The civil aviation department of VC Bird in Antigua and Barbuda have implemented a requirement for overflight and landing permits for their airspace, the TAPA TMA. We spoke to the aviation authorities as well as to the Piarco FIR authorities to get clarification on this requirement.
The airspace where operators MUST obtain an overflight or landing permit is the airspace in shown in the attached file. It is important to point out that this airspace is the "doorway" to the Leeward and Windward islands of the Caribbean and it also includes the islands of St. Kitts. While the overflight fees start at $25 USD for aircraft up to an MTOW of 5,000 lbs, the permit must be requested at least 6 hours prior to flight.
To obtain an overflight permit or a landing permit for TAPA, you must visit the website https://www.vcbirdats.com/, create an account and then request the permit. Once you complete the request, you will receive an email that you request is in process. Once the permit has been approved, you will receive another email advising you to that effect. Also, the status of your permit will appear on the portal when you log into your account.
