Changes to Foot and Mouth measures for travelling pilots

After consultation with authorities, veterinarians and landowners, it seems the threat of Foot and Mouth being brought in from overseas – Bali in particular – is not as high as first thought when the outbreak happened a couple of years ago.

The committee have decided to reduce the requirements a little. 

We suggest not wearing any footwear used in Bali at all, but if you must, please scrub shoes and harnesses with 4% Acetic Acid solution (Household vinegar can be used) and let dry fully. Washing your wing is best but quite impractical so air-dry it, spread out on the floor, for at least a week on return. We suggest NO FLYING AT ALL for the first week after return to be really safe.

There might still be some residual risk after this, so as a courtesy to our generous landowners, we INSIST that you contact them to get permission if flying within 2 weeks of return. You can explain the measures you have taken and let them decide. It's really not up to us as pilots and visitors to their property.

We know these are stronger measures than Australian Biosecurity have, but we don't want to risk the livelihoods or relationships we have with landowners in any way. Please respect that.

These measures mean you might miss a few days flying immediately after return, and a few phone calls might be required within 2 weeks, but we feel that it’s a small inconvenience. We might not have any legal recourse for pilots breaking these guidelines, but we can – and will –  publicly name and shame those who don’t respect the courtesy calls to landowners.