Overflight and landing permits vary in complexity & lead time. However, they've become more streamlined within the past few years.
Now, operators need to follow landing overflight permit clearances accurately. Also, give yourself sufficient lead time.
Now, simply check out the best known facts about overflight and landing permits:
1. You need to apply for permits as soon as possible:
The Civil Aviation Administration needs at least 5 working days to process landing permits, regardless of the type of flight.
Also, lead time of at least ninety six hours is needed for overflight permits for both private non-revenue & charter flights.
If you plan on making multiple stops within the country, then it's advised to start the permit process as soon as possible.
2. Sponsor letters are required:
You may need to provide specific information to obtain a landing permit, depending on the type of flight.
The letter should be on company letterhead, listing a contact person & his/her contact information.
For a schedule that has more than five stops, you're required to submit a sponsor letter for each stop, one from a sponsor based in each city you stop in.
3. Get correct crew visas:
All crew members would require a C-type crew visa. If you won't get it, then you've to give a fine.
Multi-entry crew visas are available. In some cases, annual crew visas could be an option. Multi-entry crew visas are based on requirement.
You must show your multi-operation schedule. Moreover, you need to state your reasons on company's letterhead.
4. You need to fly your assigned & cleared route accurately:
This is very important.
An aircraft may be returned to its point of origin if the crew arrives at a point of entry different from the one provided on the overflight or landing permit confirmation.
You need to fly your assigned and cleared route accurately as provided on the confirmation.
Still you have to consider slot and airway restrictions. Give yourself sufficient lead time.
5. Multiple schedule changes may result in a permit denial:
The Civil Aviation Administration is very particular about multiple changes. If you initiate too many changes, then the authority may reject your revision request.
There've been cases where the civil aviation authority has approved a requested change but forbid any more changes.
One landing overflight permit change is usually not an issue.
Moreover, the concerned authority needs 3 working days to process schedule. However they may approve the revision within a shorter time period at their discretion.
Conclusion:
While dealing with overflight and landing permits, it's important that you understand all requirements and restrictions.
In addition to the aforementioned facts, you need to also consider documentation requirements, special request formats, operating hours & urgent request/revision options.
Martin Wynn
