The National Air Transport Association has published guidance to FBOs and other business aviation ground handlers to help them manage risks and take extra safety precautions during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The document describes operational steps management should take, such as ensuring a “next-in-line” system to perform critical tasks and providing personal protective equipment, as well as steps to take to minimize the chance of infection spreading to facilities and how to quarantine and clean aircraft.
Quarantining measures to take when the passengers and / or crew are known to or suspected of being infected with the Covid-19 virus include isolating the aircraft in a remote-staging area, the use of sterile gloves for handling baggage and the notification of local health authorities.
The document advises that high-risk, high-traffic areas such as pilot lounges, telephones, front counters, door handles, keyboards and elevator buttons should be cleaned with disinfectant / antiseptic solutions hourly. Other facilities should be disinfected on a “frequent basis” and exercise rooms should be closed.
Other measures to enforce social distancing of 2m (6ft) should be taken, such as limiting the number of passengers in any ground transport, not entering aircraft and staggering lunch times to avoid lunchrooms becoming busy.
NATA’s guidance for FBOs and ground handlers can be found here.
