This business aviation blog post is part of a series on operating in Hong Kong and continues from our last article: “Business Aviation Operations to Hong Kong: Airport Slots .”

As one of the world’s more congested airports, Hong Kong (VHHH) is constantly working to manage traffic flows and use ramp space effectively. Prior permission required (PPR) and landing permit requirements must always be at top-of-mind-awareness when operating your business aircraft to this location. It’s important to be aware that several unique documentation and procedural requirements are applicable when operating to VHHH.

The following is an overview of what you need to know:

1. Landing permit requirements

Business aircraft traveling to VHHH, with a few exceptions, require landing permits. For private non-revenue and charter (non-scheduled commercial) flights permit lead time is three business days. If, however, you’re operating a first time charter to VHHH, or are an infrequent operator, it’s recommended that landing permit requests be submitted two weeks prior to day of operation. This is because charter flights require additional documentation that must be reviewed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). In some cases operators will need to make corrections to previously submitted documentation which can consume additional time. CAA will often accept shorter notice landing permit requests from private non-revenue and from charter operators whose documentation they have on record.

2. CAA permit processing and after hours options

Permit requests for VHHH are normally submitted online, and CAA does not charge for providing this service. CAA operates Monday-Friday 0900-1600 local and is closed on weekends and holidays. Although there is no after-hours permit processing office, there’s a procedure that private non-revenue operators can use to obtain or revise permits when CAA is closed. There’s a form that can be filled out and submitted with the required documents to the airport briefing office. They, in turn, will give this to an Air Traffic Control (ATC) supervisor to finalize the permit approval. This procedure is usually not an issue, assuming documentation is in order. Be aware, however, that this after hours’ option is not possible for charter flights.

3. Permit validity

Landing permits for VHHH are valid +/- 72 hours. All changes outside this validity window require permit revisions. Changes to crew or passenger information must also be submitted for revision. It’s not necessary to notate permit confirmations in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) section of your flight plan, as ATC has access to all permit confirmations.

4. Documentation

All required documentation – including noise and insurance certificates – must be submitted with your permit request. VHHH CAA is very stringent on liability insurance documentation, to ensure proper coverage and verbiage. Actual noise certificates must be submitted to confirm that the aircraft is Stage 3 or above. Generic noise documentation from an aircraft manual is not acceptable. In the case of charter permits, additional documentation mandates are in place, including a OST 4507, Aerodrome Operating Minima (typed not handwritten), and the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to name a few.

5. PPR requirements

PPR is needed for all travel to VHHH with the exception of emergency landings or State, military, and humanitarian flights. PPR requirements are in place due to limited parking availability. Once a PPR is approved you’ll be provided with a confirmation number. This must be given to your ground handler prior to arrival, but does not need to be noted in the ICAO section of your flight plan. Your ground handler, and the airport authority, will use this PPR number to track your aircraft.

6. PPR limitations

VHHH is a congested airfield, and PPRs are seldom approved for more than 48 hours parking. While it’s possible to apply for a parking extension after arrival, our experience is that such extensions are rarely approved. Length of stay restrictions do not apply if you’ve been able to arrange hangar space for your aircraft. Hangarage for transient general aviation (GA) aircraft at VHHH, however, is very limited and very expensive. Be aware that PPRs are always needed, including short stops and drop and goes. Obtaining PPRs for stops of less than six hours is seldom problematic.

7. Requesting PPRs

PPRs for VHHH are normally requested online via an airport authority website. Only registered users, with logins and passwords, have access to this site, and annual fees are applicable to use this service. PPRs, in most cases, are requested via ground handlers who will provide airport authorities with tail number, aircraft type, and schedule. Be mindful, however, that “to be advised” schedules are not acceptable for PPR applications. PPR requests may be made at any time, 24/7, and up to 30 days prior to day of operation. If a request is submitted prior to 6pm, you’ll receive an answer the same day. If the PPR request is made after 6pm, a response will be received the next day by noon.

8. Additional reading: Business Aircraft Ops to Hong Kong – Series Index

Note: Links will be updated as articles are published.

• Part 1 – Ground handling
• Part 2 – Fuel, security and additional services
• Part 3 – Airport slots
• Part 4 – Permits and PPRs
• Part 5 – Flight planning and weather
• Part 6 – Hotels and local area

Conclusion

Note that landing permits are required for all flights with appropriate documentation and lead time provided. Ensure that any documentation submitted to CAA follows their guidelines in order to avoid delays in the permit processing time. Also, it’s important to be mindful that PPRs are needed for all GA flights to VHHH and the maximum time on the ground is usually only 48 hours.

Later, we’ll discuss flight planning and weather for Hong Kong and their impact on your trip.

Questions?

If you have any questions about this article or would like assistance planning your next trip to Hong Kong, contact Alan Pong at alanpong@univ-wea.com.