Urgent Operational Notices

Visit this page for important operational and regulatory updates. Contact your Trip Support Services Team for more information.

Not yet a Universal® client? Our specialists can help you navigate changes and regulatory issues like these. Contact our Sales team at N. America (800) 231-5600 ext. 3300 or Worldwide (713) 944-1622 ext. 3300, or e-mail sales@univ-wea.com.

Shannon U.S. Customs pre-clearance now more efficient!

CBP no longer requiring shutdown of certain aircraft systems

Effective June 15, 2011, the process of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) no longer requires the full shut down of certain aircraft systems for CBP RIID Scan Process, making pre-clearance U.S. Customs and Immigration at Shannon Airport (EINN) for Part 91 and Part 135 operators more efficient.

Full Pre-clearance Process:

  • To clear CBP in Shannon, Part 91 operators need to give 24 hours' notice to CBP, and Charter (Part 135) operators need to give 48 hours' notice.
  • CBP is available between 0700 and 1900 local times. Saturday opening times are from 0700–1500. Extensions are not available.
  • CBP clearance times are allocated based on ETA. CBP slots have some flexibility, but delays may occur if the ATA clashes with another CBP arrival particularly if it is a large commercial flight.
  • Average times from chocks on to chocks off including CBP clearance is about 60 minutes.
  • NEW! Recent changes in the use of auxiliary power units (APUs) will save time, as previously the aircraft and all flight systems had to be powered down for CBP RIID Scan Process.
    • Aircraft equipped with an (APU) exhaust and intake port located on the fuselage eight feet or higher from the ground may remain powered and any electrical systems served by the APU (navigational, comfort, safety, etc.) may remain powered as well.
    • Small to mid-size aircraft with an APU exhaust and intake port configured less than eight feet off the ground must be powered down. For these aircraft a ground power unit (GPU) will be accessible.
  • All passengers, crew (one crew member will remain onboard) and all baggage will come off the aircraft to be processed/screened.
  • Passengers and crew will be asked to identify their baggage which will then be tagged.
  • CBP reserves the right to hand search baggage.
  • Passengers and crew will be escorted to CBP for processing.
  • When complete, the passengers and crew will be escorted by Universal Aviation personnel and CBP back to the aircraft.
  • The final crew member will be taken to CBP for processing.
  • The aircraft will undergo a full security check by CBP staff for radiation and will also be physically searched.
  • When complete, the passengers and crew can board.
  • While on the ground and after security checks the aircraft can be fueled. The aircraft will be fueled and serviced by the crew member who remains at the aircraft while passengers and other crew are being cleared.
  • The aircraft can depart to one of over 200 domestic U.S. locations. The limitation on destinations is due to the requirement for international trash disposal.

New VIP Screening Point for General Aviation Available June 17, 2011!

On June 17, 2011, a new private VIP Screening Point for General Aviation passengers will be opened, further streamlining the pre-clearance process. Moving forward, Universal Weather and Aviation, Inc. will continue to work with CBP to identify further opportunities for efficiencies and improvements.

What benefits can you gain from pre-clearing before you cross the Atlantic?

  • Save time and avoid potential delays at over 200 U.S. airports.
  • CBP officials are a relatively small team and understand the needs of business passengers.
  • Pre-clearance speeds up the arrival process in the U.S. when both passenger and crews are most fatigued.
  • Arrive as domestic crew and passengers into the continental U.S. to expedite your business needs.
  • Shannon Airport values and supports business aviation.
  • Short taxi times to stand.
  • Enjoy the most competitive fuel pricing in Europe through UVair®.
  • Award-winning ground handling and support through our local Universal Aviation office on Shannon Airport.

For assistance planning your next trip with Shannon as your gateway, contact your Universal Trip Support Services Team.

For specific questions on the pre-clearance process, contact Universal Aviation Ireland General Manager Derek Collins.

Icelandic Volcanic Ash Cloud Impacting European Flights

Universal Weather and Aviation, Inc. is continuing to monitor ash cloud concentration from the Grimsvötn volcano in Iceland that closed some airports and airways in Northern Europe earlier this week.

Universal's meteorologists and flight planners will continue to work closely with EuroControl and Air Traffic Control to find alternate routes for our clients' scheduled trips to these areas as needed and are using Universal's volcanic ash extended forecast capabilities to help clients proactively plan to avoid delays and cancellations as a result of any potential ash cloud.

Please contact your Trip Support Services team should you have specific questions about the impact of this situation on any scheduled operations you have in Europe.

For more information, please visit the following sites:

Additionally, remember to visit Aviation Weather Today at www.awt.aero for the latest forecast and information.

Japan Operations – Nuclear Risks Clause

Universal Weather and Aviation, Inc. is continuing to monitor the crisis in Japan created by the recent earthquakes and tsunami and is working closely with our Universal Aviation Japan office to coordinate all operations into the country. One challenge impeding operations to Japan is the damage to its nuclear power facilities.

Because of this, as part of the planning process for any trip to Japan, we wanted to bring to your attention the Nuclear Risks Clause (referenced as AVN38B), which is included in Aviation Insurance Policies. This clause essentially states that the insurance policy would not cover loss of, or destruction of, or damage to, any property of the insured or others, or any legal liability of, whatsoever nature arising from radioactive, toxic, explosive, or other hazardous properties arising from the damage to the Japan nuclear power facilities.

For more information on the Nuclear Risks Clause, be sure to review your Aviation Insurance Policy and speak with your insurance provider for questions. Please contact your Trip Support Services team should you have specific questions about any scheduled operations you have to Japan.

Libya Economic Sanctions

On 25 February 2011, the United Nations, European Union, United Kingdom, U.S. government and other nations imposed financial sanctions on the Libyan government. These sanctions prevent Universal Weather and Aviation, Inc., its subsidiaries or joint ventures from acquiring landing and overflight permits for Libya and its airspace for any client (both U.S. and non-U.S.-based). To read United Nations Security Council Resolution 1970 (2011), visit: http://www.un.org/Docs/sc/unsc_resolutions11.htm.

Please contact your Trip Support Services Team should you have specific questions about the impact of this situation on any scheduled operations you have in Libya or overflying Libya's airspace.

© 2012 Universal Weather and Aviation, Inc.
N. America (800) 231-5600 ext. 3300 · Worldwide (713) 944-1622 ext. 3300