Beyond the requirements of 14 CFR, international flights require the pilot and aircraft to carry certificates and documents applicable to United States Customs and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations; 19 CFR (Customs Duties) and 47 CFR (Telecommunication), respectively. This page includes those requirements, and additional considerations for US pilots flying a private aircraft internationally. # Pilot Certificates and Documents ## Pilot and Medical Certificate In addition to the requirements of 14 CFR §61.3, United States customs requires the pilot and medical certificate to be available for inspection, per 19 CFR §122.27(c)(1). Most foreign countries' aviation and customs regulations also require the pilot and medical certificate to be in the pilot's physical possession. Generally, the **private pilot certificate** and **third class medical certificate** are the minimum certificates recognized outside of the United States, however, there are some exceptions: for example, the Bahamas recognizes the sport pilot certificate and allows pilots to operate under BasicMed. ## Radiotelephone Operator Permit The FCC is responsible for all types of radio operator licensing in the United States. At least an FCC **Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit** is required by 47 CFR §87.89 to operate aircraft radios on international flights. When required, the radio operator permit or a copy must be in the operator's personal possession, per 47 CFR §§13.19(c) and 87.105. An FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit does not expire; it is valid for the lifetime of the holder, under 47 CFR §13.15. To obtain an FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit: - Register with the FCC: [[FCC Registration - Login](https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do)]() - Record your FCC Registration Number (FRN) - Complete the required forms: [[Obtaining a License | Federal Communications Commission](https://www.fcc.gov/obtaining-license)]() - Submit payment via CORES - You will receive an email link to download your Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit when the application is granted ![[FCC RRTOP email.png]] ## Passport Per 22 CFR §51.3(e), the crew and **all passengers** must carry a valid **US passport book** for international flights; a **US passport card is NOT valid** for international flights. ![[passport card vs book.jpg]] ## Letter of Authorization Many countries require a Letter of Authorization to operate an aircraft if it is not registered in the pilot's name. This will clarify the relationship of the crew and passengers to the owner, that the flight is not a charter, and that the aircraft is not stolen. This letter should be notarized, and include: - The name of the owner; both the individual and company to match the aircraft's registration certificate - The name(s) of the crew to match the pilot certificate(s) - The make, model, registration number, and serial number of the aircraft - The purpose, dates, and locations of the flights - Signature of the owner ## Aeronautical Publications A pilot should have access to aeronautical navigation charts, diagrams, procedures, etc appropriate to the location and route being flown. For most regions, these can be accessed via an electronic flight bag (EFB) (ie ForeFlight) by updating or upgrading the user's subscription. ![[ForeFlight regions.png]] # Aircraft Certificates and Documents ## SPAROW All aircraft certificates and documents required for domestic flights must also be carried on board for international flights: - supplements - placards/markings - airworthiness certificate - registration certificate and marks - operating limitations (approved flight manual) - weight and balance data Per 19 CFR §122.27(c)(2), a "pink slip", or duplicate copy of the Aircraft Registration Application, is **NOT valid** for international flights in lieu of a valid registration certificate. Per 14 CFR §45.29(h) and ICAO Annex 7, registration marks ("tail numbers") must be at least 12 inches tall. ## Radio Station Authorization 47 CFR §87.18 requires the aircraft to have an FCC Radio Station Authorization for international flights. It must posted in the aircraft, or kept with the registration certificate, per 47 CFR §87.103(b). FCC licenses for stations in the aviation services are normally valid for a term of 10 years, under 47 CFR §87.27. ![[FCC radio station authorization.png]] ## CBP User Fee Decal Per 19 CFR §24.22(e), private aircraft are subject to an annual fee by United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This fee can be paid upon the first visit to customs during a calendar year, or prepaid in advance via the Decal and Transponder Online Procurement System (DTOPS). In either case, a CBP Form 339A must be completed, and a decal will arrive in the mail as proof of payment. The decal should be affixed to the outside of the aircraft, within 18 inches of the normal boarding area, where it is visible when doors/hatches are open. ![[CBP user fee decal.png]] ## Journey Log Book While absent from US regulations, most foreign countries' aviation regulations require a journey log book to be maintained and carried on board the aircraft during international operations, in accordance with the international standards and recommended practices of ICAO Annex 6 Part II. ![[ICAO annex 6 journey log book.png]] ## Databases The aircraft should have current database(s) appropriate to the location and route being flown; this is especially important for operations under IFR. For most regions, these can be accessed via the database supplier for your aircraft and avionics. ![[Garmin database regions.png]] # References - [[eCFR :: 19 CFR Part 24 -- Customs Financial and Accounting Procedure](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-19/chapter-I/part-24)]() - [[eCFR :: 19 CFR Part 122 -- Air Commerce Regulations](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-19/chapter-I/part-122)]() - [[eCFR :: 22 CFR Part 51 -- Passports](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/chapter-I/subchapter-F/part-51)]() - [[eCFR :: 47 CFR Part 13 -- Commercial Radio Operators](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-47/chapter-I/subchapter-A/part-13)]() - [[eCFR :: 47 CFR Part 87 -- Aviation Services](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-47/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-87)]() - [[Microsoft Word - Anx.06.Part.02.10th Edition.Amdt.36.alltext.en.docx](https://ffac.ch/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/ICAO-Annex-6-Operation-of-aircraft-Part-II-International-General-Aviation.pdf)]() - [[Commercial Radio Operator License Program | Federal Communications Commission](https://www.fcc.gov/commercial-radio-operator-license-program)]() - [[User Fee, Transponder, and Decal Information | U.S. Customs and Border Protection](https://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export/uftd-info)]() - [[Microsoft Word - CBP Private Air APIS Guide 2 0 _3_.doc](https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/CBP%20Private%20Air%20Guide%203%200%20(Jan%202015).pdf)]() - [[Cover: GPFCVR](https://www.eapisfile.com/docs/eapis/private_flyers_guide.pdf)]() ### By Kevin Sakson