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FAA issues international notam regarding COVID-19

The FAA issued a notam February 9 for flights inbound to the United States from foreign countries that details the requirements for negative coronavirus test results to be shown before boarding the aircraft.

The notam is intended to ensure that flight crews have the most up-to-date information regarding the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s order that went into effect January 26 requiring everyone on general aviation flights (including the pilot) and everyone except flight crewmembers on commercial flights to present a negative result from a coronavirus test taken within 72 hours of the flight, or proof of recovery from COVID-19.

The notam is an exception to the FAA’s standing policy since the pandemic began to not issue notams regarding state restrictions on travel, CDC guidance, or other COVID-19 restrictions.

AOPA had requested the FAA issue a notam so that flight crews could have the information readily available in the cockpit.

The notam “strongly encouraged” operators to familiarize themselves with the CDC order, which comes with requirements for maintaining some records for two years.

Alyssa J. Miller

Alyssa J. Cobb

The former senior director of digital media, Alyssa J. Cobb was on the AOPA staff from 2004 until 2023. She is a flight instructor, and loves flying her Cessna 170B with her husband and two children. Alyssa also hosts the weekly Fly with AOPA show on the AOPA Pilot Video YouTube channel.
Topics: Advocacy, Notams, COVID19

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