Document Intensive Charter Destinations for Business Aviation: Part 3 – Other Regions
This business aviation blog post continues from our article last week, titled “Document Intensive Charter Destinations for Business Aviation: Part 2 – European Region.”
When it comes to charter aircraft operations, there are permit approval anomalies to be aware of here and there around the world – including mandated security plans and provision of unique documentation. It’s recommended to always review such considerations with your 3rd-party provider well in advance of travel.
The following is an overview of what you need to know:
1. Australian charter permits
Australia imposes pilot age limits for charter operations and has specific documentation/security program mandates. In addition to requiring certificates of registration and airworthiness, noise certificate, crew documentation/medicals and the air operator certificate (AOC), Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) also want an insurance coverage with specific liability limits, copies of certain sections of your operations specifications, and a certificate of company incorporation – including company bylaws. Be aware that approval of an aviation security plan can take up to eight months. Once you’ve made application for an Australian security plan you’ll generally be permitted to operate charters to Australia a certain number of times while the application is in process.
2. Mexican charter permits
The Mexican charter operating environment is easier these days than it had been in the past. However, you now require a blanket charter permit – good for 10 years –, and it’s renewed annually (a renewal fee is applicable). In addition to standard aircraft/crew documentation and worldwide insurance, charter operators must also carry Mexican insurance. This insurance policy must specifically state that Mexican territory is covered and that it applies to “commercial use” of the aircraft. Pilot licenses and medicals, as well as a letter stating the flight is commercial, must be sent in advance. Be aware that even though you have a blanket permit crew will be escorted to the commandante’s office, upon each landing, to physically present all paperwork. For more information on the Mexico charter permit changes, please see our articles:
- More Mexico Permit Changes: Part 1 – Positive Developments for GA
- More Mexico Permit Changes: Part 2 – Potential Issues and Penalties
- Mexico Landing Permit Changes: Part 2 – Charter Operations
3. Latin America
With the exception of charters to Venezuela requesting over 72 hours on the ground, Latin America is generally straightforward and not too difficult from a charter operations standpoint. Standard aircraft and crew documentation is required. In some cases, authorities will want to see your AOC and operational specifications.
Brazil has some enhanced documentation requirements, but these are generally no more difficult than Mexico. Brazilian authorities at some airports may want to see clear copies of all documentation on arrival. However, in most cases aircraft documentation just needs to be submitted in advance and upon arrival crew will need to show the pilot licenses and medical certificates.
4. Japan considerations
Japan changed the rules last year to allow multiple domestic stops for foreign charter operators. Charter permit lead time is 10 business days. In addition to standard aircraft/crew documentation Japan wants to see the actual charter agreement as well as a letter outlining reasons for the trip. The charter agreement must specify price paid for the charter as well as name/title of the lead passenger and all passengers associated with the lead passenger. This causes privacy concerns for many charter clients. For more information on Japan charter permits, please see our article titled “Japan Flight Permit Changes – Improvements for Business Aviation.”
5. Hong Kong and Singapore
Be aware that Hong Kong (VHHH) is particular on insurance policy wording and wants the named insured to match exactly with operator name. Your permit request will be denied if insurance policy coverage does not exactly comply with strict local requirements. It’s always best to confirm requirements and wording in advance with your 3rd-party provider and/or local ground handler.
Singapore requires permits for charter but not for private non-revenue operations. Local authorities want to see a copy of the charter agreement although they don’t need the level of passenger detail that Japan requires. A unique consideration for Singapore is that you must present evidence of an “ageing aircraft program” for any aircraft over 20 years old. This must include a detailed list of inspections completed over recent years. Plan on seven business days to secure charter permits for Singapore. For more information on the Singapore permit requirements, please see our article titled “Ops Update: Singapore Charter Landing Permit Changes.”
6. Russia and India
Russia is not too difficult in terms of permit requests with no real distinction made between charter and private non-revenue operations. If you’re operating to Russia as a charter be sure to have your AOC available for review. Similarly, India doesn’t normally differentiate between charter and private in terms of permits.
7. Additional reading: Document Intensive Charter Destinations – Series Index
Note: Links will be updated as articles are published.
Conclusion
As the world of charter operations is generally a more documentation intensive arena than private non-revenue, additional trip planning lead time is always suggested. While charter permit challenges vary across the world, and are more challenging in certain regions/countries, the process is always manageable given sufficient pre-planning and coordination with your 3rd-party provider.
Questions?
If you have any questions about this article or would like assistance planning your next charter trip, contact me at larrywilliams@univ-wea.com.
