As pilots, we assess risk on an ongoing basis. The situation with
COVID-19 affects risk to ourselves and to others around us. As the
pandemic ramps up in Canada and particularly here in BC, the health care
system and emergency services will be stretched thinner and thinner.
Panic and fear-mongering are harmful but so too is complacency. Things
are not "business as usual" and may not be for months.
If you choose to fly, consider flying more conservatively than you
otherwise might. Consider just ground-handling instead. (Who can
honestly say they do enough of it?)
At some sites, we are a very visible symbol. Friday afternoon at Dallas
Rd. looked like business as usual and when that occurred to me later, I
was a little ashamed for having been part of it.
Social distancing? It didn't look like any of us had ever heard of it!
With a sport as immersive as flying, we need to make good decisions
ahead of time: That time is now.
Stay safe. There will be life (and flying) when this is over. Thank you!
Randy Smith.