ICAO and EASA have taken the position that, starting from March 31 2021, they expect the establishment of a normal regime, i.e. that they should no longer resort to exemptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. A significant number of countries in the world have used the instrument of extension of validity as one of the actions to maintain the validity of certificates and permits of aviation entities and aviation personnel in the past period.

As part of the preparation activities for the return to normalization of flight, ICAO and EASA have published a set of instructions and useful material for aviation entities, which the national aviation authorities have regularly forwarded to end-users. Additionally, ICAO has designated a special web page for CCRD (COVID-19 Contingency-Related Differences) https://www.icao.int/safety/COVID-19OPS/Pages/ccrd.aspx

EASA has also designated a special web page https://www.easa.europa.eu/the-agency/coronavirus-covid-19  for similar purposes, in order to inform the aviation public in a timely manner. The same approach was applied by the CAA, meaning that there is on our website a special web page with all the useful information regarding COVID-19, https://caa.me/me/covid-19

Finally, it is important to point out that the mechanism of the possibility of extending the validity of certificates as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic ends on March 31, 2021 and after that date there will be no current possibility to extend the validity of the certificates. Aviation entities and aviation personnel should plan their activities in such a way as to ensure that all requirements are met in order to maintain compliance beyond that date.

The CAA is available for any additional questions and clarifications.