Since planes are carrying lighter loads these days, pilots can miscalculate the speed and thrust needed for a landing. Aviation experts and airline representatives acknowledge that when pilots are inactive for several months, their skills and proficiency deteriorate. In federal documents, the FAA defended the grace periods, saying that putting pilots into cockpits or simulators to practice flying increases the risk of spreading Covid-19. James Belton, a captain of Boeing 767 planes and spokesman for the union that represents United Airlines pilots, said United pilots have met the FAA’s 90-day proficiency policy before going back to work and have not used the grace periods. “Our pilots only leave our training centre when they are fully trained, comfortable and ready to fly, ” he said.

Source: The Star March 18, 2021 00:00 UTC