Recent Articles
Answer to Last Week’s (Mar. 1) 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 Permits, PPRs and Airport Slots for Singapore
While landing permits are required for all charter (non-scheduled commercial) operations, Singapore is not a difficult operating environment from the permit perspective. Keep in mind, though, that first-time charter landing permits require longer lead times. Here are some tips to help you with the [...]
VAT Exemption Programs for Aviation Fuel Purchases
In today’s economy, business aviation operators are looking to reduce operating costs whenever and wherever possible. The ability to exempt Value Added Tax (VAT) on aviation fuel purchases will save you an average of 19-20% on fuel uplifts in Europe, and this translates into dramatic operating cost savings over time. Operators must, however, do their [...]
Practical Considerations When the Fur Flies: Flying with Pets in Business Aviation
It can be almost comical to watch. Crew members accustomed to looking over trip sheets with amazing passenger manifests, including rock stars and heads of state, go weak in the knees when they see it: “Medium Dog.” Now what to do? What documents will we need for them? Can they get off the aircraft at the [...]
International Operators Conference (IOC) Conference 2013: A Trip to San Diego, California
Regulatory requirements and other operational needs can change at a moment’s notice. Our blog’s mission is to give you the information you need to stay current on these changes. With the 2013 National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) International Operators Conference (IOC) taking place today, we thought it would be useful to compile these recent U.S.- [...]
Test Your AVsavvy: ZULS travel? (Mar. 1)
Here’s another chance to test your “AVsavvy”. Suppose your passenger would like to travel to ZULS. Based on the information below, is travel there possible? LHASA (ZULS): A. LHASA/ZULS AIRPORT IS NOT OPEN TO FOREIGN-REGISTERED AIRCRAFT EXCEPT FOR OPERATORS WHO CAN OBTAIN SPONSORSHIP OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT. HOWEVER, APPROVAL TO OPERATE INTO LHASA CANNOT BE [...]
Answer to Last Week’s (Feb. 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 [...]
Airport Slot Procedures for Singapore
Airport slots are required for operations to Changi (WSSS) but are not needed at this time for Seletar (WSSL). When operating to WSSS, keep in mind that airport slots may only be available outside peak hours of scheduled commercial operations. Here is what you need to know about the airport slot procedure for [...]
Safety Management: Practical Drift and Your Flight Operation
The other day I was reading a gripping autobiographical speech delivered by a rather understated aviation icon. This individual experienced a stunning career in aviation, ranging from aerobatics to airline flying, and rubbed elbows with some of the most famous aviation icons in his time. Despite the many pointed stories [...]
CPDLC Datalink Changes for 2013
Beginning February 7, 2013, the first phase of mandated controller-pilot data link communications (CPDLC) was implemented on North Atlantic tracks (NAT). Over time, additional CPDLC and automatic dependent surveillance-contact (ADS-C) requirements will facilitate future evolution of the air traffic management system (ATM). These changes will eventually require many business aircraft to be outfitted/retrofitted with updated [...]
Flying to the Formula 1 Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix
This year’s Formula 1 Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix will be held March 22nd-24th at the Sepang International circuit, located about 60 km south of Kuala Lumpur. Business aircraft operators planning to attend the Grand Prix should make arrangements for Malaysian permits, aircraft ground services, and hotel accommodations as early as possible. 1. There are two [...]
Test Your AVsavvy: Which flight plan is correct? (Feb. 22)
Here’s another chance to test your “AVsavvy”. Suppose you have requested an optimum flight level for your flight going eastbound. The following are two flight plan options: A. FPL-NXXXX-IG -CL60/M-SDGHIRWXYZ/S -KIAH2100 -N0456F390 ELD3 ELD J29 CARIN/N0454F380 J29 MEM J42 GVE JAIKE3 -KROC0238 KMSP -PBN/A1B5C4 NAV/RNVE99 DOF/121207 REG/NXXXX OPR/XYZ CORP/C E/0443 P/5 D/3 12 YELLOW A/WHITE [...]
Answer to Last Week’s (Feb. 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 [...]
Arranging Aviation Fuel, Security, and Services in Singapore
For business aircraft operators planning a trip to Singapore, it’s recommended to always work through your 3rd-party provider or local ground handler to arrange aviation fuel, security, and additional services. With sufficient notice (usually 24 hours), just about any service you may require is doable. Here is some information arranging these [...]
Business Aviation and the Myth of Multi-Tasking
Multi-tasking is perceived as a pre-requisite for success and high productivity. I challenge that belief. Before you disagree with me, let me define multitasking: performing two tasks that demand your active and focused attention simultaneously. Notice the phrase ‘demand your active and focused attention.’ Normally we can walk and [...]
Farnborough Business Airport World Expo Is Fast Approaching
Farnborough Business Airport World Expo 2013 takes place March 19 – 21 at a conference center across the field from Farnborough (EGLF) FBO facility. This event will attract general aviation (GA) trade visitors, including FBO representatives, ground handlers, charter operators, scheduling and dispatch directors, and assorted GA service providers. 1. Will this event cause a [...]
8 Tips for Flying to the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix
This year’s Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix will be held 15-17 March at the Albert Park circuit, south of Melbourne. There are three airport options for business jet operators traveling to this event. The Australian Grand Prix is a busy period and draws large crowds. Best options, in terms of aircraft parking and hotel accommodations, [...]
Test Your AVsavvy: Overnighting in Sapporo? (Feb. 15)
Here’s another chance to test your “AVsavvy”. Suppose you are traveling to RJCC and the following is your schedule and flight information. Tail number: NXXXX Aircraft type: Gulfstream 2 (Stage 2) ETA SAPPORO / RJCC 28 JUN/0900 LCL ETD SAPPORO / RJCC 9 JUN/1230 LCL RJCC Information: ALTHOUGH AIRPORT IS OPEN BETWEEN 0700-2200 LT LOCAL [...]
Answer to Last Week’s (Feb. 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 [...]
FAQs on Arranging Ground Handling in Singapore
Singapore offers full services, good handling, and relatively easy general aviation (GA) access. The two airports available to GA differ in terms of access requirements, costs, and operational flexibility. It’s best to coordinate with your 3rd-party provider in advance to select the airfield that best suits your [...]
Hurricanes and Typhoons vs. Business Aviation – Part 2: Advance Preparation
It’s often difficult to accurately predict formation, intensity, and track of hurricanes and typhoons. These weather events, however, must be monitored closely by business aircraft operators, as they could drastically alter routing, destination stops, and safety of operation. The good news is that many [...]
Preparing for the Abu Dhabi Business Air Expo
Held in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Abu Dhabi Business Air Expo is dedicated to Middle East business aviation and attracts trade visitors primarily from within the region. Here is some information to help you with your planning: 1. When does OMAD Business Air Expo 2013 take place? Dates [...]
Understanding General Aviation Clearance Request (GCR) Airport Slots
There are several different airport slot request formats in use worldwide that impact business aircraft operations. By not being aware which format is applicable to your destination, you may face airport slot request rejections. Best practice is to always confirm the airport slot request format for your destination airports in advance and be aware that [...]
Happy Lunar New Year! 恭喜发财
My Dear Friends and Colleagues, During this truly magical time and celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year, and Year of the Snake, I send my best wishes to you and your families, for Health, Prosperity, Success…and most of all, peace. Please allow me to take this opportunity to express how much I truly appreciate [...]
Test Your AVsavvy: Schedule issues for RKSS? (Feb. 8)
Here’s another chance to test your “AVsavvy”. Suppose you are traveling from RJCC to RKSS with 27 passengers and a proposed RKSS ETA of 2215 local. RJCC Information: ALTHOUGH AIRPORT IS OPEN BETWEEN 0700-2200 LT LOCAL TIME, INT’L GENERAL AVIATION FLIGHTS ARE BANNED BETWEEN 0700-0830 LT AND 2100-2200 LT. FROM DEC 01-MAR 31, THE EARLIEST [...]
Answer to Last Week’s (Feb. 1) 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 Operations and CIQ Considerations for Singapore
Operations to Singapore will always go more smoothly with advance preparation and knowledge of airport procedures and CIQ considerations. Your 3rd-party provider or local ground handler can advise on particular restrictions and best practices when operating to Singapore’s two general aviation (GA) airports [...]
Hurricanes and Typhoons vs. Business Aviation – Part 1: Understanding These Weather Events
Hurricane and typhoon activity occurs in many areas of the world during different seasons. It’s important to understand risks and operating limitations associated with these weather events. Keep in mind that even after a hurricane or typhoon has passed through an area, there may be airport closures, fuel shortages, and limitations of services to be [...]
Top Considerations When Operating to Athens (LGAV)
Generally speaking, business aircraft operations to Athens (LGAV) are fairly straightforward. Operations can be done on short notice without need for extended lead times or advance arrangement. There’s plenty of aircraft parking capacity for destination visits. LGAV is also very efficient for tech stop purposes. Still, there are some things you should be aware of before planning a business aviation trip to Athens [...]
Heli Flight Ops – Unique Planning
Due to short operating ranges of helicopters, operators often face limitations when planning international or long-range movements. Certain countries are more complex and stringent than others in terms of requirements, restrictions, and permits. In some situations, depending upon route of flight and permits required, the most practical option may be to ship the helicopter to [...]
