Recent Articles
Things to Consider when Selecting Tech Stops
For business aircraft operators, a range of considerations must be taken into account when selecting tech stops. Ideally, you’re looking for a trouble-free experience for both crew and passengers. Some tech stop locations are easier and more reliable than others. Always consider your operations’ specification restrictions when choosing routings and tech stops and look for [...]
Flight Planning Changes in China: Continued Progress
Traffic is up both to and within China, but for business aircraft operators there can be challenges when flight planning within this region. While we’re seeing progress in terms of higher-level routings and shorter-notice permit approvals, there are still many unknown and/or restricted airways and airports within China where information from the governing authority isn’t [...]
BIG NEWS: India’s Landing Permit Lead Time Reduced to 3 Days; Overflights Now 1 Day
As reported by several news outlets late last week, the Indian government has instructed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for India to change the lead time to obtain Indian permits. That means that when the process is finalized, the lead time will [...]
ABACE 2013: Your Guide to Business Aircraft Ops in China
Since we first started this business aviation blog, we’ve released a number of articles covering business aviation operations to, from and within China. With the 2013 Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE) taking place tomorrow, jointly sponsored by the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and the Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA), we thought it [...]
Test Your AVsavvy: Leaving Singapore (Apr. 12)
Suppose that your proposed flight is as follows: Private Non-Revenue (Part 91) Registration: NXXXX Aircraft Type: Gulfstream 4 (GLF 4) Crew: 3 Passengers: 4 Itinerary: ETD SINGAPORE / WSSS 25 APR / 0440 UTC = 25 APR / 1240 LOCAL – Slot confirmed ETA DUBAI / OMDB 25 APR / 1145 UTC = 25 APR [...]
Answer to Last Week’s (Apr. 5) 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 Airport Operations for France – Ground Handling
For business aircraft operators, the availability of ground handling and Ground Support Equipment (GSE) is good at major airports in France, but limited at smaller regional airports. Best practice: work with your ground handler, in advance of arrival, to confirm required services [...]
5 Easy Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Aircraft
It’s that time of year to brush off the hangar dust and get ready for the UV-drenched bliss we call spring! If your plane is itching to get back into the skies, we’ve got five easy spring cleaning tips for getting your aircraft into great shape [...]
Which Airport to Pick in Shanghai for Business Aircraft Operations
Shanghai offers two excellent airports that seldom have issues with aircraft parking. It’s important, however, to be aware of General Aviation (GA) operating restrictions at Shanghai-area airports. There are limitations in terms of how many movements you may make per day and late-night aircraft service [...]
Business Aircraft Ops to the UEFA Europa League Final in Amsterdam
The 2013 Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Europa League Final will be the final match of the 2012-2013 UEFA Europa League – the 42nd season of Europe’s secondary club tournament. The match will take place at the Amsterdam Arena on May 15, 2013. Because of increased business aviation and general traffic for this event, [...]
Test Your AVsavvy: Traveling to Zurich (Apr. 5)
Suppose you have a flight scheduled for Zurich. The following is the proposed schedule and the appropriate information for your trip: Private Non-Revenue (Part 91) Registration: NXXXX Aircraft Type: Gulfstream 4 (GLF 4) Crew: 3 Passengers: 4 Itinerary: ETD DUBAI / OMDB 25 APR / 1245 UTC = 25 APR / 1645 LOCAL – Slot [...]
Answer to Last Week’s (Mar. 29) 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 Operating to France – Customs, Immigration & Agriculture
International business aviation arrivals in France clear customs and immigration onboard, inside a Fixed Base Operator (FBO) or at main commercial terminal. Work with your 3rd-party provider to confirm clearance processes and options at all intended destinations and fine-tune the clearance process [...]
Things to Consider When Using Generic Flight Plans
While generic flight plans can have a place in the preliminary trip planning process, it’s important to understand their limitations. Business jet operators should never use a generic flight plan to file a trip with Air Traffic Control (ATC) and should be aware that such flight plans only approximate aviation fuel burn and range capability [...]
Operating to Colombia – Landing Permits, Importation and More
In most cases, business aviation flights to Colombia don’t require landing permits, airport slots or Prior Permissions Required (PPRs) unless the intended stay is longer than 48 hours or operating domestically. For longer stays, there are permit and aircraft importation considerations to bear in mind. Always confirm with your 3rd-party provider what’s required based on [...]
Paris Air Show 2013 – Start Planning Now!
The Paris Air Show is always a very busy period, and for business aircraft operators, it’s important to begin planning – particularly for preferred hotel accommodations – as soon as schedules are confirmed. If operating a charter to the Paris Air Show, be aware of permit lead times and begin working with [...]
Test Your AVsavvy: Russia permit revisions? (Mar. 29)
Here’s another chance to test your “AVsavvy”. Suppose you are traveling to UUDD with an ETA of 1000 UTC for which you have obtained a landing permit. 3 days prior to departure the ETA has been changed from 1000 UTC to 0900 UTC. Below is the information for UUDD: UUDD AIRPORT AND COUNTRY INFORMATION: AIRPORT [...]
Answer to Last Week’s (Mar. 22) 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 Airport Operations for France – General Information
There are unique paperwork and process requirements to consider regarding airport operations in France. Operational procedures vary from airport to airport. Variations are particularly acute at smaller regional airports. Work with your 3rd-party provider to avoid any overlooked considerations in airport [...]
Considerations When Operating to Beijing
Beijing (ZBAA) is a busy airport with operating limitations that must be recognized. While the airport has become more business aviation-friendly (with the opening of a new General Aviation Terminal [GAT] in 2008), there remain restrictions to be mindful of in terms of permits, permit revisions and aircraft [...]
Passenger Catering for Extended Business Aviation Flights
Passenger catering considerations are often quite different than they are for flight crew. The choices you make will impact passenger well-being, energy levels and the ultimate success of the mission. While you don’t want to do anything to radically change normal eating patterns or passenger-preferred food [...]
Test Your AVsavvy: Galapagos travel? (Mar. 22)
Here’s another chance to test your “AVsavvy”. Suppose you have a flight scheduled for the Galapagos islands. The following is the proposed schedule and the appropriate information for your trip: Private Non-Revenue (Part 91) Registration: NXXXX Aircraft Type: Global Express (GLEX) MTOW: 99500 lbs Itinerary: ETD Los Angeles / KLAX 20 Feb 1255 UTC ETA [...]
Answer to Last Week’s (Mar. 15) 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 Visas, Culture and Hotels in Singapore
When traveling to Singapore, it’s important to plan ahead for visa and documentation requirements and to be aware of all local restrictions. Infrastructure in Singapore is excellent, and this area offers high-quality accommodation and ground transportation options, personal security, efficient telecommunications [...]
Bahrain Formula 1 Grand Prix – Tips for Business Aircraft Operators
The Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix will be held April 19-21 at the Bahrain F1 circuit. Because of increased business aviation and general traffic for this event, it’s best to begin organizing your trip as soon as possible. Here is some information to help you with your planning: 1. There are 3 primary airports to [...]
UK Air Passenger Duty (UK APD) – How it Applies to UK Business Aviation
The UK government will extend the Air Passenger Duty (APD) to General Aviation (GA) starting on April 1, 2013. The good news is that 3rd-party providers, and the industry as a whole, are working with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) daily to find solutions and clarify the processes for operators to move forward. The information [...]
Understanding Cuban Overflight Permits
While requesting and obtaining Cuba overflight permits is generally a straightforward process, it is best to use an Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)-licensed 3rd-party provider (particularly for N-registered operators) due to U.S. sanction restrictions. Overflight routing opportunities have changed somewhat in recent years, so it’s important to be aware of current permit requirements and [...]
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Flying into Rome During the Papal Installation Mass (17 – 19 March)
If you are planning to fly into Rome this weekend, please heed the following: Due to the celebrations that will be taking place for the New Pope in Rome on March 19th, 2013 and due to the visiting of ~170 Head of State delegations, the traffic in LIRA/Roma Ciampino for ALL flights, private and commercial, [...]
Test Your AVsavvy: Traveling for tourism to ZBAA? (Mar. 15)
Here’s another chance to test your “AVsavvy”. Suppose you have a request by your passenger to travel to China. He decides to travel to ZBAA but he doesn’t have any business planned there, just conduct a tourism flight. Below is the schedule and the information for Beijing: Private Non-Revenue (Part 91) Registration: NXXXX Aircraft Type: [...]
Answer to Last Week’s (Mar. 8) 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 [...]
