INDEX

• DOCUMENTS AND EQUIPMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE FLIGHTS (PART 91)
• 406 MHz ELT
• eAPIS
• Cabotage
• Experimental Aircraft

DOCUMENTS AND EQUIPMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE FLIGHTS (PART 91)

The US FAR’s (Subpart H of FAR Part 91) covers the requirements for US registered aircraft traveling to/from foreign  countries. Amongst the important points to be followed, US registered aircraft must file a flight plan and abide by the regulations of the country in which they will be flying. While enroute in international airspace, they must also abide by Annex 2 of the ICAO regulations. In addition, US registered aircraft must also abide by other applicable US and foreign regulations. The most commonly required documents that pilots and passengers need to present at international destinations are:

Aircraft Documents and equipment:

• Airworthiness certificate
• Registration certificate (permanent only, no temporary registrations)
• Liability insurance (when traveling to those countries that require it)
• US Customs decal (required for return into the USA)
• FCC radio station license for the aircraft
• 12” registration numbers
• 2-way radio and mode C transponder
• Current charts for the route
• Life jackets and life raft (required depending on the regulations of the destination country)
• 406 MHz ELT (when traveling to those countries that require it)

Pilot Documents:

• Airman certificate (Private or higher)
• Airman medical certificate
• FCC Restricted Radio operator permit
• Valid passports
• VISA’s where required by the destination country

Passenger Documents:

• Valid passports
• VISA’s where required by the destination country
• US VISA for any non-US citizens or residents (including citizens of countries that fall under the US visa-waiver program)

In addition there are a number of other items that pilots should consider bringing along with them to facilitate their international trip and avoid some of the most common problems faced by pilots. Read More...

To Index

406 MHz ELT

On February 1, 2009, Cospas-Sarsat, the organization that operates Search And Rescue (SAR) satellites, stopped monitoring for ELT signals on the 121.5 MHz frequency and will only monitor SAR signaling devices operating on the newer 406 MHz frequency. The 406 MHz devices transmit a discrete identification code allowing SAR personnel to verify the beacon’s registration information and contact those people identified by the beacon’s owner when he/she registered the device.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) adopted a recommendation to its member states that civilian aircraft be required to replace their Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELT’s) with a 406 MHz ELT. Some countries adopted the ICAO recommendation verbatim without offering any alternatives for generating a 406 MHz signal whereas other countries, like the U.S.A., allow pilots the flexibility of incorporating other technologies for generating a SAR rescue signal.

Caribbean Sky Tours has been working with the governments of many popular destination countries to allow aircraft registered in those countries that DO NOT require 406 MHz ELT’s to enter without having to install one. For questions about a specific country, visit the Entry Requirements page of the website or contact Caribbean Sky Tours. Read More...

To Index

eAPIS

Rule Summary:

On May 18, 2009, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) implemented a new rule requiring that private aircraft pilots (or their designees) submit a notice of departure and crew/passenger manifest electronically prior to departing the USA for a foreign destination. In addition, pilots are also required to submit a notice of arrival and crew/passenger manifest prior to departing a foreign port for a destination in the USA. Notices and manifests must be submitted electronically via the eAPIS system from CBP no later than 60 minutes prior to departure and pilots must receive an approval from DHS via email prior to departing. Under the new rule, pilots are still obligated to contact CBP at the port and advise them of their intended arrival when returning to the USA.

Caribbean Sky Tours has worked extensively with the eAPIS implementation manager at CBP in Washington, D.C. as well as AOPA to facilitate the implementation of the new rule and the eAPIS system to minimize the impact to pilots. Caribbean Sky Tours has made numerous eAPIS submissions using both the eAPIS system as well as other third-party software and understands the unique challenges to users. The following is useful information for using the system.Read More...

To Index

CABOTAGE

Cabotage refers to air transportation within a country. Each country has its own unique regulations controlling the transportation of passengers or cargo within its borders.

Generally speaking commercial (for-hire) operations are typically limited to operators and aircraft registered in that country. International for-hire flights to/from a country also require approval from the foreign country to ensure that the operator has a valid permit from its country of registry to conduct such flights. In some countries, the registration number of the aircraft denotes the type of operation that an aircraft may be used for. However, in other countries an individual aircraft may be used for both commercial and private operations as long as the operator of the aircraft has the appropriate permits. These differences can sometimes make it difficult for aviation authorities to properly differentiate private from for-hire flights.

It is very important to recognize that private aircraft traveling to/from or within a foreign country cannot carry passengers or cargo for hire. Aircraft registered to corporations that are used for private use could be mistaken as for-hire operations. Therefore, we recommend that pilots who are planning to fly an aircraft that is not registered in their name to a foreign country should obtain a notarized letter from the owner(s) of the aircraft authorizing them to use the aircraft for a private flight to that country during the period of time that the flight will be made.

The following is a sample letter that you may find useful: View Sample

To Index

EXPERIMENTAL AIRCRAFT

Most countries recognize and allow Experimental Category aircraft to enter their airspace. We have made official inquiries to the civil aviation departments of the more popular destinations for general aviation pilots and have obtained written responses. To download a document to print and carry with you, click here.

To Index