Earlier this year, dozens of pilots reported making mistakes, such as taking multiple attempts to land, to NASA's Aviation Safety Reporting System , with many citing rustiness as a factor on returning to the skies . In September 2020, an Indonesian flight veered off the runway during landing as the pilots had did not have the opportunity to fly an aircraft in months. Airlines (and other operators) are well aware of the potential for pilot "rustiness" and continue to take steps to manage and mitigate these risks.
Major airlines have developed different training programs for pilots re-entering service, depending on the length of absence. "At a time of such unprecedented activity, it is comforting to know that the risk management processes that made airline travel safer than any form of travel prior to the pandemic will continue to drive an unparalleled travel safety environment in the post Covid-19 world," says Warfel.