Recent Articles
Update: Managed Part 91 Aircraft and the “New” IRS position on FET
As I wrote about previously, back on March 9, 2012, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) chief counsel released new guidance affecting aircraft owners and lessees who contract with aircraft management companies to employ pilots and provide services on their behalf. In so doing, the chief [...]
Breaking News: CBP Changes BOE Process – Effective June 17, 2013
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced changes to its Southern Border Overflight Exemption (BOE) process which go into effect June 17, 2013. With the latest changes provided by CBP, more flexibility is given to operators traveling through this area. The official notice from CBP is below. Changes to the CBP Overflight Exemption Process [...]
St. Petersburg, Russia International Economic Forum – Business Aviation Trip Planning Tips
The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) runs June 20-22 in St. Petersburg, Russia. The forum provides a unique platform for global leaders to engage with their peers in finding solutions to the most pressing global issues. This will be a particularly busy period for St. Petersburg – in terms of business aircraft movements and [...]
Test Your AVsavvy: Landing in Frankfurt (June 14)
Suppose you have the following proposed trip: Registry: NXXXX Aircraft Type: G5 Type of flight: Part 91 Crew: 3 Passengers: 2 ETD NEWARK/KEWR 22 JUN/1900 UTC ETA FRANKFURT/EDDF 23 JUN/0150 UTC ETD FRANKFURT/EDDF 25 JUN/0900 UTC ETA NEWARK/KEWR 25 JUN/1640 UTC KEWR INFORMATION: UTC CONVERSION: – 4.00 AIRPORT OPERATING HOURS: 24 HOURS PEAK HOURS: 0800-1000 [...]
Answer to Last Week’s (June 7) AVsavvy Question
In last Friday’s AVsavvy question, we showed you a flight schedule and some airport information and asked you to find the error. IMPORTANT: If you haven’t yet participated, YOU CAN STILL TURN BACK NOW AND TEST YOUR SKILLS. Below is the answer and explanation. Thank you to everyone who participated. We are happy to report [...]
BizAv Trip Planning Tips: G8 Summit 2013, Northern Ireland
Some of the world’s most powerful leaders – including heads of State from Canada, France, Italy, Japan, Russia, the UK and the US – will meet June 17-18, 2013 for the 39th annual G8 Summit. This year’s G8 will be held at the Lough Erne Resort on the shores of Lough Erne in County Fermanagh – about 60 miles (96 km) [...]
LASIK and the Possible Repercussions for Flight Crew – Understanding the Risks
In my previous article , I discussed things to consider before selecting LASIK (or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) as a treatment option for vision correction. For those who have determined that LASIK is the option for them, it’s important to understand the risks involved [...]
Risks Volcanic Activity and Ash Clouds Have on Business Aviation – Part 1: Determining Risks
While it’s relatively rare for volcanic activity to impact routine global aviation activity, there are occasional dramatic examples of operational disruptions. The potential risks of operating in regions of volcanic activity range from flight schedule disruptions to catastrophic engine [...]
Business Aviation Trip Planning: German Formula 1 Grand Prix 2013
This year’s German Formula 1 Grand Prix will be held July 5-7 at the Nurburgring circuit. Note that this is a different race track, and location, than last year’s Nordschleife event. The 2013 German Grand Prix is anticipated to draw a large crowd and may result in increased General Aviation (GA) traffic. Due to this [...]
Test Your AVsavvy: Feasibility issues with the trip? (June 7)
Suppose your passenger requests the trip below on July 15th: Registry: NXXXX Aircraft type: G4 Type of flight: Part 91 Crew: 3 Passengers: 3 ETD DUBAI/OMDB 23 JUL/0400 UTC ETA MUMBAI/VABB 23 JUL/0700 UTC ETD MUMBAI/VABB 23 JUL/0800 UTC ETA DELHI/VIDP 23 JUL/0930 UTC ETD DELHI/VIDP 26 JUL/0330 UTC ETA AGRA/VIAG 26 JUL/0900 UTC ETD [...]
Answer to Last Week’s (May 31) AVsavvy Question
In last Friday’s AVsavvy question, we showed you a flight schedule and some airport information and asked you to find the error. IMPORTANT: If you haven’t yet participated, YOU CAN STILL TURN BACK NOW AND TEST YOUR SKILLS. Below is the answer and explanation. Thank you to everyone who participated. We are happy to report [...]
Airport Slot Procedures for France
Airport congestion exists in France, particularly during special event periods, and airport slot planning can become important during pre and active trip phases. For business aircraft operators, best practice is to be aware of airport slot windows and to request and revise airport slots [...]
LASIK and the Possible Repercussions for Flight Crew – Understanding Your Options
LASIK (or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a relatively new laser eye surgery technology. The first laser was approved for LASIK in 1996; however, the long-term safety and effectiveness of the surgery are still not clearly understood. Before pilots or crew members commit to eye [...]
Tips for Business Aircraft Ops to Europe in the Summer
Operating to popular European destinations during summer months can be challenging, as you’re often dealing with high demand/limited supply situations. For short-notice trips to busy Mediterranean destinations, it’s critical to begin preparations with your 3rd-party provider and ground handler as early as possible to avoid potential delays, repositions and day-of-operation issues. Here is what you [...]
Trip Planning Preparation: British Formula 1 Grand Prix 2013
The 2013 British Formula 1 Grand Prix runs June 28-30 at the Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit north of London. This promises to be yet another busy event, bringing a large amount of General Aviation (GA) traffic into the UK. Business aircraft operators planning on flying into the UK around the time of this event need [...]
Test Your AVsavvy: ICAO 2012 discrepancies (May 31)
Suppose you’ve updated your 3rd-party provider with the ICAO 2012 data for your aircraft. The PBN information you provided is (PBN/A1B1C1D1) along with the Item 10a information (SDFGHRWXY) and Item 10b information (/S). Based on the above information, which option below is correct? Answer below and come back next Friday to see if you got [...]
Answer to Last Week’s (May 24) AVsavvy Question
In last Friday’s AVsavvy question, we showed you a flight schedule and some airport information and asked you to find the error. IMPORTANT: If you haven’t yet participated, YOU CAN STILL TURN BACK NOW AND TEST YOUR SKILLS. Below is the answer and explanation. Thank you to everyone who participated. We are happy to report [...]
Tips on Flight Permits/PPRs for France
Prior Permission Required (PPR) is needed for some locations in France. While landing permits are only necessary for charter (non-scheduled commercial) and experimental aircraft operations, there are restrictions, lead times and operating limitations to consider. If this is your first charter [...]
In-Flight Catering Tips: Hors d’Oeuvres – Try Something New
Hors d’oeuvres – or gourmet appetizers – are probably the number-one food item your passengers are going to consume onboard a business aircraft flight. Think of hors d’oeuvres as the “ice breakers” that will set the tone for the rest of the flight. Catering is the one aspect of the flight [...]
Coming Soon: Russian Landing Permit Changes – Effective May 30, 2013
The Russian Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced important changes related to landing permit requirements effective May 30, 2013. The good news for operators of non-scheduled flights to Russia is that permit application lead times have been reduced, permit validity has been extended, and fewer [...]
IS-BAO is Voluntary – an Added Value
In previous articles on aviation safety management, we have alluded to the relationship between Safety Management Systems (SMSs) and 3rd-party audit standards, such as the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) and the Air Charter Safety Foundation’s Industry Audit Standard (IAS). However, based on feedback we are hearing from the industry [...]
Test Your AVsavvy: ETP and ETOP calculations (May 24)
Suppose you have a flight that requires both ETPs and ETOPs. For this flight you would like both the ETPs and ETOPs to be the same. What are the differences in how an ETP is calculated vs. an ETOP? Based on the above information, which option below is correct? Answer below and come back next [...]
Answer to Last Week’s (May 17) AVsavvy Question
In last Friday’s AVsavvy question, we showed you a flight schedule and some airport information and asked you to find the error. IMPORTANT: If you haven’t yet participated, YOU CAN STILL TURN BACK NOW AND TEST YOUR SKILLS. Below is the answer and explanation. Thank you to everyone who participated. We are happy to report [...]
Paris Air Show 2013 Update – Requirements for Bizav Operators
The 50th International Paris Air Show takes place biennially and occurs this year, June 17-23. The event takes place at Le Bourget Exposition Center – at Le Bourget (LFPB) airport north of Paris – and brings together aviation trade visitors and exhibitors [...]
Business Aviation Trip Planning: Tokyo International Conference on African Development
The Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) takes place June 1-3 in Yokohama, west of Tokyo. More than just a conference, TICAD has become a major global framework for Asia and Africa to collaborate in promoting Africa’s development. Due to increased demand for aircraft parking and hotel accommodations during the [...]
Canada Formula 1 Grand Prix – Tips for Business Aircraft Operators
Several good airport options are available for business aircraft operators intending to visit the Canada Formula 1 Grand Prix which runs July 7-9 at the Circuit Gilles Villeneaux in Montreal. Here’s some information to help you with your trip planning: 1. There are 3 primary airports to consider for the Canada F1 Grand Prix Three [...]
EBACE2013 Special: Your Guide to Business Aircraft Ops to Europe
Since we first started this business aviation blog, we’ve released a number of articles covering business aviation operations to, from and within Europe. With the 2013 European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) taking place tomorrow, jointly hosted by the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) and the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), we thought it [...]
Test Your AVsavvy: Proposed schedule issues (May 17)
Suppose you are planning your trip and the following is your schedule: Registry: NXXXX Aircraft type: GLF4 Type of flight: Private non-revenue Crew: 3 Passengers: 3 ETD NARITA/RJAA 1 May / 2000Z = 2 May / 0500 local ETA HONG KONG/VHHH 2 May / 0025Z = 2 May / 0825 local The following is the [...]
Answer to Last Week’s (May 10) AVsavvy Question
In last Friday’s AVsavvy question, we showed you a flight schedule and some airport information and asked you to find the error. IMPORTANT: If you haven’t yet participated, YOU CAN STILL TURN BACK NOW AND TEST YOUR SKILLS. Below is the answer and explanation. Thank you to everyone who participated. We are happy to report [...]
It’s Official: Lead Time Reduced for India Flight Permits
Last month we announced the news that the Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) would be reducing the lead time to obtain Indian clearances in the official Civil Aviation Regulation (CAR). Effective May 13, the CAR has been published, and lead times [...]
