This is part one of a two-article series on business aircraft operations to Peru.

Permits, permit lead times, and mandated documentation are all important considerations for any business aircraft flight to Peru. Especially when you travel to smaller or secondary airports, it’s important to budget additional time in the pre-trip planning process.

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

1. Peru permit considerations

Peru requires both overflight and landing permits. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) makes no distinction, in the permit process, between private non-revenue and charter (non-scheduled commercial) operations. Four business days’ notice is the standard for overflight and landing permits, but three days’ notification is often sufficient. In the case of Lima (SPIM), just two days’ notice is needed to organize landing permits. Short-notice permit requests may be possible at CAA’s discretion. Landing permits are valid for the day of operations plus three days. Note that all required documents must be submitted along with the original permit request, or applications will not be considered. Peru CAA does not like to receive numerous permit revisions, so it’s best to avoid last-minute changes. CAA operating hours are Monday-Friday, 0900-1200 and 1400-1700 local, and offices are closed weekends and holidays. Official holidays in Peru include Good Friday, Labor Day, Armed Forces Day, Santa Rosa de Lima, Battle of Angamos, All Saints’ Day, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

2. Required documentation

For Peru permits you’ll need airworthiness and registration certificates, a valid worldwide liability insurance policy, crew licenses (both sides), crew medicals, and an Airborne Collision Avoidance System II/ Traffic Collision Avoidance System II (ACAS II/TCAS II) or Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) installation certificate (not needed for flights to SPIM). Be mindful that a “responsibility letter” is necessary for direct operations to Cusco (SPZO) from any point other than SPIM, or if crew members have not yet received the required Internet briefing from Peruvian CAA. Your 3rd-party provider can provide you with a sample responsibility letter and/or Internet briefing. Upon your first arrival in Peru, a passenger manifest must be provided to authorities along with completed arrival/departure cards and four copies of the general declaration.

3. Peru permit procedures

Always ensure that you’ve entered your Peruvian permit number in remarks 18 of the flight plan. Otherwise, air traffic control will ask for your permit, and this becomes an additional (avoidable) hassle for crew to deal with day of operation.

4. Permit revision requirements

Revisions are required for all permit changes other than passenger or crew changes. Peruvian permits are valid for the day plus three days, and CAA prefers 24 hours’ notice for permit revisions.

5. Visa considerations

Visas may be required for crew members or passengers depending on the nationality, while other visitors may be able to stay in the country for a number of days without visas. We always advise that you speak with your preferred visa provider. Also, your 3rd-party provider can check with the local handler regarding visa requirements for various nationalities.

6. Special restrictions for Peru

There are no prohibited departure or destination countries for Peru. Note, however, that when operating to any other airport than SPIM, you’ll need to have ACAS II/TCAS II (collision avoidance) and/or EGPWS certification. Operations to SPZO involve special requirements including a “responsibility letter,” an aircraft performance chart indicating the maximum takeoff weight for alternates, and completion of online pilot training for the approach to SPZO. While General Aviation (GA) aircraft may operate freely to domestic airports in Peru, you must always clear customs, immigration, and quarantine inbound/outbound at an airport of entry. Cabotage is not an issue or concern in Peru. Both private non-revenue and charter operators are free to move Peruvian nationals within the country.

Conclusion

While Peru is a fairly straightforward GA operating environment, there are certain issues to consider, in advance of day of operation, in order to avoid trip delays and unnecessary operating complications.

Later we’ll discuss specific location information for operations to Peru.

Questions?

If you have any questions about this article or would like assistance planning your next trip to Peru, contact me at abelperez@univ-wea.com.