Hi, just wondering if there are special requirements for flying from the US to Canada or Mexico in a private aircraft? What do you do when you land? What paperwork (for yourself and your airplane) do you need, besides your passport? Is there a website with all the information I would need? What about further afield? Once I get the relevant ratings, suppose I wanted to fly a small private jet between countries in Europe? Asia? Africa? Toying with the idea of taking small tour groups and film scouting expeditions. I have dual American and EU citizenship, if that makes any difference. Thanks in advance, Zack.
You really need to hire a handler to arrange everything. Your life will be much simpler, and everything will go smoothly. Gary Bobileff
Sure, it's no problem. Start here: http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/ifim/ Gary is spot on about using a handler outside of the US and Canada. In Europe, it's getting vary expensive-- particularly Italy, where you don't want to stay for more than 48 hours.
My family owns part of a tour company specializing in tours to Europe and Israel. I am a dual Italian and US citizen. Often when we fly to Europe we try not to stay in certain countries too long. Italy is problematic but being an Italian citizen and landing when the soccer matches are on (all the Italian officials are watching TV helps. There are work arounds, not something I would discuss further here. PM me if you want more.
there are two levels of internationl flying the physical entry of passengers and vehicle into a country, each country will have their own requirements, much the same as a border crossing by car or commercial aircraft the other deals flight operations of penetrating airspace and penetrating a country's air defence systems. Small countries such as Carribean islands are not a big deal, however, something like overfight of Cuba unannouced or re entry in the US can be a big deal. Filing flight plans and getting authorizations before hand takes care of most issues. Running behind schedule and missing the "assigned window" of arrival and bad communications can lead to serious issues. It's extra paperwork and following procedures, otherwise no big deal.
It isn't very difficult. Handlers can help but they aren't really needed. I've flown throughout central America, Europe, Canada and Mexico. Jeppesen is who I'd use if you ar going to use a handler. You will have to register with eaPis though. Art
Always be prepared for the unexpected. About 1 year ago, I was flying from Cayman back to the west coast. I planned the fuel stop at Cozumel , Mexico, as the fuel prices were half of what it was in the Cayman's. Flight plan was filed. After landing, the Mexican officials came to the aircraft, inspected paperwork, insurance and passports, as usual, then asked every one to deplane. Soldiers with machine guns everywhere, then came the drug sniffing dogs to the aircraft. We were asked to empty the aircraft of all luggage. Then there was a hand inspection of all luggage that was laying on the ramp. Then, we were instructed to close up all the luggage, and walk inside the terminal/FBO and place all the luggage on the x-ray machine, and all of us would have to go thru security screening. Angrily, we all silently complied. All this for a fuel stop saving $3.00/ gallon. The whole process was arranged, with handlers as a "quick turn", which in the Mexican domain means 1.5-2.0 hours. We were detained for almost 4 hours. We were told this is becoming normal, as the Mexican protest against Americans as to how we handle the Mexicans coming across the borders illegally. Gary Bobileff
It is much worse if the dogs reactions are "interpreted" as revealing drugs. Which is why we don't go to Mexico for any reason. A few other countries may behave in this manner - Cyprus, Greece, Malta have been "uncooperative". Not so much because you may be American or American based but for pure greed - money.
as far back as I can remember Mexico could become a royal pain on a random basis... it used to be the insurance carriers had a handle on what was happening there, or elsewhere... as many planes were detained for "ransom", they became involved, a check with your insurance carrier ( not the agent ) should give a current estimate on what is happening anywhere you may want to go
I've been flying in and out of Mexico for decades. If you go into Brown Field, expect a pain. Into Calexico, no problem. If you enter Mexico other than Mexicali, except a pain. Mexicali, no problem, they are nice, and even with some of the new regulations, they bend over backwards to make it easy. A lot of tourists don't take the time to learn the names of the staff, address them by name, praise them when they do a good job, etc. Then they can't understand why they have trouble. Art
