News and Updates – FAA Working with Nation's Airports to Prepare for COVID-19 Vaccine Arrivals

/0 Comments/in /by

WASHINGTON Today the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provided planning considerations to assist the nations airports to facilitate the safe and efficient transportation of COVID-19 vaccines.

Airport operators have a unique role in the transport of vaccines to the American public, said FAA Administrator Steve Dickson. Each airport is different, and we are here to support them and make sure they have the information they need as vaccines move through our nations transportation network.

Airports should consider the following aspects of their operating environment to ensure they are fully prepared for aircraft carrying COVID-19 vaccines. This includes both those airports identified for shipments that will transition at airports as well as those that that may serve as alternate/divert airports, even if they will not be a primary destination for aircraft carrying COVID-19 vaccines.

Considerations include:

  • Aircraft rescue and firefighting coverage. Part 139 certificated airports will generally have adequate personnel and equipment for aircraft transporting COVID-19 vaccines. However, some aircraft used for vaccine shipment may be larger than the aircraft used for passenger-carrying flights that typically serve that airport. Therefore, an airport operator may opt to have extra aircraft rescue and firefighting coverage available.
  • Adequate snow removal equipment and procedures. The airport operator may consider having additional equipment and personnel available to assist with timely snow removal operations, to clear runway(s)/taxiway(s) for aircraft transporting vaccines.
  • Adequate aircraft parking areas. Airport operators may want to coordinate with other users so that appropriate parking locations to support the type(s) and numbers of aircraft involved are available for vaccine transport aircraft when needed.
  • Coordination with local air traffic control facilities. Airport operators should work with their local air traffic control facilities before and during any vaccine transport flights movement on the airfield.
  • Priority access to the airfield for freight vehicles. Airport operators may consider landside vehicle control and a possible staging area for freight vehicles awaiting their cargo to quickly and safely move shipments of COVID-19 vaccines off-airport.
  • Engagement of federal security and local law enforcement. Airport operators should consider advance coordination with the Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and/or local law enforcement, as necessary for security needs, minimizing customs clearance delays and inspections, and vehicle traffic control.

The FAA works around the clock to keep air traffic moving and will prioritize flights carrying essential cargo, such as vaccines, and personnel critical to the nations response to COVID-19. Visit FAA.gov for updates on the agencys response to COVID-19.

News and Updates – Pilots and Air Traffic Controllers May Receive Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine, with Appropriate Precaution

/0 Comments/in /by

WASHINGTON Following the Emergency Use Authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for Pfizer, Inc.s COVID-19 vaccine, the FAA has determined that pilots may receive the vaccine under the conditions of their FAA-issued airman medical certification. FAA Air Traffic Controllers, who are subject to FAA medical clearance, may also receive the vaccine.

To maintain the highest level of safety in the National Airspace System, the agency will require aviation professionals with medical certifications or medical clearances to observe a period of 48 hours following the administration of this vaccine before conducting safety-sensitive aviation duties, such as flying or controlling air traffic.

Because the Pfizer vaccine requires two doses, 21 days apart for maximum effectiveness, this waiting period applies after each dose.

The FAA anticipates taking no additional measures to ensure safety after the initial window for side effects closes. However, the agencys medical professionals will continuously monitor the initial distribution of the novel vaccine and documented clinical results and will adjust these recommendations as needed.

The FAA will evaluate vaccines from other manufacturers as they receive FDA authorization in the coming weeks and months and will advise pilots and air traffic controllers of any waiting periods required for those vaccines.

The FAA applies similar brief waiting periods after administration of other vaccines, including those for tuberculosis and typhoid.

The FAA encourages Americans to receive COVID-19 vaccinations as authorized by FDA. This policy announcement pertains to a specialized group of FAA-certificated professionals who perform safety-sensitive aviation duties.

For more information, please visit the Medical Certification page at faa.gov.

News and Updates – FAA Statement on First Flight of COVID-19 Vaccine

/0 Comments/in /by

WASHINGTON Since the onset of the COVID-19 public health emergency, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has worked proactively with other U.S. government agencies, air carriers, and aviation stakeholders to ensure the continued safe transport of critical medical supplies and personnel. As a result of the historic pace of vaccine development through Operation Warp Speed and careful logistics planning, the FAA today is supporting the first mass air shipment of a vaccine.

The FAA established the FAA COVID-19 Vaccine Air Transport Team in October to ensure safe, expeditious, and efficient transportation of vaccines. Several vaccines need continued cold temperatures during transport, which, in some circumstances, require dry ice, a hazardous material. The FAA is working with manufacturers, air carriers, and airport authorities to provide guidance on implementing current regulatory requirements for safely transporting large quantities of dry ice in air cargo.

In addition to mitigating safety risks related to the safe transport of vaccines, the FAA is ensuring around-the-clock air traffic services to keep air cargo moving and prioritizing flights carrying cargo, such as vaccines, and personnel critical to the nations response to and recovery from COVID-19.

News and Updates – FAA Moving Forward to Enable Safe Integration of Drones

/0 Comments/in /by

WASHINGTON The FAA published airworthiness criteria for the proposed certification of 10 different Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) or drones as special class aircraft. This is a crucial step to enabling more complex drone operations beyond what is allowed under the small unmanned aircraft rule (Part 107), including package delivery.

The development of airworthy, durable, and reliable unmanned aircraft is a crucial step forward for this innovative sector, said Dr. Michael C. Romanowski, director of Aircraft Certification Service Policy and Innovation. Type certification will help increase both public and regulatory confidence in drone technology as operations become more advanced.

The airworthiness criteria provide a level of safety equivalent to that provided by existing airworthiness standards applicable to other categories of aircraft, and establish a defined path to type certification for specific drones. Each applicant seeking a type certificate must follow FAAs requirements and safety objectives.

Airworthiness criteria notices are published in the Federal Register for the following applicants:

The applicants drones range from five to 89 pounds and include several types of vehicle designs, including both fixed wing and rotorcraft, and are all electric powered. Each notice outlines the applicants proposed UAS for certification and the airworthiness criteria proposed by the FAA.

This is a step in the certification process and does not imply these applicants have earned type certificates. Final determination of whether a specific drone meets FAA safety requirements will occur after the applicant demonstrates they have complied with these requirements.

The public has 30 days to comment on each applicants airworthiness criteria, and deadlines are specified in each individual notice. The FAA will consider the comments as it establishes criteria for type certifying each UAS and will publish final airworthiness criteria after the comment period closes.

News and Updates – FAA Offers Tips to Fly Healthy during the Holidays

/0 Comments/in /by

If your holiday celebrations involve flying to see family and friends, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) encourages you to visit FlyHealthy.gov for updated federal guidance to safely navigate all aspects of air travel during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

The website provides one-stop access to all of the resources and latest travel-related information from the FAA, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Department of State (DOS).

It also walks an airline passenger through each step of the air travel process to help everyone have a safe journey and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

In addition to always wearing a mask in the airport and on the aircraft, maintaining social distance and frequently washing your hands, the site offers a few other key travel tips, including:

  • Check travel restrictionsat your destination before you go and when you return home.
  • Bring extra supplies such as masks and hand sanitizer. As a temporary exemption from the 3-1-1 rule, TSA is allowing one oversized liquid hand sanitizer container, up to 12 ounces per passenger, in carry-on bags.
  • Pack Safe!Know what is in your carry-on and checked bags and remove prohibited items before arriving at the checkpoint.
  • Know when to delay your travel. If you are sick, stay home and do not travel!

Regardless of where you traveled or what you did during your trip, you may have been exposed to COVID-19. You may feel well and not have symptoms, but you can be contagious without symptoms and spread the virus to others.It is important to take action when returning home to protect others from getting sick.

Go here for general air travel safety tips. Fly Healthy, fly smart and enjoy the holiday.