international ops

[unclematty]

help, we just recieved our authorization for the bahamas. Need to know what is requried for customs, ins, ag, and tsa. thanks !!!

Matt Colyer
chief pilot
american aerospace corporation

 

[OviedoBob]

One of the first places is the FAA's International Flight Manual. Try their site at www1.faa.gov/ats/aat/ifim/

 

[cvsfly]

By authorization do you mean Part 135 Operations Specification section B? Usually the Bahamas are included in the Eastern Caribbean authorization under B050. As far as TSA/FAA/ATC waivers are concerned, the Bahamas are designated as a "portal country" and are covered under a blanket waiver so a waiver is not required by FDC Notams 2/5128, 2/5319, & 2/5167. Insurance - check with your agent - coverage should not be a problem. Customs - Bahama Customs are a breeze (although it can be slow and frustrating - ie you have all your docs ready, you come the first agent, he sighs, grabs his forms, hands back your pile and says see the Immigration officer, the Immigration officer is standing right next to him but he can't pass over the proper paperwork from your stack to him!) Most of the forms you need are now online - try www.floridapilot.com. ICAO flight plan form and instructions (not always required outbound to Bahamas, but may need for return) www.faa.gov/fsdo/orl/fltpln.htm or www.faa.gov/ats/afss/pieafss/flighttxt.htm. US Customs is another beast. Review 19 CFR Part 122. Many of the forms you will need are on the US Customs website (not all). Also an electronic passenger manifest is required by the APIS for Part 135 US arrivals (outbound recommended). Easiest portal for that is the NBAA website. Recommended reference is Bahamas & Caribbean Pilot's Aviation Guide - Pilot Publications (name may have changed from my 1996 copy - 2003 is at the office). ATC is usually good in the Northern Bahamas as MIA center handles traffic 6 or 7000' and up, otherwise you may deal with Grand Bahama or Nassau Approach control - beyond that it is mostly "uncontrolled". Always have some cash (Bahama customs doesn't take credit - unless you have a handler or FBO consolidating all your fees. Check on fuel availability and hours of operation/contacts before you leave (fuel at Treasure Cay arranged at the Texaco down the street (E & P) if the fueler isn't there when you arrive). PM me if you want any forms and I have an international "checklist" in development for Part 91 & 135 if you are interested. Last note, some operators seek out "economic authority" to operate in the Bahamas. Most who just fly to and from BS, without picking up interisland passengers don't bother. The process is combersome and expensive as you need to retain a lawyer in Nassau to submit it. Multiple island commercial passenger pickups may raise an eyebrow.