This story is part of AIN's continuing coverage of the impact of the coronavirus on aviation.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is expected to expand pre-departure Covid-19 testing requirements to all passengers arriving into the U.S. from international destinations, NBAA is advising. NBAA, which recently met with FAA and CDC officials, expects the policy to be released shortly, building on requirements that apply to UK commercial passengers. Under those requirements, passengers from the UK must present negative results from a Covid test taken within three days of departure.
Based on discussions, NBAA expects that the CDC will require all aircraft operators, including operators of general aviation flights, to confirm documentation of negative qualified tests of passengers two years or older; ensure that name and date of birth on qualifying tests match passengers' documentation; confirm that tests were performed within three calendar days of the flight; and collect and retain verification documentation for two years.
Further, operators are expected to be prohibited from boarding any passenger without confirmation of a negative test. However, the association added that liability for falsified documents will reside with passengers.
NBAA anticipates that in addition to children under age two, exemptions will be provided for crewmembers, emergency air ambulance flights, and military flights.
The association advises operators to review the CDC order once released for details such as what constitutes a valid test. Further, NBAA said, since the situation is continuously evolving, the requirements could change before they are published.
“The pending policy illustrates the ever-changing environment of international aviation operations in the Covid-19 era,” said Brian Koester, NBAA director of flight operations and regulations. “Operators need to plan ahead and stay on top of current guidance and requirements, especially if they’re spending extended time abroad, since these policies change often.”
A key concern for the association revolves around passengers from regions that may not have adequate testing documentation capabilities. “NBAA requested the FAA clarify how to handle passengers departing from areas that do not have testing or documentation that meets the CDC requirements for a qualifying test,” Koester said. “Some passengers departing from more remote areas of the world simply can’t meet these requirements.”
