International News by Region
View international operations news and information for eight different regions of the globe.
International News – General
Compliance Date Extended for Language Proficiency Endorsement
March 3, 2008
The compliance date for U.S. airman certificate holders to satisfy International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) language proficiency requirements has been extended until March 5, 2009. ICAO Annex 1 (Personnel Licensing) standards require all airplane and helicopter private, commercial, or airline transport pilots as well as flight engineers and flight navigators operating internationally as required crewmembers to hold an airman certificate with a language proficiency endorsement. Because the FAA requires all certificate applicants to be able to read, write, speak and understand English, all affected certificate holders are considered to have demonstrated the required language proficiency. In order to document this proficiency, the FAA will issue replacement certificates with the required “English proficient” endorsement. Affected certificate holders are encouraged to visit FAA’s Airman Certification website as soon as possible to apply for replacement certificates. For additional information, view the Frequently Asked Question.
Guidance Released on Flight Operations During Beijing Olympic Games
March 3, 2008
The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has issued preliminary guidance on flight operations during the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. This guidance is applicable to all flights conducted by foreign aircraft in connection with the Olympics from July 1 through September 30. Business aircraft operators planning flights to China during this time must file an application with the CAAC for landing permission at least 30 working days before their flight. Special arrival routes should also be announced by the CAAC in late March. Aircraft parking will be limited during the Olympic Games, and operators are encouraged to work with international handling organizations when making these arrangements. NBAA will make any additional information provided by the CAAC available to Members. For additional information, see the following:
Additional Mexican Customs Requirement for GA Operators
March 3, 2008
All general aviation (GA) aircraft operating into Mexico from the Caribbean, Central America and South America now have to stop in Cozumel (MMCZ) or Tapachula (MMTP) for illegal substance inspections. Countries that are considered to be within the Caribbean zone are Bermuda, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. While operators may stop at either MMCZ or MMTP, Mexico is recommending Cozumel (MMCZ) due to better customs facilities at that location. For information on the requirements, which went into effect on February 1, view the Notice to Airmen.
New ICAO SARPs for International GA Operations to Be Released
December 21, 2007
This month, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Air Navigation Commission approved the proposed text for the modernization of Annex 6 Operations of Aircraft, Part II International General Aviation (GA) – standards and recommended practices (SARPs) for international GA operators. This effort is a milestone that marks the completion of nearly three years of work by the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) and its member associations, including NBAA and the International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations (IAOPA). The amendment will become effective in 2008 to ensure that states and operators are aware of the upcoming changes to the Annex, but the changes will not apply until November 2010. This will assure that states are given adequate time to make needed regulatory changes and for operators to be in compliance.
For more information, contact Ray Rohr at rayrohr@telusplanet.net or NBAA’s Bill Stine at bstine@nbaa.org.
NBAA Voices Concern About CBP Proposal for GA
December 7, 2007
NBAA has written U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to express concern about the agency's proposal requiring pilots to file passenger manifests exclusively through a designated CBP Internet site before crossing the U.S. border. "The U.S. often takes for granted the wide availability of a reliable connection to the Internet," NBAA's letter states. But, "in most parts of the world, Internet availability is a scarce resource and difficult to secure." The letter notes that business aircraft are often used to travel to remote parts of the world, precisely because such locations have little or no other reliable means of connecting people – whether through the Internet or otherwise. The Association's letter cited several other concerns about the CBP proposal.
Download NBAA's Comments (157 KB, PDF)
| Download the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (155 KB, PDF)
RNP 10 to Be Implemented in WATRS Plus Airspace June 2008
July 18, 2007
On June 5, 2008, a redesigned route structure and 50 nm lateral separation between aircraft authorized RNP 10 or RNP 4 will be implemented in the WATRS Plus control areas. The FAA will accommodate a small percentage of flights by aircraft that are not RNP 10 endorsed, but eligible operators are urged to obtain operational approval for RNP 10 or RNP 4 by May 5, 2008. U.S. operators will continue to obtain operational approval using the guidance in FAA Order 8400.12A (RNP 10 Operational Approval). FAA Order 8400.12A and an 8400.12A-based job aid for U.S. operators and FAA inspectors are posted on the WATRS Plus web site.
Guidance to Help Operators Avoid GNEs in the NAT
March 5, 2007
The International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) has created a new task force to combat the problem of gross navigation errors (GNEs) created by business aviation operators transiting the North Atlantic (NAT). This group is composed of representatives from U.S. and European air traffic authorities and business aviation operators, including NBAA Members. To provide guidance for operators wishing to mitigate GNEs, the GNE Task Force endorses the “Oceanic Errors Safety Bulletin” published by the International Civil Aviation Organization and International Air Transport Association. Operators traveling in the NAT are encouraged to review this publication before transatlantic flights and retain it in the cockpit. To participate in the GNE Task Force, contact IBAC at pingleton@ibac.org. For further guidance, visit http://www.nat-pco.org, or download the bulletin (PDF, 340 KB).
Trials of 30/30 Separation Expanded Throughout Oakland Oceanic Control Area
February 15, 2007
On March 13, 2007, the operational trials of 30 nautical mile lateral and 30 nautical mile longitudinal separation (30/30) will be expanded throughout the Oakland Oceanic Control Area. While Oakland ARTCC may apply 30/30 separation to aircraft meeting the equipage and authorization requirements, other operators not meeting these requirements will still be accommodated throughout the area. To be eligible for 30/30 separation, the aircraft and operator must be authorized for RNP-4 operations, the aircraft must be equipped with a FANS-1/A datalink package, and satellite communications and ADS-C surveillance must be maintained. For additional information, view the FAA Notice (PDF, 40 KB)
FAA Issues Notice on Maneuvers Away From Planned Track In Oceanic Airspace
December 14, 2006
The FAA has issued an InFO message regarding the need for pilots to coordinate with the appropriate air traffic control (ATC) facility when they plan a maneuver away from a cleared route in oceanic airspace. Recent technology on board air carrier, FANS (datalink) equipped aircraft, and in oceanic ATC facilities has meant that maneuvers away from planned tracks in excess of Strategic Lateral Offset Procedures (SLOP) can be automatically reported. As ATC capacity enhancements, such as reduced aircraft separation, come into use, maneuvers away from assigned track without coordination become a greater concern. Operators are strongly encouraged to maintain or refresh their awareness of the need for timely and effective communication of a crew’s intentions and/or actions regarding maneuvers in oceanic and other non-radar airspace. For more information, view the notice (PDF, 24 KB).
RNP-10 to be Implemented in WATRS Plus Airspace in 2008
December 4, 2006
On June 5, 2008, the FAA plans to introduce a redesigned route structure and a reduced lateral separation standard in WATRS Plus airspace. WATRS Plus airspace includes the West Atlantic Route System (WATRS), Miami Oceanic airspace in the Atlantic and the San Juan FIR. Although the airspace will initially be non-exclusionary, some access restrictions may apply to those without dual RNP-10 capable long-range navigation systems. For more information, visit the FAA RNP 10 web site.
New FAA NOTAM Modifies International Operations Requirements
August 28, 2006
On August 23, the FAA issued FDC NOTAM 6/7435, which modifies the weight limits contained in NOTAM 6/6101 to 100,309 lbs. MTOW, matching the weight specified in the Private Charter Standard Security Program (PCSSP). Existing waivers to NOTAMs 2/5319 and 6/6101 remain in effect for the duration specified in those waivers. Operators of aircraft weighing 100,309 lbs. MTOW or less are no longer required to fly through "portal countries." The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) threat level remains at Code Orange, or high, for all commercial aviation operating in or destined for the United States. NBAA urges aircraft operators to maintain vigilance. Review FDC NOTAM 6/7435.
TSA Releases Security Advisory for Aircraft Owners and Operators
April 20, 2006
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has released a Security Advisory to aircraft owners and operators flying overseas. U.S. intelligence cited
a message posted in Arabic on a web forum which urged Muslims to destroy private American jets, and even explained how to identify such aircraft. NBAA
urges all Members to review available aircraft and airport security precautions, especially when traveling outside of the United States. Review
the TSA Advisory (48 KB, PDF). For more information, contact NBAA's Doug Carr at dcarr@nbaa.org.
NBAA Welcomes New ICAO Leadership
March 6, 2006
There have been several significant leadership changes at the International Civil Aviation Organization, based in Montreal. After nearly 30 years as
ICAO Council president, Dr. Assad Kotaite has announced his retirement, effective July 2006. The Council has elected Mexico’s Roberto Kobeh Gonzalez as
its new president and Algeria’s Dr. Taieb Cherif as secretary general. In addition, the U.S. Congress has approved the Administration’s appointment
of Don Bliss as the U.S. member of the ICAO Council. More.
FAA Publishes Updated Contingency Procedures for Oceanic Airspace
Updated January 9, 2006
FAA’s Flight Technologies and Procedures Division (AFS-400) has updated their International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) compliant guidance
to pilots for track offsets in contingency situations in oceanic airspace. The new guidance applies to oceanic operations (including Atlantic and Pacific
airspace) effective February 16, 2006. The guidance provides oceanic contingencies that are published in ICAO Procedures for Air Navigation Services – Air
Traffic Management, Doc 4444. The 15 nm contingency, track offset, is the only significant change from guidance previously published, but it also contains
a good review of Oceanic Weather Deviation Procedures and Strategic Lateral Offsets. For more information, contact Roy Grimes at rgrimes@cssiinc.com or
NBAA’s Bill Stine at bstine@nbaa.org. Review the AFS-400 guidance.
Operational Trial of 30/30 Separation
Standards in Oakland OC3
October 3, 2005
Effective on December 22, 2005, at 0901 UTC, the FAA will introduce an operational trial of
30 nm lateral and 30 nm longitudinal (30/30) separation standards in Oceanic Sector 3 (OC3)
of the Oakland Oceanic Flight Information Region. The policies, guidance and direction are
available for download in PDF format and
also will be published in the October 27, 2005, edition of the FAA Domestic/International
NOTAM book. During the trial, the Oakland Air Route Traffic Control Center may apply 30/30
in OC3 between aircraft/operators meeting the aircraft equipage and authorization requirements
stated in paragraph 4 of the notice. The trial will affect eligible aircraft operating between
airports in the U.S. and those in Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and Tahiti. The FAA will post
the notice on its Oceanic Procedures Branch web page within the next two weeks, and the page
will be expanded to include documents such as the FAA, Australian and ICAO policy documents
for operators to obtain authorization for RNP-4 operations. Visit
the Oceanic Procedures Branch web page.
FAA Releases Final Rule for Second-In-Command Type Rating
Updated September 9, 2005
On August 4, 2005, the FAA released the final rule on a new second-in-command (SIC) pilot
type rating. The new rule will bring the U.S. Federal Aviation Regulations into compliance
with international standards on pilot certificates. The SIC final rule requires pilots who
plan to fly outside of U.S. airspace and land in foreign countries to obtain an SIC pilot
type rating. The final rule provides two means for obtaining the SIC rating: SIC familiarization
training and an SIC training program, both detailed within the rule. NBAA commented on this
proposal in November 2004, resulting in the FAA clarifying certain aspects of this rule, specifically
limiting the rule to only international operations. The new rule became effective on September
6, 2005, and the compliance date for the rule is June 6, 2006. More.
Travel to United States Under VWP Will Require
Machine-Readable Passports
On May 12, 2005, the Department of Homeland Security announced that as of June 26, 2005, all
persons traveling under the auspices of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) must present a machine-readable
passport to travel to the United States without a visa.
International Documents and Information
Cabotage and Temporary Importation of Aircraft
Information on cabotage restrictions and importation of aircraft into the European Union.
Reduced Vertical Separation Minima (RVSM)
Members may access links to RVSM information for specific regions. Also available are Part
91 RVSM Operational and Maintenance Templates that may aid in the development of company procedures
and manuals.
Advance Passenger Information Service (APIS)
Background information on APIS as well as APIS Account Manager contact numbers, CBP eAPIS
program description, and CBP final rules can be found here.
Oceanic Flight Information
Here Members may find links to the North Atlantic MNPS Airspace Operations Manual, Oceanic
Operations Advisory Circular AC91-70, and other oceanic operations resources.
Safety Assessment of Foreign Aircraft (SAFA)
The European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) developed the Safety Assessment of Foreign Aircraft (SAFA) Program to complement ICAO safety oversight audits in Europe by concentrating checks of aircraft during stops at European airports. ECAC member State aircraft and aircraft from non-ECAC member States are subject to ramp inspections that will evaluate the aircraft's documents and crew, the apparent condition of the aircraft and the carriage of mandatory cabin equipment.
International Operators Conference Documents
The International Operators Conference (IOC) is hosted by the NBAA International Operators
Committee, which aids Member Companies in the facilitation of their international flight operations.
Online International Resources
FAA International Flight Information
Manual (IFIM)
Published by the FAA, the IFIM is a preflight and planning guide for use by U.S. nonscheduled
operators, business, and private aviators flying outside of the United States.
ICAO Geographic Information System (GIS)
Contains a listing of Aeronautical Information Publications (AIPs) for countries which are available to view online.
Customs & Border Protection
Guide for Private Flyers
The CBP Guide for Private Flyers is written for the private, corporate, or charter pilot,
who is on a business or pleasure flight, either going to or arriving from a foreign country.
It sets forth basic CBP requirements and regulations and provides a complete list of airports
that have CBP processing.
Customs Information
Members may access information about United States and Canadian Customs which includes Customs
Bond information, user fees for international arrivals to the United States, select Customs
forms, and links to Canada's CANPASS Private and Corporate Air Program.
FAA International Restrictions
Web Site
The FAA International Restrictions Web site provides access to U.S. government restrictions
(such as trade sanctions, flight prohibitions and other limitations) impacting civil aviation
operations outside the United States.
Boeing Airport Noise Regulation
Information Web Site
This database provides general information on noise related restrictions. It is not intended
to and should not be used as a basis for making any business/operating decisions. Operators
are urged to consult additional sources, such as flight handlers, when planning international
trips.
International Travel Warnings
Link to U.S. Department of State Travel Warnings, Public Announcements, and Consular Information
Sheets
NAV CANADA
A non-share capital, private corporation, that recovers the costs of air navigation facilities
and services through a system of service charges levied on aircraft operators. Access a fee
calculator that allows you to estimate the movement-based charges (enroute and terminal
services) between selected city pairs.
EUROCONTROL
Visit the projects area of this site for information about 8.33, ACAS, VDL Mode 2, RVSM and more.
International Business Aviation Council (IBAC)
The non-profit, non-governmental association which represents, promotes and protects the interests
of business aviation in international policy and regulatory venues. IBAC also administers
the Aircrew Identification Card, which identifies crew members of business aircraft so that
international flights may be cleared more expeditiously.
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