This is a post by author Lorena Carraro. Lorena is Managing Director for Universal Aviation Italy, which has FBO and ground support locations at Rome (LIRA), Venice (LIPZ), Milan-Linate (LIML) and Milan-Malpensa (LIMC). Lorena is acting Member of the Board of the Italian Business Aviation Association and an expert on business aircraft operations in Italy. She can be contacted at lorenacarraro@universalaviation.aero.

Salone Nautico Internazionale di Genova (Genoa International Boat Show) is one of the world’s premier boat shows and will be held 6-14 October this year in Genoa. This is a high-traffic period for general aviation (GA) flights. Owing to popularity of nautical tourism along the Italian Riviera, as well as Genoa’s history as a city long associated with the ship and yacht building industry, the 52nd annual Genoa Boat Show promises to be a popular and well-attended event. Work with your 3rd-party provider as early as possible to arrange hotel accommodations, aircraft parking and services.

Here’s some important information and advice to help you plan your trip to Genoa for this event:

1. Genoa (LIMJ) operating hours and other information

LIMJ is the main airport for Genoa and it’s a 24/7 airport of entry (AOE). While airport slots and prior permission required (PPR) is not necessary for this location, aircraft parking may be an issue during this busy period. It’s recommended that aircraft parking be requested as soon as you have a firm schedule. All services at LIMJ can be arranged on credit and contract fuel is available at this location. For customs clearance, international cabin waste may be offloaded for an extra charge.

2. Alternate parking locations

In the event aircraft parking is not available at LIMJ, other nearby airports to consider include Milan Linate (LIML), Milan Malpensa (LIMC), and Turin (LIMF). Full services and contract fuel are available at all of these locations. Drive time from LIML to Genoa is approximately one hour 40 minutes while it’s closer to a two hour drive from LIMC to Genoa harbor. LIML, LIMC, and LIMF are 24-hour airports with no airport slots or PPR required.

3. Charter flights require landing permits

While private (non-revenue) flights do not require landing permits, charter (non-scheduled commercial) operations do. If you’ve operated a charter flight to Italy within the past two years landing permit lead time is seven working days. Anticipate permit lead time of 45 days if this is your first charter trip to Italy or if it’s been more than two years since you’ve operated there. Documentation required with landing permit request includes Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC), registration and airworthiness certificates and worldwide insurance with specific wording and format to satisfy Ente Nazionale per L’Aviazone (Italian Civil Aviation Authority or ENAC). ENAC also requires a completed Foreign Operator’s Questionnaire, and this must be submitted directly by the charter operator.

4. Parking limitations exist for charter operations

Maximum time permitted on the ground for charter operators at LIMJ, LIML, LIMC, LIMF or any other Italian airports is by regulation 36 hours. In addition, ENAC restricts charter operators to only one stop in Italy. You may be permitted by request to land at more than one location provided that the same passengers and no additional passengers embark or disembark the aircraft within Italy. There’s an exception to the rule in the event that a charter operator must reposition due to lack of aircraft parking availability at the requested destination. It’s recommended that operators work with an experienced 3rd-party provider to assist with Italian charter landing permit requests.

5. Plan hotel and local transport arrangements as early as possible

Many good hotel options are available in the LIMJ, LIML, and LIMC areas including popular large chain hotels. LIMF has more limited hotel options. It’s recommended that you try to book 4- or 5-star hotels as early as possible due to high demand over the Genoa Boat Show period. As this show features assorted venues including the harbor and parts of the old town, you’ll need to make local transportation arrangements when attending the Genoa Boat Show. It’s important to book early due to increased local demand. Rental vehicles are available at all four airports. It’s recommended, however, that you avoid rental vehicles if you’re not familiar with the area due to traffic issues and possible road closures during the event period. Prepaid local transport (car with driver) is the preferred option for many business aircraft operators.

6. Understand all operating restrictions when flying to Italy

As of early 2012 all non-Italian registered aircraft spending more than 45 consecutive days in Italian territory will be subject to a special tax that’s charged based on maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of the aircraft.

There’s an operational ban on airplanes not complying with ICAO Annex 16 Vol. I, Part. II, Chapter 3 (Italian Legislative Decree n.66 dated 18 May 2009, implementation EU Directive 2006/93/CE).

In conformity with Italian Decree n.66 dated 18 May 2009, civil subsonic jet airplanes are not allowed to operate in Italian territory unless they at least comply with the standards of the ICAO Annex 16, Vol. I, Part II, Chapter 3, second edition (1988). As from 1st October 2010, this prohibition above applies to civil subsonic jet airplanes having maximum takeoff weight of 34.000 kilos (74,955 lbs.) or more or a certified maximum passenger seating configuration, excluding crew seats, of more than 19. Any infringement on these provisions is subject to an administrative penalty ranging from 30,000 (thirty thousand) Euro to 150,000 (one hundred and fifty thousand) Euro.

The procedures implementing the Italian Decree n. 66 are specified on the Circular APT-34 of the Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC), published on ENAC website www.enac.gov.it. The situation, however, may become more complex since every airport applies local restrictions (issued in permanent NOTAMS and AIP procedures). For this reason, work with your 3rd-party provider and refer to special procedures in effect for noise limitations and thrust reverse use contained in Italian AIP: AIP ITALY AD-2 LIML 4-1 and 4-9.

Conclusion

Due to increased demand for aircraft parking, hotel accommodation and local transportation services it’s advisable to book arrangements for the Genoa Boat Show week as early as possible. Last minute arrangements, however, will be possible with coordination of your 3rd-party provider and local ground handler, although you may have to reposition the aircraft and not have access to preferred hotel options. When operating to Italy, it’s important to be aware of noise regulations as well as tax implications for longer stays. First time charter operators to Italy need to prepare for long lead times associated with Italian charter permits.

Questions?

If you have any questions about this article, contact me at lorenacarraro@universalaviation.aero.