International Corporate Flying

[shon7]

How are the flight plans filed when you fly Internationally -- say from U.S. to Europe or U.S. to Asia?

Since Corporate jets are "non scheduled services" do you have to file with each country and airspace?

Finally, how are the landing, takeoff charges billed and to whom?

 

[Gulfstream 200]

all this can be done through services like Universal, Baseops, Jeppesen, etc....They send you a fax or email with flightplan,overflight permits, services (fuel ,taxis etc) all printed out. They can even do hotels etc...(not recommended)

Some companies have dispatchers who can arrange much of this also.

Overflight permits are needed for many countries but are readily avail. - even for places like Afghanistan (now) and even Libya soon (I hear). Iraq? no....but thats OK...again, the service you choose will arrange these overflight permits - which you carry onboard. I have never had someone question one or even ask.

Billing can be done through these services but many try for as much direct billing as possible to save money. Checking ahead is a wise move, landing/ramp/ATC fees in places like Russia,Japan, Korea, China, etc...WILL be many thousands of dollars at a shot. Add in a hangar, security, etc...it all gets pricy quick.

Other Fees? -- These days you really dont need much cash money to get pilot business done in Europe/Asia, credit is readily availiable - but if one ventures off the beaten path (read Africa) it's still wise to check ahead and plan on cash fuel purchases/buyoffs, etc...

The best sources for real info about Intl ops is other pilots.....great info is often shared through industry sites like NBAA.com

 

[2000flyer]

How are the flight plans filed when you fly Internationally -- say from U.S. to Europe or U.S. to Asia?

Since Corporate jets are "non scheduled services" do you have to file with each country and airspace?

Finally, how are the landing, takeoff charges billed and to whom?

To expand on G200's excellent post, say for example you're flying from New York to France. One flight plan is filed that covers US domestic, oceanic, and flights through the UK and France. It's just like filing from New York to California. European airspace is dominated by slot availability. When you file from London to Paris (for example), you'll be given an airway slot. If you filed at 1200Z, be ready to go AT 1200Z. If your passengers are notoriously late arrivers, I'd suggest filing an hour later (or whatever their "normal" airport arrival time is) and be prepared to have them sit a bit if they show early. Nothing worse than filing, boarding, getting the APU running and requesting you're clearance 45 minutes past your departure time. You'll not be pleased when the controller advises you've missed your slot time and the next available is 2-hours away. If the controller has time, he'll continue to send "ready" messages to flow and you may get an earlier slot, but you'll be required to sit on the aircraft ready to start should they get something early. Don't expect to shut down and wait for the phone to ring in the operations building.

Landing/parking fees can either be billed through your handling provider or you can set up billing with the airport (recommended). All handling services add a percentage to the cost and can drive up your bills in a hurry. This also includes hotels, limos, cabs, etc. Your first few times over I'd suggest running everything through your handler until you're comfortable with operating there.

FBO's are much different than what you're experienced with in the US. While European FBO's are becoming more "American" like, Many offer only a lobby, catering, place to sit and a place to pay your bills. Don't get me wrong, many are comfortable. Most fueling is provided through the airlines. The FBO's only arrange your fueling but don't actually own the truck or deliver the fuel to you.

Parking at many EU airports is tight and peak seasons / travel dates will find you possibly dropping your passengers and ferrying the plane to another airport where parking is available. Fees are high since it's a self funded system to much extent. Services are also expensive. I've paid US$39 for two bags of ice!

A little experience and learning from what the handlers do will go a long way to where you're comfortable arranging many of the services you'll require. I'd still recommend you use a flight planning service for all your flight plans / permits. That will relieve a lot of stress in your life!

Regards,

2000Flyer

 

[JetPilot500]

You need to KNOW 3 things to fly to Europe:

1. Hire a flight planning service like Air Routing

2. Know how to make a position report

3. Understand the meaning of the phrase, "I call you back."


You need to HAVE 4 things to fly to Europe:

1. A lot of money

2. A plane that can make it across the pond

3. A lot of Coffee

4. A lav



Seriously, thats about it!


Good Luck,
JetPilot 500

(Currently in London)

 

[banned username 2]

4. A lav

AMEN!!!!!!!!!

 

[Gulfstream 200]

hey lowly falcon guys...amend that please...

you need 2 lavs!!!



(haha)

 

[2000flyer]

hey lowly falcon guys...amend that please...

you need 2 lavs!!!



(haha)

Many 2000's and 900's have the second lav option. Most don't opt for it because their pilot's aren't full of sh**!

2000Flyer

 

[rice]

And then................

hey lowly falcon guys...amend that please...

you need 2 lavs!!!


(haha)

You could have the boss (who is constantly flying around the world on a weekly basis) buy an EX to replace the B because he wants the extra range and also decides to remove the forward lav because he prefers the extra closet space.

 

[2000flyer]

Re: And then................

You could have the boss (who is constantly flying around the world on a weekly basis) buy an EX to replace the B because he wants the extra range and also decides to remove the forward lav because he prefers the extra closet space.

Spoken like a man who knows the TRUTH!

 

[banned username 2]

hey lowly falcon guys...amend that please...

you need 2 lavs!!!



(haha)

We all know Global pilots are so full of SH!T that they need that forward lav cuz they can't make it to the back in time!

 

[G4G5]

I call you back

Translation
I make you wait.

 

[Gulfstream 200]

humm...

I have been accused of being full of $hit before I guess.....





...think of outcome before posting.......think of outcome before posting......