COVID-19 RESPONSE & REOPENING PLAN

Vermont Flight Academy is open in a limited capacity. Please read through the guidance below for important information regarding new requirements and a change in services offered.

SERVICES OFFERED: 

  • one-on-one dual instructional flights
  • student solo flights;
  • rental flights;
  • instruction on theoretical knowledge to include pre and post-flight briefings; and
  • test proctoring services (max occupancy of three testers, 6+ feet of separation)

NOTE: VFA will not be offering any ground classes and will not allow more than two people in one airplane (vehicle) at a time to comply with the Governor’s executive orders and The Vermont Department of Health’s COVID-19 Guidelines.

ILLNESS: If you fall ill, COVID-19 related or not, you are expected to contact the Lead Flight Instructor or Executive Director and stay home. You are expected to contact your health provider and follow their instructions. Any illness will weaken your immune system and leave you more susceptible to catching COVID-19. If you believe that you may have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19 or who has recently traveled to a CDC Level 2 or 3 area should also refrain from coming to the airport, contact your health provider and follow their guidance.

DOWNTIME: Briefing rooms may be utilized for periods while waiting for a student or instructor to arrive, but you should plan to be outside in a socially distant area or in your vehicle while not flying.

On time is no longer 15 minutes early, show up before the scheduled start time, but as close to it as possible. This will reduce traffic buildup in the lobby area. In addition, the lobby is not to be used in conjunction with any flight operations.

CFI’s and students may not use the lobby as a waiting area in any capacity. CFI lounge may be utilized for lunch only. The CFI Lounge shall be wiped doen after use with disinfecting wipes.

Classroom shall not exceed 20 individuals and conference room shall not exceed 4 individuals to maintain proper social distancing.

PRE & POSTFLIGHT GROUND BRIEFINGS:  Briefing rooms are allowed to be utilized for pre & post-flight briefings with a few adjustments;

  • Depending on weather, windows and doors must remain open to promote airflow,
  • Briefing stations and teaching aids must be cleaned before each use,
  • Time spent in briefing rooms should be limited.

NOTE: On days where weather permits, briefings should be conducted outside at the picnic table or in the temporary outside briefing area. These areas must be wiped down prior to use.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE): Face masks must be worn in the facility and in the airplane. Gloves will not be provided but you are welcome to bring in your own gloves to improve your comfort level.

PRE & POSTFLIGHT CLEANING: Airplanes (handles, yokes, throttle, mixture, other surfaces, etc.) are to be wiped down during pre-flight with a provided disinfectant wipe. There is a container of wipes by the ramp door in the lobby. Appropriate screen wipes should be used on touch screen displays. Do not use the disinfectant wipes on the touch screen avionics.

FACILITY CLEANING: VFA will be disinfecting the facility multiple times a day. However, it is strongly encouraged that you wipe keyboard, briefing tables, and other items with a disinfecting wipe before each use. There is a container of disinfecting wipes located in each briefing room and one in the lobby.

HEADSETS: If you need to borrow a headset, they will still be available. Headsets will be disinfected by a member of VFA staff following use. All wind muffs have been removed to aid in cleaning the headsets.

LONG DISTANCE FLIGHTS: A flight outside of the state of Vermont does not require approval if the intent of the flight is to conduct pattern work at an airport other than KBTV. Please seek VFA management approval for all flights outside of Vermont that will include a full stop at another airport Fueling is acceptable, when wearing a face mask, before returning back to VFA. You are expected to sanitize your hands prior to re-entering the aircraft.

TRAVELING: If you travel outside of Vermont or live outside of Vermont, you will not be allowed to enter the VFA office or aircraft until you have completed a 14-day quarantine, or if you have not had any symptoms of COVID-19, a 7-day quarantine followed by a negative PCR test.

SOCIAL DISTANCING: The Vermont Department of Health is recommending that no large gatherings of people occur and to maintain at least 6 feet of separation from all others. While we understand that there is no possibility of six feet separation inside an aircraft, we ask that people do not congregate inside the VFA lobby and that maximum separation is maintained from others.

WASHING HANDS: We have a hand sanitizer located on the front desk for everyone. However, please keep in mind that hand sanitizer is in short supply. So, in the event that we run out, please remember to clean your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Hands should be washed at a minimum;

  • Before, during, and after handling food
  • Before eating
  • Before and after caring for someone who is sick
  • Before and after treating a cut or wound
  • After using the restroom
  • After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
  • After touching or handling an animal
  • After handling waste

CLICK HERE FOR CDC VIDEO

PROFESSIONALISM: We do not know everyone’s situation or viewpoints on this topic. To ensure that no one feels uncomfortable or personally attacked, leave your opinions at the door. We are open in compliance with the Vermont Department of Health and the CDC only.

VOSHA TRAINING: Prior to returning to work, every employee must complete the Vermont Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s COVID-19 Training Course and email a completion certificate. Employees must wear protective face masks and be subject to temperature readings upon entering the facility. Any questions or concerns should be brought up to the Executive Director.

BACK OFFICE: The door to the back office/testing center will remain closed during operating hours. If you need to access the back office, the front office staff will be able to assist you.

Alternatively, you may reach Matt Sawyer at 802-863-5988 ext 2 or Tyler at 802-863-5988 ext 4.

FRONT DESK: There will be no one allowed behind the front desk for anything. Not the TV keyboards, not for something printed, not for charging your phone, etc. If you need something, ask.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Any flight that is canceled for an illness of either the instructor or the student will not be billed according to the cancellation policy for this time. We ask that anyone who feels even remotely ill stay at home until all symptoms subside.