Guidance Requested: We made a mistake and landed in Puerto Rico in our Cessna 172 XP without having filed for eAPIS permission. Now we have a $5,000 fine and demand for payment from US Customs and Border Protection. It was our novice carelessness that slipped our mind when we changed our IFR flight planned destination while enroute.

After four days grounded with engine repairs at Provos Air Center, Providenciales,Turks and Caicos Islands, we departed at 4 PM on an IFR flight plan to Punta Cana. With favorable tailwinds at 11,000 we decided to extend our flight to Puerto Rico. Amended clearance was received from ATC and we were looking forward to being back in the US.

It was only after we landed in Borinquen, Puerto Rico that U.S. Customs asked us for our eAPIS confirmation. It was an embarrassing error that will always serve to remind me for the future.

We would greatly appreciate expert advise on how to respond to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Penalty and Demand for $5,000.00. We recognize our oversight does cost the US Government extra expense to respond and deal with our unannounced arrival. They have additional reports they have to complete and subsequent investigation to verify that we are friendly and legal.

With that said, $5,000 is a painful, financial hardship for me at this point in my flying career. Ideas that may help us deal affirmatively with this situation are appreciated.

Background: Our trip began in Raleigh, NC and 15 days later we arrived in Posada, Argentina. This was my first trip to the southern Bahamas, Caribbean and South America. AMAZING, EXCITING, CHALLENGING AND FUN! Here is a website/blog set up by my Dad to chronicle the event. www.starexod.wordpress.com

"Numbers Matter Most in Flying and Business and People Are Priceless."

Steele S. Scott
steeleinvest@gmail.com