency checks as required by Commission Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 of 5 October 2012 is available in ORS4 No 1349.

Consumer law

We have published guidance for airlines on the application of Regulation EC261/2004 in the context of the developing situation with Covid-19. 

For health guidance, please contact Public Health England for further advice.

EASA has published further guidance for airlines, which is available on the EASA website. 

Air passenger rights and face coverings

We have published guidance on face coverings and passenger rights.

Training

Candidates who have already started their Flight Crew Theoretical Knowledge Examination, will be permitted an additional 6 months. See ORS4 1353 for details.

Preparation

• familiarise yourself with new or modified procedures
  
  
• give yourself more time for everything, including routine activities
  
  
• spend time briefing as a team and acknowledge different performance levels in others
  
  
• be aware that everyone else in the aviation system may be less current and operating with reduced capacity.

Be aware

• of your own and your colleague's performance limitations, it is a threat to everyone who has been away from operational activity for a period
  
  
• that biosecurity requirements are new; they may mean that things take longer and may also cause frustration for you and other people, including passengers
  
  
• of the potential for fatigue and reduced physical and mental endurance in you or members of the crew 

In-flight

• expect errors to be made by yourself and others. Don't assume - check
  
  
• if you make a mistake, consider the cumulative effect of others doing the same
  
  
• other operators have remained active, the rapid increase in activities will introduce challenges as the airspace becomes busier again. Be vigilant, as there may be some unexpected responses
  
  
• communicate with your colleagues about your mental state and capacity, especially in unfamiliar or unexpected situations. Recognise this in others
  
  
• operate defensively especially while undertaking safety critical tasks. Ensure SOPs are followed.
  
  
• pilots should ensure appropriate use of automation to manage workload. 
  
  
• make sure you stay hydrated and eat enough. This will help to maintain your individual alertness and performance. 

Sharing experience

• use all feedback systems to report issues, including pro-active reporting and Employee Assistance Programmes.
  
  
• seek support from and offer support to colleagues before a situation deteriorates.
  
  
• allow yourself adequate time to rest and recover. 

Following the second national lock down, it is important to prepare thoroughly for when your return to the skies does occur, so that you are ready for it and can make the most of it. We therefore offer the following advice for GA pilots in readiness for their return:
 
Before you go flying, please remember that various educational material is available either from us or the GA associations and supporting bodies. Our restart checklist is available at www.caa.co.uk/cap1919 with more detail at www.caa.co.uk/cap1925 
 
Many airfields, ATC units and areas of airspace have yet to return to normal and may be either closed or have changed operational hours and availability. Please consult an online flight planning tool and check NOTAMs (please make sure you review the whole NOTAM, important information such as activation and deactivation timings is often only contained in the body of the text). Also, remember if you're using an unlicensed airfield or private strip you may need to seek permission first, even for a touch and go. 
 
So please plan ahead, make requests in good time and, as many areas of the country are extremely busy with GA activity, have an alternative plan if your destination or air traffic control are unable to meet your request due to COVID or operational restrictions. 

Public Health England has produced guidance for health and safety procedures for UK airports. This guidance has been sent to all major UK airports.

If you are working at an airport and require this guidance, please contact Public Health England.

Guidance for airfields on operations at a licensed aerodrome by aircraft that do not require the use of such a facility is on our website  

As we continue to support industry through the Covid-19 pandemic, we are aware of a potential demand to support the carriage of patients who are symptomatic of the virus, where there is benefit in the provision of installing a bio-containment system to protect the crews operating both fixed and rotary wing aircraft.  Information has been provided to the CAA from both regulatory bodies and approved organisations, which has enabled us to develop a route to permit these installations.

While we have made contact with critical service providers, we would like to advise industry on the most expedient way to obtain approval for the carriage of bio-containment systems.  We will provide alleviations in relation to the manufacturing of parts, in order that there are no delays to operations when the requests are made by health care providers to provide this service.  We ask that these steps are followed by organisations seeking approval to use such systems:

1. Where a Design Organisation (Part 21J) is involved - An application is made to the competent authority (EASA) for the change.  At the time of application, or retrospectively the CAA are contacted at peter.moule@caa.co.uk to advise of the proposed change.

• i.      complete an exemption application , for the purposes of containment systems / crew protection these will be processed free of charge,  and;
• ii.      complete a safety case / risk assessment for the proposed change - the applicant will be forwarded the detail when you contact us

2. Where no Design Organisation (Part 21J) is involved - The operator should make contact with an approved Part 21J organisation to support the change, however recognising the operational urgency, and the potential delay in getting the approval of such a system please contact peter.moule@caa.co.uk to advise of the pending change in advance of the following.

• i.      complete an exemption application, for the purposes of containment systems / crew protection these will be processed free of charge and;
• ii.      complete a safety case / risk assessment for the proposed change - the applicant will be forwarded the detail at time of contacting us.
• iii.      After the exemption has been granted, it is likely that you will need to engage the services of a suitably approved design organisation (Part 21J), to complete a detailed review of the design. Further mitigations, or exemptions may subsequently be required as a result.

The Government has received a large number of offers of support from the aviation industry during the COVID crisis.  To handle these offers, Crown Commercial Services (an agency of the Cabinet Office) has established a single web portal for organisations to submit their offers (https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus-support-from-business). 

NHS Trusts and local government agencies will follow this official government process to make sure the operators and pilots chosen are suitably qualified for commercial air transport flying as this is required to undertake the work. Pilots/operators should not accept requests for assistance through any other means. 

To source an aircraft for transport cargo or passengers work related to COVID-19 NHS Trusts and local authorities should contact: HACA.requests@gmail.com or 07395 949777.

We are acutely aware of the impact that COVID-19 is having on UK aviation and are committed to supporting all sectors to recover as quickly and as safely as possible.

The fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on a fall in demand for aviation across the board has resulted in an understandable reduction in the capacity of some air traffic control units. As aviation restarts it will take time for these units to bring operational teams back online (many of them across the UK have been forced to furlough employees and reduce the amount of operational staff on duty) and for all the services they provide to return to normal capacity. We also anticipate a gradual recovery in LARS provision as staff at both MoD and civil units will have been either redeployed or furloughed during the 'lockdown'. Consequently, LARS services may not be immediately available or at most a Basic Service may be the best that can be provided while staff recover their competencies.

Following a review of how the return to service could happen we believe that when the current 'lockdown' and its related restrictions are relaxed and these air traffic control units start to recover there may be a mismatch between their capacity and the demand from the GA community. In these unprecedented times it is vitally important that every stakeholder plays their part in supporting the aviation industry to recover. We are therefore temporarily requesting GA pilots to support this build up of capacity by air traffic control units by filing a flight plan prior to departure if they are intending on accessing an airport CTR or CTA.

The request to file a Flight plans does not apply in the following circumstances:

• If there is an aircraft emergency
• If you are operating under an existing Letter of Agreement between the aircraft operator and the air traffic control unit responsible for the airport CTR/CTA

More information on filing a flight plan is available at: https://publicapps.caa.co.uk/docs/33/20130121SSL20.pdf

This temporary request is solely focused on those who require pre-planned access to airport CTAs/CTRs and does not affect flying in any other airspace. Importantly this measure is not meant to discourage or impede GA from using airways. Filing a flight plan does not remove the need to call when approaching the boundary for clearance. 

These measures are temporary and we will be looking to remove them as soon as possible. We will be reviewing the restrictions on a monthly basis.

Exemptions

The CAA has published the following exemptions to support the industry through the COVID-19 outbreak:

• ORS4 No 1352 - Part 147 Exemption for Basic Training Schools against the 90% Attendance Requirement
• ORS4 No 1354 - Extension of Validity Periods for Licences, Ratings and Certificates of Aircrew, Instructors, Examiners, Aircraft Maintenance Licence Holders and Air Traffic Controllers
• ORS4 No 1355 - Exemption in respect of the requirement to carry the original EASA Airworthiness Review Certificate onboard the aircraft during all flights
• ORS4 No 1356 - BCAR Section L Licence validity extension
• ORS4 No 1371 - Installation of a Temporary Separation Barrier between the Cockpit and Cabin area of Aircraft used to Transport Key Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic
• ORS4 No 1372 - Exemption from the requirement for rigid outer packaging for biological substances, Category B, UN3373 samples

Details of all COVID-19 related exemptions.  

Following the recent and unprecedented COVID-19 developments, this update details how our airworthiness team and the wider organisation are working under these circumstances. Given the measures recently announced by the Government, our airworthiness team is now working remotely until further notice. Our team in the Shared Service Centre are also working remotely, however we still have the ability to support the industry through the normal routes. During the period, we wish to advise we will be working in the following way:

Oversight and audits

It is our intention, where possible, to continue to maintain our onsite oversight activities as per our current scheduled programme. However, recognising guidelines for social distancing we will be utilising remote methods such as video conferencing and telephone calls. In advance of any planned audits, you will be contacted by your allocated surveyor who will advise you of the information required in advance of the audit. This will require the organisation to answer several questions and provide information. This will relate to the organisations Safety and Quality Management Systems.

Assessments of initial, renewal and variation applications

Our Shared Services Centre's (SSC) Airworthiness and Technical Standards teams will continue to process your applications in the usual way and you should not notice a difference in service. If for any reason our capacity and therefore time to process is impacted, we will let you all know. 

We are presently working on the provision of providing electronic versions of certificates, that will be sent with an accompanying email that proves the validity. These certificates may not look like the normal versions you receive. Electronic versions of certificates will be recorded by our Shared Service Centre and will be replaced in the future once we re-establish our normal services.

C of A's, Export C of A's and Permits to Fly 

Our team in Airworthiness and Shared Service Centre are available to support these activities and we would not expect there to be any impact with regard to the issuing of Permits to Fly. We expect an impact in our ability to conduct C of A's and Export C of A's due to the current travel restrictions and advice from Public Health England. Please contact your allocated surveyor in the case that these services are required, and we will advise of the preferred route to conduct the activity.  

Licence applications, variations and renewals

Licence applications, renewals and the addition of type ratings will continue to be processed through our Shared Service Centre in the usual way. New licence applications may take longer to process due to our ability to access our office at Gatwick. We do not anticipate, currently, any impact on our renewal and variations (adding of type ratings).

Reporting of safety related events 

During these unprecedented times, we would kindly request your support to our teams carrying out their oversight activities. This will be aided by the reporting of all safety significant events, as defined in EU.Reg 376 / 2014 via the Mandatory Reporting System (MOR).  

As a result of the restrictions implemented to control the spread of the COVID-19 the UK CAA has adopted revised working practices for the issue of Airworthiness certificates or Permissions to aircraft owners, operators and approved organisations.

The revised working practices include a change to the issue of electronic certificates or permission digitally signed by the CAA and sent via electronic transfer methodologies.

The certificate or permission will be accompanied by an e mail explaining the validity of the document and carriage requirements on board an aircraft in the case of Aircraft Approval Certificates.

The Electronic certificates are rendered valid as the original documents in their digital form. When printed a copy of the accompanying email must be stored with the certificate or permission copies to confirm the validity of the documents.

For Aircraft Electronic Certificates when printed, they satisfy the on-board carriage requirements for aircraft engaged in international air navigation in accordance with UK Air Navigation Order (ANO) Article 229, Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 Air Operations and Articles 29 and 31 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation as well as the requirements of Annex 7 and 8 to the same Convention.

This revised process is expected to continue whilst current working practices are in place and will be reviewed when the situation changes.

To enable organisations flexibility with regard to their internal Quality Audit plan, the below listed guidance has been provided to enable organisations to understand the various scenarios which exist when delaying any internal audit; its possible ramifications and where required seek CAA agreement.

Regulations requiring audit plan acceptance by competent authority (Part M, Part 145, 147, BCAR )

Delaying an audit within the prescribed regulation time scales

Delaying an audit (or multiple audits) for a period of time but still completing the audit plan within the specified time periods as required by the regulation should be managed by the organisations internal Quality/SMS System with an updated Quality Audit plan provided to the CAA along with substantiation why the audits cannot be completed as scheduled. In this case the CAA will not issue any documentation but merely acknowledge the submission.

Unable to Complete the Audit Plan within the prescribed regulation time scales

Provided that there are no safety related findings or significant MORs in the last 12 months, the organisations independent audit time periods specified within the applicable regulation and associated AMC/GM material may be increased subject to agreement by the CAA. A revised audit plan should be submitted along with substantiation why the audits cannot be completed as scheduled and within the specified periods of the regulation. Once agreed the CAA will issue a Temporary Arrangement document where necessary confirming acceptance of such arrangements and any caveats which may be required in a specific instance.

Regulations not requiring audit plan acceptance by competent authority (Part 21G) 

As Part 21 does not require audit plans to be submitted to the CAA, the organisation should use its procedure as identified in the Exposition for amending and controlling the internal audit and supplier audit plan including the approval of changes by appropriate management personnel.

When approving changes, management personnel for production organisations should consider the following:

While in the current situation it is understandable for an organisation to consider postponement of planned audits as part of a mitigation strategy to reduce contact between personnel, the level of audit should not be reduced below that needed to ensure continued production conformity (such as product audits or other evaluations such as First Time Pass Rate/other KPI reviews) or to a level that creates a backlog of QMS audits that cannot be anticipated to be recovered during the audit period. Consideration could also be given to alternative methods of oversight or evaluation, such as independent desktop evaluation of recorded operator self-audits or of supplier/subcontractor declarations.

When planning appropriate resource to maintain production, organisations should remember the need to plan for appropriate supervision and production conformity oversight (by inspection/evaluation/audit) as well as the direct production activity. Where reduced production volume or risk/performance based assessment of an internal area or supplier is used as a justification for reducing planned audit activity, this should be recorded as part of the approval of the amended audit plan. 

This is a reminder to organisations- AOC/CAT-Operators, Part M/CAMO and associated Maintenance, Business/Corporate Operations, Rotorcraft, General Aviation and State Aircraft. Also applicable to Leasing organisations.

For additional information on General Aviation flights for maintenance checks, ferry and engine health under COVID-19, please see the guidance on this page, directly below this section.

This general notification covers- Engines and APU'S, Operation during preservation/storage, Fuel and Biocides, Rotorcraft transmissions.

As a result of the current Covid-19 situation, many aircraft are being taken out of service on an unplanned basis and undergoing preservation. While larger organisations will have established procedures, this will need to be addressed by organisations for whom this is not a normal aspect of their business. In addition, the numbers of aircraft involved can produce a challenge in terms of availability of the specified preservation equipment and processes

This notification seeks to assist organisations, particularly those unfamiliar with the storage and preservation of aircraft, by reminding them of the appropriate measures and sources of information available, so that when aircraft are returned to operational service they can do so with a minimum of additional disruption whilst maintaining an appropriate level of safety.

General 

Organisations involved in operation, maintenance and maintenance management of stored/parked aircraft are reminded that they are, as a minimum, required to follow the aircraft type certificate holder recommendations for correct preservation methodologies identified via the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) and/or the Engine Maintenance Manual (EMM).

Engines should be protected and preserved from contamination and deterioration, as a failure to strictly follow TC holder instructions could result in deterioration of internal engine components such as mainline Bearings, Compressor and Turbine components and associated systems such as Engine Controls, Electrical, Fuel, Oil and Hydraulic Systems. In addition Rotorcraft drivetrain and rotating dynamic components will also need to be considered. 

Where it is not possible to follow the TC holder AMM/EMM instructions because of the current circumstances, for example lack of availability of equipment then application should be made to the appropriate Type Certificate holder for acceptable alternative instructions. 

Some TC Holders have already issued specific communications to operators, CAMO organisation and Maintenance organisations regarding approval of alternative methods as a result of the COVID-19 restrictions. When TC holder deviations are granted, the CAMO and the Maintenance Organisation must maintain adequate records of the approval of the deviations. The workpack and any release documents must refer to the TC holder deviation in order to demonstrate that the aircraft has been maintained appropriately at the point of reinstatement of any flying activities, and it should be ensured that that all non-standard equipment or materials have been fully removed before the aircraft/engine is operated to avoid damage or inflight issues.  

Auxiliary Power Units (APU)

For aircraft equipped with auxiliary units, similar consideration should be included when preservation and storage periods are considered.

Blanking of intake and exhaust

Engines and APUs can quickly deteriorate if, as a minimum, the correct blanking to the Intake and Exhaust is not properly installed and checked and maintained. This is the first line of defence to protect and preserve engine(s) against potentially damaging ingress of FOD which may cause unforeseen airworthiness issues. 

Experience has shown that birds also cause unexpected obstruction resulting in potential damage which could have been prevented by effective blanking.

Some Type Certificate Holders/manufacturers may authorise, via special technical requests, approval of non-standard engine protection/blanking equipment if the OEM approved items cannot be obtained quickly.
As mentioned above, adequate records of the acceptance of these alternatives must be retained.

Environmental conditions

Reference must be made to the Type Certificate Holders/manufacturers maintenance recommendations (AMM, EMM) for storage in differing environmental conditions. 

Storage and preservation in conditions of elevated humidity, particularly if adjacent to saline environments i.e. coastal airfields, should be additionally considered for the effects on the engine internal air passages and electrical connections, whereby corrosion etc. may be exacerbated.  Compressor linings may typically be at risk of deterioration during such periods. 

Correct blanking of intake and exhaust provides mitigation against such conditions.

Corrosion Inhibiting- may be necessary, depending on the length of time the engine may be required to be in preservation and non-operation. 

Dessicant materials- may also be required to be utilised. Refer to the Type Certificate holders/manufacturers recommendations. Inspection/checks at a recommended period for such moisture mitigation may be required to prevent unnecessary moisture build-up and deterioration of the dessicant.

Windmilling- in some instances, depending on exposure of the aircraft to wind direction and gusting while parked and because of the design configuration of the particular oil system and bearing lubrication, it may be necessary to prevent rotation of compressor and turbine rotor assemblies. The Type Certificate Holder/ manufacturers maintenance recommendations (AMM, EMM) for windmilling mitigation techniques should be consulted.

Operations during the preservation period

All aircraft manufacturers provide and publish instructions for both short and long periods of preservation of installed engines. The Operator/CAMO and maintenance organisation are strongly advised to adhere to the relevant instructions and preservation methodologies, which may include the following:

• Dry cranking
• Ground starting and running for short periods at idle
• Ground starting and high-power running

The above starting and running being undertaken in various combinations such as weekly/monthly or longer schedules will be particularly important if the aircraft/engine is expected to be placed back into service quickly.

Close inspection should be accomplished of the intake, bypass, exhaust and any other ductwork or aperture, drain line/masts, access doors, etc. prior to the above activity for potential blockage and obstruction that could cause avoidable damage to the engine. In addition, fuel/hydraulic system leaks due to unforeseen seal and pipe connection/interface deterioration may have taken place during the storage period. 

Organisations should be aware that over-fuelling and potential pooling of flammable liquids may provide sources of ignition and fire on initial start-up i.e. hung starts.

Note- in certain instances, if the airfield where the aircraft is stored is non-operational, then ground starting and running may not be permitted for safety reasons due to suspension of airfield fire services. 

In this case a dry crank may be the only option if permitted on the specific engine type. Consultation with the CAMO, the maintenance organisation and/or the TC Holder in such circumstances is strongly advised.

Fuels and biocides

The Operator/CAMO should build into their storage programme some microbiological testing of the fuel as any water left in the fuel will settle, allowing the growth of micro-organisms (bacteria, moulds, yeasts) in water boundary layer and feed off the hydrocarbons in the fuel. Good housekeeping is the first measure to prevent water accumulation in the fuel tanks with regular water drain checks.

In the case where microbiological contamination is detected and needs to be treated with biocides, all maintenance personnel, aircraft owners and operators are expected to follow current/latest instructions from the aircraft / engine TC holder. 

Any application of a Biocide into the fuel system of an aircraft must be carried out in accordance with the Type Certificate Holder's instructions and great care must be taken to ensure the correct amount is administered to the fuel. Many TC holders mandate the use of a metering rig to control the biocide application.

Where biocide usage is approved for airframe application only, the engine(s) should not be operated with fuel containing biocide and the aircraft TC (STC) holder is to provide appropriate maintenance procedures to prevent ingestion by the engine of fuel containing biocide.

In response to EASA SIB 2020-06 and the “All Operator” message published by Dupont removing KATHON FP 1.5 from aviation use, CAA has been working in partnership with the Health and Safety Executive to obtain the necessary permissions allowing the import of BIOBOR JF as an alternative Biocide for operators to use.

The CAA has been advised that temporary permit number UKCSP-2020-02 has now been issued for 180 days allowing the import of BIOBOR JF into the UK. This permit will remain in force until 27th October 2020, with work continuing to try and secure an extension. This communication will be updated if an extension is secured.

Organisations are advised that in line with the permit requirements, orders of BIOBOR JF have to be made through Aviall - organisations can place an order directly with Aviall if they already have an established account. Contact details are provided below for information.

Aviall can be contacted at: 

Email - europe@aviall.com
Tel - 31-252-245-900

Aviall also have a sister division, Boeing distribution services, contact:
Email - timm.boehmcker@boeingdistribution.com

Please be aware that the CAA cannot enter into correspondence regarding the conditions for the permit. 

As a mitigation in the interim period the Operator/CAMO/maintenance organisation should consider the following as best practice while their respective aircraft are in the stored/parked conditions:

• Carry out regular fuel / water drain checks
• Carry out Microbiological contamination testing
• Follow Type Certificate Holders Recommendations for the application of a biocide
• Operators / maintenance organisations should have robust training / procedures for engineers adding biocide to an aircraft and introduce a second check were possible before the application commences to minimise any chance of exceeding the maximum dose.
• For each application of an approved biocide additive, record the following information:
  • i. Type of biocide used 
  • ii. Quantity of fuel in the aircraft tank before additive injection
  • iii. Quantity of fuel uplifted into the tank when injecting the biocide additive 
  • iv. Quantity of fuel in the tank after injection of the biocide additive
  • v. Quantity of biocide additive injected for each application

Rotorcraft Transmissions

Where the Aircraft is non-operational for extended periods the impact of environment and storage conditions on the rotorcraft drivetrain and rotating dynamic components must be considered. The Operator/CAMO should consult their contracted maintenance organisation or the Type Certificate Holder (TCH) with respect to any necessary maintenance to minimise the possibility of component deterioration.

Gearbox inhibiting, blanking and anti-corrosion techniques for exposed fescalised portions and areas of close tolerance movement such as damper pistons, mast, swashplate and bearings should be taken in to account when rotorcraft are inactive for the extended period. Main gear trains, if not appropriately preserved, may lead to the instigation of unnecessary corrosion, which while initially may not be realised on restarting operations, may subsequently lead to early removal or component failure in later service.

Appropriate maintenance work orders detailing work carried out and the need for recovery action post storage will be required to demonstrate TCH instructions have been complied with.

Mitigation of the above may be addressed by regular starting and running, however in all cases the Operator/CAMO should follow the recommendations of the applicable aircraft and engine TCH using their published approved data, such as the Aircraft Maintenance Manual or Service Bulletins. In the absence of such data the Operator/CAMO should contact the aircraft /engine TCH directly for advice.

We have implemented the following temporary changes to our personnel licensing service: 

• The over-the-counter licensing service at Aviation House is currently closed until further notice. This includes any applications, certification of documents, surrendering licenses or document drop-off and collection.

   

• All applicants are now required to apply via our electronic application methods (CAA online platform, eLicensing or email documents to licenceapplications@caa.co.uk), and submit certified copies of documents. Submitting a postal application or original documentation will result in delays in both processing and despatching your documents. 

   

• During this period, please note that the time to process applications may take longer than usual while we adjust our processes and deal with a large number of requests at the same time.

   

• Applicants who have misplaced or invalidated their licence are reminded that they are not covered by ORS4 No.1354 and will therefore be required to apply for a replacement licence. 

Please note that this advice may be revised at short notice. Thank you for your ongoing support and patience.

Exemptions

The CAA has published the following exemptions to support the industry through the COVID-19 outbreak:

• ORS4 No 1352 - Part 147 Exemption for Basic Training Schools against the 90% Attendance Requirement

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• ORS4 No 1353 - Theoretical Knowledge Examination Completion Period as required by Commission Regulation (EU) 1178/2011 as amended

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• ORS4 No 1354 - Extension of Validity Periods for Licences, Ratings and Certificates of Aircrew, Instructors, Examiners, Aircraft Maintenance Licence Holders and Air Traffic Controllers. We have published further guidance on our website. 

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• ORS4 No 1355 - Exemption in respect of the requirement to carry the original EASA Airworthiness Review Certificate onboard the aircraft during all flights

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• ORS4 No 1356 - BCAR Section L Licence validity extension

Applications for PPL(BA) licence

Flight training hours for the issue of a PPL(BA) should be completed in the 24 months prior to the date of application for the licence.  As a consequence of COVID-19, the validity period for these flight training hours is being increased as detailed in the next paragraph. 

Flight training hours undertaken between 16 March 2018 and 8 December 2021 are considered as valid for the training requirements towards the issue of a PPL(BA) and should be duly recorded in the applicant's logbook. 
A successful Flight Test is valid for licence issue for 9 months from the date of passing only and is hereby not extended.

Any queries or requests for further guidance regarding this should be addressed to CAA General Aviation Unit (ga@caa.co.uk).

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has temporarily amended its policy as detailed below: 


1) the CAA and extends the period for theory examinations to 24 months, subject to the conditions stated below:

a) candidates must already have commenced the examination process, having completed at least one examination sitting on or before the 16 March 2020; and 


b) while there will be a permitted extension to the 18-month time allotted for completing the entire series of theoretical knowledge examinations, the scope of the exemption will not include any changes to the required pass mark, the maximum number of attempts per paper, and for the CPL(B) the maximum number of sittings as currently required; and


c) Examiners are required to annotate the theoretical examination element of the application form with the following 'COVID-19 delay'


2) The CAA also extends the validity period of examinations completed that were due to expire on any date from 16 March 2020 to 31 May 2021 inclusive until 30 November 2021, applicants are to annotate their application with 'COVID-19 delay'.

To assist the air display community during and post COVID-19 we have extended the currency requirements detailed in CAP 403 and CAP 1724 for Display Pilot Authorisations ('DAs'), Display Authorisation Evaluators ('DAEs') and Flying Display Directors ('FDDs').

Display Authorisations 

Following an initial 12 month period, DAs have a validity of 13 months. To help the community during this time DAs due to expire between 31st March 2020 and 31st October 2020 that cannot be revalidated under the normal process described in CAP 1724, can be extended until 22 November 2020. This extension is not available to pilots with initial issue DAs.

Any pilot using this extension must first receive a briefing from an appropriately authorised DAE (The requirement at para 11.22 CAP 1724 where a display pilot is not permitted to have a DA assessment conducted by the same DAE for more than two consecutive years is not applicable for this extension ) to refresh the required level of theoretical knowledge for the aircraft category (or type where specified on the DA). That briefing should be based on the contents of CAP 1724 Appendix C: DAE Evaluation Checklist (the briefing may be carried out remotely) and must be completed before any display flying. 

The DAE completing the briefing must confirm via email to GA@caa.co.uk the date that the display pilot received the briefing and that the DA expiry date has been extended. The display pilot must carry a copy of this extension with their DA. 

The display pilot must provide a copy of the DA and any extension issued to the FDD of any planned flying display along with form SRG1327: Pilots Certified Declaration for Submission to the Flying Display Director.

All pilots holding a valid DA must attend a display symposium within the first 12 months of the issue of their DA and then at least once every three years.  During the current situation we will put in place a 12-month extension of this requirement for pilots who had registered for the 2020 pre-season flying display symposium.  We will automatically record this on our database.

Delegates who had registered and paid for the 2020 pre-season flying display symposium will be automatically registered for the 2020 post-season symposium and all fees that have been received will be carried forward. 

Flying display currency

Once GA restrictions are lifted by the UK Government, and prior to undertaking a Flying Display and in addition to any specified aircraft currency requirements for 'Permit-to-Fly' ex-military aircraft as detailed in CAP 632, all display pilots (with or without the DA extension) will be subject to the following minimum currency requirements:

Display pilot minimum currency requirements preceding a flying display

Display aircraft                    Within 30 days of date of display

All Display Aircraft                three complete display routines flown or practised in DA category

Display pilot minimum aerobatic currency requirements preceding a flying display

Aerobatic 
skill level                            Within 30 days of date of display


All aerobatic skill levels        Three complete display routines flown or practised in DA category 

Pilots must include at Para 2d of SRG1327: Pilots Certified Declaration for Submission to the Flying Display Director (FDD) details of these minimum currency flights that have been undertaken, along with the list of associated manoeuvres for the proposed display.  

Flying Display Directors 

As FDDs may not be able to maintain the currency requirements set out at Para C7 of CAP 403 a 12-month extension is available to FDDs whose planned flying displays have been cancelled. To use this extension please contact the CAA GA Unit with details of the cancelled display(s) and previous FDD history so that we can amend your details.  

FDD's must check that participating pilots comply with the COVID extension requirements ensure before they are permitted to participate in a flying display.  

All other requirements contained within CAP 403 and CAP 1724 remain in place.

Queries

Please email the Air Display Regulation Manager at GA@caa.co.uk 

Advice for all CAA examination candidates and Approved Training Organisations (ATOs)

The CAA has restarted examinations at Aviation House Gatwick and at a number of UK and International venues. To ensure compliance with government mandated social distancing requirements and other health and safety measures we have had to reduce capacity and amend the schedule at a number of venues.

We are dealing with exam sessions in date order, please be aware that your exam session time and date is subject to change. The CAA are working hard to minimise the impact of any changes and where possible these changes are being made in consultation with ATO's but ultimately amendments will be at sole discretion of the CAA.

Any travel and related expenses incurred by the candidate to attend any CAA examination will not be refundable by the CAA in the event that the CAA amends an examination due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Please make sure you view the dedicated exams pages for more information on the schedule and policies.

Guidance for FCL flight crew candidates

Guidance for AML engineering candidates

It is ok to admit you don't feel ok

You might be surprised to hear that you're not alone if you feel anxious. Work, relationships, finances and life in general can be challenging at times, creating stress and worries that can weigh heavily on our minds.  Many of us will be finding life in the current situation even more stressful and when this is combined with not being able to do the things that we usually do to de-stress and relax such as playing sports, meeting friends, going on holiday, this can have a negative impact on our mental wellbeing.

Feeling low, anxious, worried or even tearful is not something to be embarrassed about and you shouldn't ignore how you are feeling. So, whilst it is OK to not feel OK, it is important to share how you are feeling with someone and to ask for the help and support that you need.

Do not be afraid to ask for help

When we are under more pressure than usual and when things are worrying us or playing on our mind, we may behave differently than normal. Everyone reacts in different ways, but when the balance tips towards us not coping with life as well as we usually do, it isn't uncommon to feel upset, irritable or short-tempered. You might lose your appetite, or you might be comfort eating.

You might have increased your alcohol intake to try to relax or relieve stress. You might feel tearful and withdrawn, avoiding social interaction- even if the current rules restricting this are partly responsible for feeling this way to begin with. 

Not being able to concentrate, not being interested in the things you usually enjoy, having a low sex drive and not being able to sleep might also be clues to suggest your mental health is suffering. These are all recognised symptoms of depression and any one of these should prompt you to speak with your GP, AME, family, friends or colleagues.

Things will get better, and the best way to ensure this happens is to share your problems and ask for the help you need.

Help and support is available, don't hold back

If you are feeling unwell, low or anxious it is important that you talk to your GP for support. Our links may help with maintaining your mental wellbeing and with finding other sources of support, including self-help, and you can find these listed in the “Info for Crew and ATCOs” section. As well as seeing your GP, you can also speak with your AME.  They will have experience in helping others who are in a similar situation to you and can provide useful advice and support.

Asking for help is the best option in the long-run

Asking for extra support or help does not automatically mean you are unfit for work. It does mean that you should be having a conversation with your AME so that a proper mental health assessment can be made. If you or your AME do feel that you are not fit for duty and need time off work, then the appropriate steps can be taken to make sure you get the help you need. By seeking advice and help early, it might mean that you can safely continue to work, or if you can't, then you may get back to work quicker in the long run. 


Some people may need to start treatment for their mood, either medication or talking therapies. Once you are well again, it is possible to fly/control whilst continuing to take certain antidepressant medications, following an appropriate assessment through your AME. This will likely involve a CAA doctor too. It is important that you report any changes in your health to your AME and that you do not fly/control until a fitness decision has been made. However, the important thing to know is that most people will get through any problems and return to flying or controlling again. If you do need a period away from flying or controlling whilst you recover, you can find an outline of the process for regaining your certificate on the main CAA medical pages. 

See the mental health guidance material on our website for more information.

To make them more relevant in the current state of COVID-19 and clearer for stakeholders, we have updated our exemptions covering medicals and licences.

The general exemptions that extended medical expiry dates (E5057, E5067 (orig E5026), E5068 (orig.5037), E5069 (orig. 5049)) have therefore now been revoked. 

The non-medical elements have been updated in a new set of licence-related exemptions and the remaining medical provisions are now in two exemptions ORS4 No.1408 and ORS4 No.1413, the first E5121 relates to UK-issued EU licences, and the second E 5122 for UK national licence.

Background

The COVID crisis and its health and social effects, together with the measures taken by Government has placed an unprecedented strain on the UK economy, the aviation industry, the health service and the AME system.

The medical aspects of the earlier COVID-related exemptions were principally designed to manage the effect on the ability of applicants to attend and AeroMedical Examiners (AMEs) to undertake the medical examinations required by the EU Aircrew regulation.

At the time the exemptions were originally issued, there was considerable uncertainty as to the duration, severity and impact of the pandemic and therefore the maximum permissible duration was chosen with a plan to periodically review the continuing need and scope. 

The COVID crisis is a dynamic situation and depending on the pandemic situation, Government Public Health guidance and AME capacity, exemptions, guidance and information will be updated periodically as the situation evolves

Exemptions E 5121 and E 5122

Key changes to the medical exemptions include:

• Bringing the extension period for medicals within International Civil Aviation Organisation standards (which allow for a maximum 45 days extension)
• Making the start date of new medical certificate validity extension periods 31st August 2020 to align with guidance issued by EASA and implemented in other nations
• Extending validity extensions to the end of 2020 and encouraging people to renew medicals as AME capacity increases post lockdowns to avoid a future bow wave of renewals.

The new medical exemptions are available here: List of Official Record Series 4 issued in response to COVID-19  

To help we have developed additional guidance:

• Exemption E 5121 only applies to EU medical certificate holders with UK-issued EU licences, i.e. where the UK is the State of Licence Issue. Non-UK EU licence holders should contact their own EU issuing nation for advice.
• Exemption E 5122 applies to medical certificate holders with UK-issued UK national licences. 
• The exemptions only apply to medical certificate validity dates. Commercial pilots cannot use the exemption to extend flying for single-pilot commercial air transport or multi-pilot commercial air transport beyond their calendar age of 60 and 65 respectively. (PART FCL.045).
• To take advantage of any validity extension, the medical certificates or cabin crew medical reports must have been valid at the time when extended by the exemption. This means that if a medical certificate had expired before 23rd March 2020 without revalidation the certificate cannot be extended and a renewal examination is required to exercise licence privileges. Also, if a pilot becomes unfit during the extension period, an assessment by the AME and a renewal medical is required before licence privileges can be exercised.
• For certificates extended by the exemption between 23 March 2020 and 31 August 2020, the extended validity ends on 22 November 2020. This means that medical certificate holders who use this exemption must have a medical before 22nd November 2020 to exercise licence privileges after 22nd November 2020.
• For certificates extended by the exemption after 31 August 2020 and before 31 December 2020 (inclusive), the validity extension ends after a maximum of 45 days or on 31 December 2020, whichever is the sooner. 

Action required:

Commercial pilots with a Class 1 medical and air traffic controllers with a Class 3 medical are asked to:

1. Undertake their revalidation medical examinations at their normal time wherever possible
2. Renew any exemption-extended medical certificates in a timely fashion to avoid creating an unmanageable demand on AME capacity in October/November that could result in others not being able to renew/revalidate certificates in time.

Pilots applying for a Class 2 medical or LAPL certificate applicants are asked, where possible, to also reduce the demand on AMEs by using the CAA self-declaration system and related exemptions where appropriate.  To help with this we are aiming to extend the scope and timing of general exemption E5045.

Attending your AME for a medical examination

During the period of government restrictions relating to COVID-19, there are different area/regional-specific 'lockdown' periods and requirements relating to work, travel, social distancing and PPE. AMEs and the CAA are monitoring changes to Government guidance and regulations and as these develop, AME examination activities are resuming according to dynamic risk assessments of the AME and their practice, and individual applicant   circumstances. Therefore, please discuss your situation with your AME to make sure they have capacity particularly for short notice requests. If you cannot see your usual AME then, as a last resort, you may use an alternative. (UK-certificated AME contact details are on the CAA website), and other EU states' medical department contacts (where AME lists can be obtained) are published by EASA. 

The exemptions apply to medical certificates of UK-issued licence holders. If you are overseas you can return to the UK or a nearby country with UK- or EU-approved AME where you can obtain a medical, subject to complying with local government public health guidance and regulations. If you are flying in another state using a validation of your UK-issued EU licence and medical, you should contact the licensing authority who has issued your validation for further advice on privileges.

Cabin crew medical reports

The validity extensions for cabin crew remain unchanged and expire on 22nd November. Please ensure you make arrangements for your cabin crew medical assessment with your AME or Occupational Health Medical Practitioner (OHMP) in good time to maintain the validity of your cabin crew attestation and avoid the potential peak predicted demand for assessments anticipated in October/ November 2020.

Medical assessments (fitness to return to flying/controlling)

If you have recovered from a COVID-19 infection and want to return to duties please see this Class 1/2/3/LAPL Medical Certificates: COVID-19 Assessment Process flowchart.

There will be medical certificate holders who need to provide reports (e.g. annual cardiology review for coronary artery disease) to their AME and/or the CAA in the normal way to maintain their certificatory status. These actions should continue and medical certificate holders should make best endeavours to provide the reports by the required time. Planning ahead can avoid issues

If medical certificate holders experience difficulties arranging reviews and investigations with their private or NHS doctors/advisers, their AME may be able to advise them of local or other alternative specialists or providers. Where a medical certificate holder has difficulties arranging reviews and investigations that cannot be overcome in the short term, then the AME may be able to approve an extension of up to three months on the requirement deadline to provide the reports. Any further extension requests or management of complex cases will be referred to the CAA. If it is impossible to maintain safety assurance then, unfortunately some commercial pilots and ATCOs will need to be assessed as unfit until assurance is regained. 

Existing commercial pilots and ATCOs attending the CAA psychiatry. drugs and alcohol and diabetic clinics will be contacted directly by the CAA. Face to face clinics at Aviation House have restarted and our capacity to provide these services is expanding. We will prioritise our psychiatry and addictions clinics. Some consultations are being temporarily converted to video consultations on an individual basis if deemed appropriate. Pilots / ATCOs will be contacted as early as possible to make the necessary arrangements for these. 

Due to the effects of delayed medical examinations and delayed provision of medical assurance reports, the CAA Medical Assessment Team is under considerable pressure at present. Many of the referrals come to us via your AMEs who has visibility of your case on the medical records system, so can assist with assessment updates if required.

Please note that the CAA Medical Assessment Team will primarily use encrypted email to correspond with you regarding your medical fitness. If you receive a message to confirm your email address, please reply promptly to enable the team to get the information to you as soon as possible. Any medical certificates will be sent by post. 

Medical examinations with an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) should only take place where there is an urgent need for a pilot to renew their medical certificate (for instance, if the pilot needs to continue flying for the purposes of work), and there are no alternative options available. 

For example, pilots may be able to maintain their medical currency using other mechanisms such as Pilot Medical Declarations (if they meet the required criteria), or through the extension of their current medical certificate under relevant Exemptions issued for that purpose by the CAA.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness. Although clinical trials are underway, there are no vaccines or recommended treatments yet.

The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so it is important that you take care to cough or sneeze into your flexed elbow. Washing your hands more often and for longer, 20 seconds as a minimum, as well as not touching your face will help prevent transmission of the virus.

If you suspect you have COVID-19 pilots you should seek immediate medical advice from the NHS.

If you are admitted to hospital/and or have continuing symptoms from COVID-19 then you should seek aeromedical advice from your AME once you return home and before you next fly/control. Any medical reports relating to more serious periods of illness will need to be reviewed by your AME who will follow CAA guidance. 

Pilots/ATCOs who make a full uncomplicated recovery should not fly/control for a minimum period of 7 days from full symptom resolution. You should speak to your AME if there is any doubt and speak to your employer to check company policy on returning to work. For general advice on isolating with symptoms, see the NHS guidelines.   

There is CAA guidance for AMEs on the process for assessing fitness following COVID-19.

There is currently no evidence to suggest any long-term health implications following infection with COVID 19. Those who are more seriously unwell or who have had significant respiratory impairment will likely require closer follow up.

Peer Assistance Networks (PANs) 

A forthcoming EU Regulation (2018/1042) requires operators to enable, facilitate and ensure access to a proactive and non-punitive support programme that will assist and support flight crew in recognising, coping with, and overcoming any problem which might negatively affect their ability to safely exercise the privileges of their licence. 

A number of networks are already up and running. They consist of trained peers (pilot/ATCO volunteers) who are willing to listen and support you when you need an impartial, friendly peer at the other end of the phone. They may cover topics such as your psychological well-being, relationship problems, work/life balance, work pressures, career options and financial problems.

In general, they cannot act on your behalf, provide expert opinion, advice or treatment but they will be supported by a team of psychologists and can listen, understand your challenges and help you find solutions or sign-post you to where you might find help. 

Employee Assistance Programmes

Many employers provide access to Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) which are usually operated by independent companies and provide confidential access to teams of trained and qualified professionals who are experienced in helping people with a wide range of issues. Specialist information, advice and support can often be given over the telephone or via web or email services.  EAPs usually offer independent confidential information and support to help resolve complex stressful issues including debt, family matters, parenting, health and employment. Counselling services may available through some programmes. 

Occupational Health Services

Some employers will also have Occupational Health Services, either as in-house services or contracted through an external provider. Occupational Medicine (OM) is a specialist medical field and doctors and nurses who have completed OM training diagnose, manage and prevent disease that has been caused or exacerbated by workplace factors. They are concerned with all aspects of the effects of work on health and health on work. Preventing illness and injuries that can occur as a result of work are an important aspect of OM, as well is rehabilitation following any illness or injury and assisting people with returning to work safely. Psychological factors are important in occupational medicine and helping to manage mental health issues is a big part of an OM doctor or nurse's role. 

Drugs and alcohol support

During uncertain times, drinking alcohol or using substances may be a tempting way of relaxing or taking your mind off personal worries. Drinking more than 14 units of alcohol a week can have a negative effect on your health.

Advice on cutting down is available from the Royal College of Psychiatrists along with links to other organisations that can help such as Alcoholics Anonymous and UK Smart Recovery.

There are organisations specifically for pilots including Birds of a Feather International.  

Self-help

There are a variety of resources available to help you to maintain or improve your mental health or to help you spot changes with guidance on how to manage these. Some are particularly targeted at people working within the aviation industry for example:

An Aviation Professional's Guide to Wellbeing from the Flight Safety Foundation 

Project Waypoint

More general advice is available from:

• The British Psychological Society  

There are a variety of meditation and mindfulness apps available. Some are free to use, others come with subscriptions.