Business Aviation Ops to Austin, Texas, for the 2013 US Grand Prix
US Formula One Grand Prix 2013 takes place November 15-17 at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. The Circuit of the Americas track is the first purpose-built Grand Prix facility in the US. For many business aircraft operators, the chance to visit Austin is always a welcome opportunity, and this upcoming racing event makes an already attractive destination even more compelling.
If you are flying to Austin during this time period, the following is an overview of what you need to know:
1. Consider airport options for Grand Prix 2013
While there are many airport options to consider, the primary choice is Austin-Bergstrom Intl (KAUS) – an Airport of Entry (AOE) and only 15 minutes from the track. Nearby domestic-only airports include Austin Executive (KEDC), at 45 minutes from the circuit, and Horseshoe Bay Resort (KDZB), at approximately one hour and 30 minutes from the track. Available AOEs with Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) facilities, other than KAUS, are somewhat farther from the racetrack and include San Antonio Intl (KSAT), at approximately one hour from Austin, and Houston William P. Hobby (KHOU), two hours and 40 minutes from the track.
- AOE: Yes
- Operating hours: 24 hours
- Prior Permission Required (PPR): Required
- Airport slots: Not required
- Aircraft parking: Available
- Ground handling: Available
- Aviation fuel (Jet A): Available
- In-flight catering: Available
Notes:
PPRs are necessary for this event. Requests may be made through your 3rd-party provider or Fixed-Base Operator (FBO). When applying for a PPR, provide the following information:
- Tail number
- Customs requirements
- Full schedule
- Number of passengers onboard
De-catering must be arranged for international flights if there’s food or trash (food-related) remaining onboard the aircraft. This requirement can be waived if the captain attests that there is no remaining catering onboard.
Customs clearance is accomplished within the FBO at KAUS. All aircraft requiring customs clearance should arrive before 2000 local Mondays-Fridays and before 1600 local Saturdays and Sundays.
- AOE: No
- Operating hours: 24 hours
- PPR: Not required
- Airport slots: Not required
- Aircraft parking: Available
- Ground handling: Available
- Aviation fuel (Jet A): Available
- In-flight catering: Available
- AOE: No
- Operating hours: 24 hours
- PPR: Required
- Airport slots: Not required
- Aircraft parking: Available
- Ground handling: Available
- Aviation fuel (Jet A): Available
- In-flight catering: Available
Notes:
PPR is required for all operations into KDZB and must be requested at least 24 hours in advance.
While this is a 24-hour airport, FBO hours are more limited, and fees may apply for late operations.
Operations into KDZB using special RNAV GPS approaches must obtain written permission from their local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). Without FSDO permission, operators can not legally use these approaches.
- AOE: Yes
- Operating hours: 24 hours
- PPR: Not required
- Airport slots: Not required
- Aircraft parking: Available
- Ground handling: Available
- Aviation fuel (Jet A): Available
- In-flight catering: Available
Notes:
KSAT has facilities and procedures approved by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to handle and dispose of garbage and galley refuse from international flights.
Customs must be arranged in advance, as this is a “landing rights” airport. Customs accepts aircraft daily 0700-2100 local.
Houston William P. Hobby (KHOU)
- AOE: Yes
- Operating hours: 24 hours
- PPR: Not required
- Airport slots: Not required
- Aircraft parking: Available
- Ground handling: Available
- Aviation fuel (Jet A): Available
- In-flight catering: Available
Notes:
Noise abatement procedures are in effect 2200-0700 local.
Customs must be arranged in advance, as this is a “landing rights” airport. All clearances are conducted at the customs ramp area. Note that FBOs are not permitted to fuel aircraft on the customs ramp near the airport fire station off taxiway J. After clearing customs, the aircraft must reposition to the FBO for fueling services.
2. Secure necessary landing permits for the US
Most aircraft traveling to the US don’t require a landing permit. Depending on your particular flight, however, there may be certain requirements that must be met. Some examples of US travel requirements are as follows:
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA) waiver
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) special routing clearance
- US visa requirements (for all non-US nationals)
- Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS) for all international arrivals and departures
- Master Crew List (MCL) for non-scheduled commercial operators
- US customs arrangements
- US customs decal
- Border Overflight Exemption (BOE) when flying internationally directly to the Austin area from beneath the 30th parallel.
It’s best to communicate with your 3rd-party provider for more information and guidance on particular requirements that must be met for your flight.
3. Plan hotel and local transport arrangements as early as possible
There are many 4- and 5-star hotel options available in Austin. Demand, however, will be high during the Grand Prix race period. It’s best to book accommodations as soon as possible.
Note that on-site vehicle parking at this event is limited, and walk-up traffic will be denied entry into the venue. You must obtain a parking pass for the event, and more information is available here.
4. Take into account visa considerations
All non-US nationals (crew and passengers) must have visas to enter the US and will be fingerprinted during customs clearance. Visas on arrival are not possible.
5. Check online for additional information
Additional information on the United States Grand Prix can be found at the US Formula 1 website and the Austin Grand Prix site.
Conclusion
Operators to US Grand Prix 2013 have many airport options to consider near Austin. Keep in mind, preferred aircraft parking and hotel accommodations may sell out prior to the event. It’s best to begin the planning process as early as possible to maximize your options in attending this exciting race event.
Questions?
If you have any questions about this article or operations into the U.S., contact us at greglinton@univ-wea.com or christinevamvakas@univ-wea.com.
