When it comes to all the moving parts surrounding flight planning for international trips by business aviation operators, local and regional business aviation groups (LRGs) can play a vital role in helping operators save time, money and potential headaches.
For example, LRG leaders often leverage their industry networks to connect operating members with local regulatory officials such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) port directors and other agency leadership. Open communication through these connections creates an effective platform for operators and officers to respectfully convey concerns and clarify expectations.
Harnessing the power of the collective could mean inviting CBP officers to speak at a town-hall style event hosted by your LRG. Or consider including an informative article in your LRG newsletter. The idea is to share best practices, remove barriers between operators and officers, and provide information to members that can be referenced for planning future trips.
Group leaders are encouraged to poll their members often to gather valuable feedback. Collect details on interactions and specific concerns with CBP and other agencies. Sharing the compiled data with targeted industry partners such as NBAA may offer additional opportunities.
LRGs and operators should also make use of industry resources such as CBP’s GA Airport Fact Sheets database that collates hundreds of airport fact sheets in one convenient, searchable place.
“Having a relationship with CBP has been invaluable to the SFBAA. They have provided us with critical updates and insights that help our membership navigate the ever-changing regulatory environment.”
Scott Ramsden, South Florida Business Aviation Association
In South Florida, CBP ports of entry typically handle about 25% of aircraft reentries to the U.S., underscoring the importance of effective communication between local officers and bizav groups, including the South Florida Business Aviation Association (SFBAA). “Having a relationship with CBP has been invaluable to the SFBAA,” said SFBAA’s Scott Ramsden of Ramjet Aviation. “They have provided us with critical updates and insights that help our membership navigate the ever-changing regulatory environment.”
Being well-informed about the nuances of international trips will ensure you’re prepared for mission planning when the time comes. Capitalizing on your networks, including active engagement with your LRG and your NBAA regional director, can be the key to a smooth and successful flight.
Data Can Be a Game-Changer for Solving Challenges
Collecting data surrounding operational issues that your members are facing, and then strategically utilizing that information at the local and national level, can be a game-changer for mitigating challenges.
An example of this strategy took place recently in the greater Salt Lake City region. The local U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) port of entry was experiencing reduced availability for general aviation clearances due to lower staffing levels and increased commercial arrivals at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC).
NBAA and the Utah Business Aviation Association (UBAA) developed key questions for affected local operators to understand specific ways – including costs – that operators could be affected by denial of arrival clearance.
After collecting multiple data sets and removing data that could identify specific operators, NBAA presented the anonymized information at the national level during targeted conversations with key CBP officials. The collaboration resulted in notable systemwide improvements.
“This highlighted the importance of regional groups establishing a plan to amplify their stakeholders’ voices and bringing key partners such as NBAA to the table with a common goal of alleviating local operational concerns,” said Kristi Ivey, NBAA northern mountain regional director.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.