A procedure has been set up for requests to carry out essential maintenance flights from Haverfordwest Airport.

The airport has been closed to non-essential flights since Friday, March 24 following Government information that there should not be recreational flying during the coronavirus outbreak.

However, a change to Government guidance now allows essential maintenance activity to take place.

This covers post-maintenance check flights, ferry flights to or from maintenance facilities and engine health flights.

Pembrokeshire County Council, which operates the airport, emphasised that only essential maintenance flights will be considered.

There is strict criteria in place for these flights.

Before applying to carry out a maintenance flight, owners, operators and pilots must read the full details under ‘GA Maintenance Flights’ at www.caa.co.uk/Our-work/Newsroom/COVID-19-guidance-for-commercial-and-recreational-aviation/

These details confirm that only solo flights by fully qualified pilots are permitted.

The aircraft must not be rented-out or flown for financial gain.

At all times the measures introduced to reduce the spread of Covid-19, such as social distancing, remain applicable.

Pilots must submit a request for a maintenance flight to the control tower by email to [email protected] setting out the details of how they meet the criteria set out by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)

This information is required for the airport to record the flights and provide information to the CAA and/or police if requested.

If the pilot is able to demonstrate that they meet the criteria and confirm they will undertake their flight in accordance with the guidance, a date and time during licensed hours will be agreed.