Professional Pilot, October 2017

INTERNATIONAL OPS Operating foreign registered bizjets to and within the US Study the proper pre trip planning have all required documentation and comply with unique conditions for special interest countries German registered Bombardier Challenger 300 departs from ORL Orlando Exec FL To fulfil US requirements this operation needs a Permit to Proceed from CBP for each domestic leg as well as a valid customs bond and a current Master Crew List on file with DHS F lying a foreign registered business aircraft to within or over the US involves special considerations and potential restrictions Particular requirements depend upon country of registry type of operation whos onboard and where youre planning to land or have a tech stop For aircraft registered to certain special interest or US sanctioned countries the requirements and mandated processes become more onerous But even when flying in with bizjets registered in France Japan or Canada there are requirements that always need to be fully complied with Overall the US is one of the easiest and more welcoming countries from the perspective of operating foreign registered business aircraft Still operators get tripped up by the rules from time to time making them possibly subject to delays fines or detention of aircraft There are differences to be mindful of for example between operating a Swiss registered Bombardier Challenger 605 on a private flight to TEB Teterboro NJ vs taking a North Korean registered Gulfstream IV to HOU Houston TX and on to ORL Orlando 68 PROFESSIONAL PILOT October 2017 Executive FL on charter Of the 2 examples international support providers ISPs agree that the later would be the more challenging The good news is that all ops of foreign registered business aircraft to the US can be successfully orchestrated its just a matter of understanding and complying with all applicable requirements For most foreign registered private aircraft there are not many additional requirements and restrictions so long as you really are a private operation says Universal Weather Supervisor Global Regulatory Services Juan Muniz But if youre operating charter there are additional mandates to be mindful of particularly in terms of CBP requirements You will for example need an acceptable customs bond provide customs notification including APIS and have a Master Crew List MCL on file with TSA And if youre traveling within the US as a charter flight a Permit to Proceed must be obtained for each domestic flight leg UAS Dir Ops Duke LeDuc points out that operations by foreign registered aircraft to the US can be a little challenging We represent a lot of clients with foreign registered aircraft and the US can have its challenges both real and perceived Just as some operators may feel intimidated by the prospect of operating to China or Iran it can be the same for many foreign registered operators planning to come to the US Be aware that not all airports of entry are able to clear foreign nationals In some cases they may only be able to do so with 24 to 48 hours advance notice Customs and immigration procedures are a top consideration for foreign registered aircraft arriving with foreign nationals onboard says Jeppesen ITP Account Specialist Jodi Tanner Perkins Make sure youre jumping through all the hoops correctly as the pilot may be held responsible for any infraction and significant fines may be levied on both the flight operator and passengers aboard Keep in mind that US Customs is not always consistent across the country How youre handled and how rules are applied in the New York area may not necessarily be the same as in Miami or Los Angeles Scenarios If youre arranging a private flight to the US from Germany the UK or Brazil youll need to file APIS ensure all By Grant McLaren Editor at Large US Customs officer confirms documentation with the flight attendant Even if its just an international tech stop full customs immigration clearance formalities apply along with visa requirements for pax and crew