Tag: aviation regulatory issues
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 [...]
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 [...]
Avoiding Issues with Sydney International Airport (YSSY) Operational Curfews
Recent advice from the Australian Department of Infrastructure and Transport has highlighted a new interpretation of Sydney (YSSY) curfew regulations and how they apply to private non-revenue and General Aviation (GA). The consequences for not understanding and conforming to these regulations [...]
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 [...]
SMS/IS-BAO Considerations for Schedulers & Dispatchers — Part 2: Implementing SMS
It’s important to take your time and do due diligence in implementing and managing an aviation safety management system (SMS). SMS needs to become integral to your overall corporate culture in order to achieve optimal performance and avoid potential pitfalls that could undermine and degrade the SMS system [...]
APIS Requirements for U.S. Virgin Islands – Updates to Processes
As a part of CBP’s next phase of compliance, along with the completeness and accuracy of data elements, they have begun enforcing the requirement for Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) FROM the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) to the U.S., whether the aircraft is pre-inspected or not in the USVI. 1. Change of interpretation for APIS [...]
SMS/IS-BAO Considerations for Schedulers and Dispatchers – Part 1: Understanding SMS
Safety Management System (SMS) regulations have been implemented in various States around the world, and the expectation is that in the next five years, many more States will follow suit. Initially, these regulations will impact those States’ registered scheduled and non-scheduled (charter) commercial operations [...]
What You Need to Know about Aviation Insurance
It’s best practice to review aviation insurance policies now and again to confirm you have correct coverage at the best price. As your operating area and business missions change, it’s important to ensure that policy coverage, format, and wording are correct and comply with individual [...]
7 Tips for Determining Feasibility of a Business Aviation Trip
While almost any international trip can be set up with sufficient lead time and preparation, there are limitations as to what is doable. The first step in the trip planning process is to determine the feasibility of an intended operation. This involves considerations such as aircraft range; crew duty; availability to permit; visa requirements; and [...]
Understanding CIQ Requirements in Spain for Business Aviation
Customs and security clearance procedures are straightforward and user-friendly for operators arriving in Spain, either from inside or outside the Schengen area. It’s important, however, to be aware of visa and documentation requirements as well as agricultural restrictions. Here are some tips to make your planning [...]
Aviation EU-ETS Update: Clarification on the EC “Stopping the Clock” Memo for Operators
The Nov 12th memo on “Stopping the clock of ETS and aviation emissions” issued by the European Commission (EC) and subsequent new material include a lot of information and statements regarding aviation EU-ETS that should be reviewed carefully. 1. Initial information regarding the changes The EU Commissioner for Climate Action, Connie Hedegaard, has shown through [...]
Aviation SMS – Idealistic Benefits for 3rd-Party Industry Standards
In our last business aviation blog post on aviation safety management systems (SMS), we discussed the pragmatic benefits of implementing a 3rd-party industry standard, which ranges from receiving a “stylish certificate appropriate for framing” to gaining a spot on a registry that serves as a demonstration [...]
SMS: Pragmatic Needs for 3rd-Party Industry Standards
In a previous post, we discussed the perceived need to implement a 3rd-party industry standard (e.g., International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations [IS-BAO], Air Charter Safety Foundation [ACSF], etc.) in order to implement a Safety Management System (SMS) effectively. [...]
U.S. Sanctioned Countries Series: Business Aviation Operations to and from Syria
This business aviation blog post is part of a series on operating to U.S. sanctioned countries. Due to the policies and actions of the government of Syria, the United States and other countries have imposed a wide range of sanctions on the Syrian government. Among other things, the U.S. sanctions on Syria prohibit U.S. persons [...]
Aviation Safety: SMS Solutions Worksheet
Aviation Safety Management Systems (SMS) are an ICAO requirement. By not having a verifiable SMS in place, business jet operators may face denial of landing permits and other issues. As this requirement will eventually impact all business jet operators, both private non-revenue and charter (non-scheduled commercial) [...]
Latest Update of Shannon U.S. CBP Preclearance
Updated September 27, 2012 U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) preclearance got off to a slow start when it was first introduced in 2010. During this introduction phase, many operators found the process troublesome and time-consuming, but things have changed over the last year. It’s now possible to pre-clear at Shannon (EINN) in about half [...]
Demystifying Venezuelan Landing Permits and Overflights
On July 17, 2012, requirements for Venezuelan landing permits changed – in a positive way. It’s now possible, in many cases, to operate to Venezuela without a landing permit. However, for operations that still do require landing permits, the process remains the same. Despite long lead times and rigorous documentation requirements, landing permits can be [...]
The Definitive Guide to Requesting Flight Permits, Part 2
This business aviation blog post is part two in a two-part series on requesting flight permits. In part one of this series, we provided seven important things you should know about requesting flight permits. Continuing from that article, here are seven more guidelines we recommend you follow: 1. Check with CAA for changes in flight [...]
Understanding Flight Permits and PPRs in Australia
With the exception of certain permit requirements and certain curfew restrictions, most business aircraft operators find Australia a relatively straightforward operating environment from the regulatory perspective. It’s best to work with your 3rd-party provider and ground handler in advance to fully understand landing permit, Prior Permission Required (PPR), and lead time requirements. If you are a business aircraft operator [...]
Aviation SMS – It’s not a “thing” you purchase
There are misconceptions in the business aviation industry regarding SMS requirements, how they can be met, and 3rd-party industry audit standards. SMS requirements have been set forth for aircraft operators in ICAO Annex VI, and guidance to meet these performance requirements have been provided in ICAO Document 9859, 2nd Ed. [...]
The Definitive Guide to Requesting Flight Permits, Part 1
This business aviation blog post is part one of a two-part series on requesting flight permits. Permit requirements for overflight and landing vary by country and type of business aircraft operation. While documentation and lead-time requirements are fairly standard at many locations, they can be more challenging at others. Always confirm latest permit documents requirements [...]
Flying to Australia: Navigating Customs, Immigration & Agriculture for Business Aircraft Operators
While customs, immigration, and agriculture rules are the same across Australia procedures differ from airport to airport. You may clear on your aircraft, at a fixed base operator (FBO) or within the main terminal depending upon destination. Vehicles may or may not be permitted to pick up planeside [...]
Flying to Brazil: 6 Tips for Navigating Customs, Immigration, and Agriculture
This is a post by author Andre Camargo. Andre is Country Manager for Universal Aviation Brazil which has aircraft ground handling facilities in São Paulo, Brasilia, Manaus, Recife, and Rio de Janeiro. Andre is an expert on business aircraft operations in Brazil and can be contacted at andrecamargo@universalaviation.aero. This business aviation blog post is the [...]
SMS Implementation and Practical Considerations for Business Aviation Operators
There’s no easy way to implement an effective Safety Management System (SMS) that will serve your organization well. However, an effective SMS can result in tangible and worthwhile benefits, such as enhanced operational safety and regulatory compliance. In any case, all operators will eventually have to meet [...]
U.S. Customs for Non-U.S. Registered Charter Aircraft (Active Trip): Clearing U.S. Customs
This business aviation blog post is part of a series on U.S. Customs for Non-U.S. Registered Charter Aircraft and continues from our previous post. For charter (non-scheduled commercial) aircraft operators, clearing U.S. customs involves additional documentation, procedures and lead times than it does for private non-revenue operators. Additional considerations come into play when operating a [...]
APIS, TSA and DOT Authorization Info for Non-U.S. Registered Business Aircraft
For business-aviation operators, the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) process is generally trouble-free, so long as the rules and requirements are well understood and followed. However, incorrect filings can result in delays and potential fines. It’s important to keep in mind that filing APIS does not negate the requirement to notify customs of your arrival. [...]
U.S. Customs for Non-U.S. Registered Charter Aircraft (Pre-Trip): Making U.S. Customs Arrangements
This business aviation blog post is the first part of a series on U.S. Customs for Non-U.S. Registered Charter Aircraft. The U.S. has a rigorous customs clearing process. Any errors in the APIS and customs set up and clearance process can result in operational delays and challenges to what should otherwise be a smooth inbound [...]
6 FAQs about Using Your Border Overflight Exemption
Please note that changes have been made with regards to the Border Overflight Exemption (BOE) process effective June 17, 2013. For more information on the new changes, please see our article "Breaking News: CBP Changes BOE Process – Effective June 17, 2013." This aviation blog post is part of a series on border overflight exemptions [...]
Understanding SMS Programs for Business Aviation
A Safety Management System (SMS) can be a tricky area and hot topic for many business aviation operators who want to implement a program like it. These operators may have misconceptions about what an SMS actually is, what it means and what it’s supposed to do. While enforcement of this International Civil [...]
Operating under the Visa Waiver Program: Top FAQs from Business Aviation Operators
This aviation blog post is part of a series on the visa waiver program and continues from our last post: “Visa Waiver Program and Business Aviation: Answers to Common Questions.“ Operating as a signatory carrier into the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is a straightforward and usually trouble-free process. As VWP authorization goes [...]
