Tag: #GeneralAviation

CategoriesBusiness Aircraft Operations

Business Aircraft Ops to Bhutan

Posted on November 24, 2020by VVIP Flight

General Aviation (GA) flights operating into Bhutan has to keep in mind peak commercial traffic periods along with potential parking challenges and Special crew training requirement while planning International trip to Bhutan.

The following is an overview of what you need to know:

  • Popular Airports with CIQ facilities in Bhutan: VQPR Airport (PARO airport).
  • Landing Permit Lead Time and Requirements: It takes 7 working days to obtain Bhutan Landing permit. Complete flight details along with crew and pax details are required to apply for the Bhutan landing permit. Below documents are also required to be submitted to Civil Air Office along with landing application :
  • Certificate of Registration
  • Certificate of Airworthiness
  • Insurance Certificate
  • AOC or Ops Specs
  • All Pages of the license of Operating crew members.
  • Valid medical of operating crew members
  • Log book of the pilot in command
  • If no guide pilot / Navigator used, proof of training session under taken by the flight crew for this particular aerodrome.
  • General Declaration.
  • Parking considerations in Bhutan: Overnight parking at VQPR airport is available with prior approval only due to limited parking stands. It is recommended to confirm parking arrangements well in advance before operating into VQPR Airport.
  • Airport slots and PPR in Bhutan:When you operate to VQPR airport slots are required. Slots are requested via e-mail / fax from the airport slot coordinator. This is generally done by the agent or handler on the behalf of operator..
  • General Aviation Crew Visa  Requirements for Bhutan :It is recommended that all general aviation crew arriving in Bhutan must carry with them a valid VISA issued by the Bhutan Embassy / Bhutan Consulate.
  • Visa on arrival: Yes, Visa on arrival facility is available for crew members at Bhutan with prior approval. Please note crew can also be cleared on Gendec (require passport with min 06 months validity, crew ID and hotel booking within Paro City). However, crew require prior visa if they wish to stay out of Paro as per Immigration regulations.
  • Ground Handler at Bhutan: VVIP Flight (ops@vvipflight.com) can assist you with your Landing permits, Diplomatic clearance, Ground handling, slots, parking, CIQ coordination, Catering coordination, Aviation Fuel coordination, Ground transportation arrangements, flight dispatch, weather services, hotel arrangements and other GA flight services at VQPR airport, Bhutan.
  • Towing requirements : While some power in/power out parking spots are available but it is mandatory requirement to carry tow bar on board the aircraft while operating into VQPR airport.
  • CREW TRAINING REQUIREMENTS : Specific Category “C” requirements of Paro International airport has been fulfilled by the Operating crew with regard to the following areas: a) The flight to be accompanied by a guide pilot / Navigator on board who has been flying into Paro Aerodrome on a regular basis or an operating crew who has flown before and knows the aerodrome very well. If guide pilot / Navigator are required, the operator shall  Communicate with VVIP Flight (ops@vvipflight.com) who in turn will  Coordinate and arrange for a guide pilot/ Navigator for you; OR b) If the operating crew has flown into Paro Aerodrome during the last one year ; OR c) An operating crew who has undergone a Simulator familiarization training to operate into Paro Aerodrome / VQPR aerodrome.
  • Curfew and Restrictions :It is recommended to check GA restriction and curfew before you operate into Bhutan.
  • Aviation Jet Fuel: Fuel facility is available at international airport in Bhutan.
  • Caterer: It is recommended to bring catering from 5 star hotels.
  • Hotels in Bhutan: Le Meridian Paro, Riverfront and Zhiwa Ling Hotel are some of good hotel options available in the city.
  • Places to Visit in Bhutan: The fairytale, mystical Kingdom of Bhutan is world-famous for measuring Gross National Happiness, an index which is used to measure the collective happiness and well-being of a population. Bhutan is a spectacular, unspoilt country steeped in ancient traditions and with a history that is as tall as its Himalayan mountain peaks. It’s a country where mystical Buddhism thrives, archery is the national sport, almost everyone wears national dress, and traffic lights are absent. The Kingdom is on top of many travellers’ bucket lists (and for good reason), yet is tricky to visit. There are several reasons why you should put Bhutan on your bucket list:
  • Hike the sacred path to Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan’s most iconic temple
  • Visit the ancient fortress of Punakha Dzong
  • Explore the outdoors (hiking, white water rafting, cycling, etc …)
  • Explore Thimphu, the world’s only capital without traffic lights
  • Observe wildlife, including the rare black necked cranes
  • Drive along majestic mountain passes
  • Attend a colourful Bhutanese festival

If you have any questions about this article or would like assistance planning your next trip to Bhutan, contact us ops@vvipflight.com or (OPS) – (+91)-8010686868

Note: Regulations, watch hours, NOTAM or any other information given in above page are subject to change from time to time, for most latest information please feel free to contact us.

CategoriesGround Handling

Business Aircraft Ops to VNKT, Kathmandu ( Nepal)

Posted on November 17, 2020by VVIP Flight

Airport name: Tribhuvan International Airport

ICAO code: VNKT                                              

IATA Code: KTM

City Name: Kathmandu

Country: Nepal

Fire Category: VIII

Airport Operating Hours of VNKT airport / KTM airport: 0030 UTC-2115 UTC Daily

Curfew and Restrictions of VNKT airport / KTM airport: Nil

 (It is recommended to check GA restriction and curfew before you operate into VNKT airport)

CIQ Hours of VNKT airport / KTM airport: 0030-2115 UTC

Slots/PPR requirements at VNKT airport / KTM airport: Airport slots are required when you operate in VNKT airport. Slots are requested via e-mail / fax from the airport slot coordinator. This is generally done by the agent or handler on the behalf of operator.

Parking Availability at VNKT airport / KTM airport: Limited overnight parking is available at VNKT airport with prior approval only. VNKT airport implement temporary parking restrictions from time to time. It’s always recommended to confirm all parking arrangements well in advance. Most of the parking stands at VNKT airport need aircraft to be pushed back before departure using tow bar and push truck.

Port of entry/exit VNKT airport / KTM airport: Yes, VNKT airport is port of entry/exit.

Crew visa requirements for GA flights in Nepal: Nepal visa is required for crew members and Visa on arrival is available for crew at VNKT airport.

Pax visa requirements for GA flights in Nepal: All Pax must arrive with valid Nepal Visa. Visa upon arrival is also available in Nepal for most of the nationalities.

Ground Handler at VNKT airport / KTM airport: VVIP Flight (ops@vvipflight.com) can assist you with your Landing permits, Defense clearance, Ground handling, slots, parking, CIQ coordination, Catering coordination, Aviation Fuel coordination, Ground transportation arrangements, flight dispatch, weather services, hotel arrangements and other GA flight services at VNKT airport / KTM airport

VNKT Landing Permit Notice Period: It takes 7 working days to obtain VNKT landing permit. The below mentioned documents are required to obtain landing permit:-

  1. A COPY OF AIR OPERATOR CERTIFICATE (AOC).
  2. A COPY OF CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION OF AIRCRAFT (C OF R)
  3. A COPY OF CERTIFICATE OF AIRWORTHINESS OF AIRCRAFT (C OF A)
  4. A COPY OF AIRCRAFT FLIGHT MANUAL (AFM) THAT SHOWS THE MAXIMUM TAKE OFF WEIGHT OF AIRCRAFT (MTOW).
  5. A COPY OF CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE OF AIRCRAFT COVERING THIRD PARTY LIABILITY OF NOT LESS THAN US$ 60 MILLION ($60,000,000).
  6. A COPY OF SIMULATOR CERTIFICATE OF PIC FOR KATHMANDU SID/SIA & MAPS (AS MENTIONED IN THE AIP NEPAL)
  7. A COPY OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY CERTIFICATE OF PIC IF , NON –NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKER.
  8. A COPY OF THE PIC’S LICENSE.

GA Lounge/Terminal at VNKT airport / KTM Airport: General aviation lounge is not available at VNKT airport.

Crew Special training : Simulator Training of Pilot for VNKT airport SID/SIA & MAPS is required as mentioned in AIP of Nepal.

Tow Bar requirements at VNKT airport / KTM airport:  All parking stands at VNKT airport need aircraft to be pushed back before departure using tow bar and push truck. It is mandatory regulation to carry tow bar on board the aircraft in Nepal.

Caterer at VNKT /KTM airport: Catering, laundry and dish cleaning facility are available with caterers at VNKT / KTM airport.

Jet Fuel at VNKT / KTM airport: Fuel is available at VNKT airport.

Hotel at VNKT airport: The Hyatt Regency, Marriott Hotel and Radisson Hotel are some of the good 5 Star hotel options available in the city.

Places to Visit:  In the heart of Nepal, surrounding the country’s capital city, the Kathmandu Valley is packed with an incredible array of fascinating sites. These include sacred Hindu and Buddhist temples, medieval cities and royal palaces, bucolic national parks and superb Himalayan panoramas. You could spend many weeks or even months exploring the region. Kathmandu is an incredibly diverse, historic city with amazing architecture, exquisite wood carvings and metal craft which showcase the skills of the Newar artisans of centuries ago. The Durbar (palace) Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site lies in the heart of the city with the old palace accompanied by a number of pagoda style temples that boast of superb craftsmanship in wood and metal. Pashupatinath, Boudha and Swayambhu, three of the prominent religious pilgrimage sites are World Heritage Sites and a must see.     

If you have any questions about this article or would like assistance planning your next trip to Nepal, contact us ops@vvipflight.com or (OPS)- (+91)-8010686868.

Note: Regulations, watch hours, NOTAM, Fire category or any other information given in above article are subject to change from time to time, for most latest information please feel free to contact us.

CategoriesGround Handling

Business Aircraft Ops to India-VAPO Airport, Pune

Posted on November 11, 2020by VVIP Flight

Airport name: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel  International Airport

ICAO code: VAPO                                             

IATA Code: PNQ

City Name: Pune

Country: India

Fire Category: VII

Airport Operating Hours of VAPO airport / PNQ airport: 0231-1429 UTC Daily

Curfew and Restrictions of VAPO airport / PNQ airport: Airfield will remain closed for maintenance between 0530 UTC-0930 UTC on every 2nd and 4th Saturdays. VAPO is defence airfield and temporary airport restrictions are in place depending on military exercise. It is always recommended to check GA restriction and curfew before you operate into VAPO airport.

CIQ Hours of VAPO airport / PNQ airport: 0231-1429 UTC Daily

Slots/PPR requirements at VAPO airport / PNQ airport: Airport slots are required when you operate in VAPO airport. Slots are requested via e-mail / fax from the airport slot coordinator. This is generally done by the agent or handler on the behalf of operator. VAPO airport is the airport with slot validity of (+) 45 (-) 15 minutes.

Parking Availability at VAPO airport / PNQ airport: There is paucity of parking space at VAPO airport and parking is available with  prior approval only. VAPO airport implement temporary parking restrictions from time to time. It’s always recommended to confirm all parking arrangements well in advance. All parking stands at VAPO airport need aircraft to be pushed back before departure using tow bar and push truck.

Port of entry/exit VAPO airport / PNQ airport: Yes, VAPO airport is port of entry/exit.

Crew visa requirements for GA flights in India: All general aviation crew arriving in India must carry with them a valid BUSINESS VISA issued by the Indian Embassy / Consulate or an E-BUSINESS VISA available online. If time permitting, it is recommended that they carry with them a valid Business Visa issued by the Indian Embassy/Consulate.

For applying the Business Visa, some Embassies ask for an invitation/sponsorship letter which VVIP Flight will gladly provide.

Pax visa requirements for GA flights in India: All Pax must arrive with valid Indian visa or Indian e-visa (available online).

E-visa acceptable VAPO airport / PNQ airport: Yes E-visa facility is available in VAPO airport. E-visa is acceptable at VAPO Airport.

Ground Handler at VAPO airport / PNQ airport: VVIP Flight (ops@vvipflight.com) can assist you with your Landing permits, Defense clearance, Ground handling, slots, parking, CIQ coordination, Catering coordination, Aviation Fuel coordination, Ground transportation arrangements, flight dispatch, weather services, hotel arrangements and other GA flight services at VAPO airport / PNQ airport

VAPO Landing Permit Notice Period: It takes 3-4 weeks to obtain landing permit for defence airports.  For foreign registered aircraft operating into defence airfield.  Air Operations Routine (AOR number) is required in addition to Civil Air Office clearance. AOR is generally applied and coordinated by Handler or Agent on behalf of operator.

Detail required applying for VAPO landing permit: Operator Name, Acft Registration, Acft Call Sign, Type of Aircraft, Schedule, ATS route to be flown, Crew Passport details such as Name, passport number, date of issue, date of expiry, Nationality, Date of Birth etc. Pax Passport details such as Name, passport number, date of issue, date of expiry, Nationality, Date of Birth etc.

Air Operations Routine (AOR number) : All Foreign Registered Aircraft operating flight into Military Airport (Naval or Air force) has to obtain AOR clearance for operating to/from defence aerodromes. AOR clearance will be issued by Director of Air Intelligence, Air Headquarter (Vayu Bhavan) / Naval HQ in coordination with MoD. Once AOR is obtained Civil Air Office issues landing permit to operate into defence airport. This is generally taken by your handler or agent in India.

Validity of AOR: Validity of AOR may vary. But normally it is (+) (-) 2hours. For delay beyond 2 hours on arrival / departure at Military airport revised AOR clearance is required. This is generally taken by your handler or agent in India.

GA Lounge/Terminal at VAPO airport / PNQ Airport: General aviation lounge is not available at VAPO airport.

Tow Bar requirements at VAPO airport / PNQ airport:  All parking stands at VAPO airport are self power in and pushed back parking stands. It is mandatory regulation to carry tow bar on board the aircraft in India, however tow bar of some of the business aircrafts are available with the handler at VAPO airport. It is advised to check tow bar availability before the flight operation.

Caterer at VAPO /PNQ airport:  It is recommended to bring catering from 5 star hotels as there is no good caterer available at the airport. We can also assist in arranging catering at VAPO airport from nearby 5 star hotels on request.

Jet Fuel at VAPO / PNQ airport: Fuel facility is available during airport watch hours at VAPO airport.

Hotel at VAPO airport:  JW Marriott Hotel, Conrad Pune and Hyatt Regency are some good hotel options available in the city.

If you have any questions about this article or would like assistance planning your next trip to India, contact us ops@vvipflight.com or (OPS)- (+91)-8010686868.

Note: Regulations, watch hours, NOTAM, Fire category or any other information given in above article are subject to change from time to time, for most latest information please feel free to contact us.

You can also read our blog on other famous Defense Airports in India for General Aviation Flights : VIJO airport (Jodhpur Airport) , VEAB airport (Allahabad Airport), VABJ airport (Bhuj Airport), VEGK airport ( Gorakhpur airport), VEJT airport (Jorhat Airport), VIJR airport  (Jaisalmer Airport) , VICG airport (Chandigarh Airport), VIGR airport (Gwalior Airport), VAJM airport (Jamnagar Airport), VOVZ airport (Visakhapatnam Airport), VOGO airport (Goa Airport), VIAG airport (Agra Airport), VOYK airport ( Yelahanka Air Force Station), VOPB airport (Port Blair Airport), VAOZ airport  (Ozar Airport), VIDX Airport (Hindon Airport).

CategoriesGround Handling

Business Aircraft Ops to VAAH Airport ( Ahmedabad Airport, India)

Posted on November 4, 2020by VVIP Flight

Airport name: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport

ICAO code: VAAH                                             

IATA Code: AMD

City Name: Ahmedabad

Country: India

Fire Category: IX

Airport Operating Hours of VAAH airport / AMD airport: H24

Curfew and Restrictions of VAAH airport / AMD airport: Airport Runway is closed for operation between 0430-0930 UTC on every Sunday.

 (It is recommended to check GA restriction and curfew before you operate into VAAH airport)

CIQ Hours of VAAH airport / AMD airport: H24

Slots/PPR requirements at VAAH airport / AMD airport: Airport slots are required when you operate in VAAH airport. Slots are requested via e-mail / fax from the airport slot coordinator. This is generally done by the agent or handler on the behalf of operator. VAAH airport is the airport with slot validity of (+) 45 (-) 15 minutes.

Parking Availability at VAAH airport / AMD airport: Limited overnight parking is available in VAAH airport with prior approval only. VAAH airport implement temporary parking restrictions from time to time. It’s always recommended to confirm all parking arrangements well in advance. Most of the parking stands at VAAH airport need aircraft to be pushed back before departure using tow bar and push truck. VAAH airport also have few power in and self power out parking stands subject to availability. It is mandatory regulation to carry tow bar on board the aircraft, however tow bar for some of the GA aircrafts are available at VAAH airport.  

Port of entry/exit VAAH airport / AMD airport: Yes, VAAH airport is port of entry/exit.

Crew visa requirements for GA flights in India: All general aviation crew arriving in India must carry with them a valid BUSINESS VISA issued by the Indian Embassy / Consulate or an E-BUSINESS VISA available online. If time permitting, it is recommended that they carry with them a valid Business Visa issued by the Indian Embassy/Consulate.

For applying the Business Visa, some Embassies ask for an invitation/sponsorship letter which VVIP Flight will gladly provide.

Pax visa requirements for GA flights in India: All Pax must arrive with valid Indian visa or Indian e-visa (available online).

E-visa acceptable VAAH airport / AMD airport: Yes E-visa facility is available in VAAH airport. E-visa is acceptable at VAAH Airport.

Ground Handler at VAAH airport / AMD airport: VVIP Flight (ops@vvipflight.com) can assist you with your Landing permits, Ground handling, slots, parking, CIQ coordination, Catering coordination, Aviation Fuel coordination, Ground transportation arrangements, flight dispatch, weather services, hotel arrangements and other GA flight services at VAAH airport / AMD airport

VAAH Landing Permit Notice Period: It takes 03 working days to obtain landing permit (flight should operate on 4th day) except flights originating from PRC countries i.e. China, North Korea, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, and Nigeria. It takes 07 working days to obtain landing permission for flights originating from PRC countries (flight should operate on 8th day).

GA Lounge/Terminal at VAAH airport / AMD Airport: General aviation lounge is not available at VAAH airport.

Tow Bar requirements at VAAH airport / AMD airport:  VAAH airport have few power in and self power out parking stands subject to availability. Most of the parking stands at VAAH airport are self power in and pushed back parking stands. It is mandatory regulation to carry tow bar on board the aircraft in India, however tow bar of some of the business aircrafts are available with the handler at VAAH airport. It is advised to check tow bar availability before the flight operation.

Caterer at VAAH /AMD airport:  It is recommended to bring catering from 5 star hotels as there is no good caterer available at the airport. We can also assist in arranging catering at VAAH airport from nearby 5 star hotels on request.

Jet Fuel at VAAH / AMD airport: Fuel facility is H24 available at VAAH airport.

Hotel at VAAH airport:  Hyatt Regency Hotel, Novotel Hotel, Radission and Courtyard by Marriott Ahmedabad are some good hotel options available in the city.

Places to Visit: Ahmedabad is a major city in the state of Gujarat and one of western India’s most important cities. It is a startling metropolis with a rich Mughal heritage; a city where the old combines with modern infrastructure and has given rise to a major business powerhouse. From fascinating buildings excellent museums, brilliant restaurants, and thrilling night markets, Ahmedabad has a lot to offer. . Some of the top attractions to see in Ahmedabad is Swaminarayan Temple, Dada Hari Wav, Sabarmati Ashram (once the residence of Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba) etc.    

If you have any questions about this article or would like assistance planning your next trip to India, contact us ops@vvipflight.com or (OPS)- (+91)-8010686868.

Note: Regulations, watch hours, NOTAM, Fire category or any other information given in above article are subject to change from time to time, for most latest information please feel free to contact us.

You can also read our blog on business aircraft ops to Major International Airports in India  : VIDP Airport  (Delhi airport), VABB Airport (Mumbai airport), VOBL airport (Bangalore airport),VOMM  Airport ( Chennai Airport), VOGO airport (Goa Airport) , VECC  airport (Kolkata Airport), VOCI airport (Cochin Airport),VAAH airport ( Ahmedabad Airport) VOTV airport ( Trivandrum Airport), VOCL airport ( Calicut Airport), VILK airport (Lucknow Airport), VIAR airport (Amritsar Airport), VOTR airport ( Trichy Airport), VIJP airport (Jaipur Airport), VOML airport (Mangalore Airport), VAPO airport (Pune Airport), VANP airport (Nagpur Airport),VOCB airport ( Coimbatore Airport), VEGY Airport (Gaya Airport), VEDB Airport (Bagdogra Airport), VEGT Airport (Guwahati Airport),VEBN Airport ( Varanasi Airport), VICG airport (Chandigarh Airport), VOVZ airport ( Vishakhapatnam Airport), VOMD airport  (Madurai Airport), VEBS airport (Bhubaneswar Airport) and VOPB airport ( Port Blair Airport).

CategoriesBusiness Aircraft Operations

VISA RESTRICTIONS RELATED TO COVID-19-INDIA

Posted on October 27, 2020by VVIP Flight

(i) Following categories of foreign nationals are permitted to enter India by any non-scheduled commercial flights as allowed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation:-
(a) All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and PIO cardholders holding passports of any country.

(b) All foreign nationals intending to visit India for any purpose(including their dependents on appropriate category of dependent visa) except those on Tourist Visa.

(ii) All existing visas, except electronic visas (e-Visa), Tourist visa and Medical Visa, which remained suspended, shall stand restored with immediate effect. If the validity of such visa has expired, the foreign national may obtain a fresh visa of appropriate category/sub-category from the Indian Mission/Post concerned. In the case of Medical Visa (including visa for Medical Attendants), foreign nationals intending to visit India for medical treatment in emergencies may be granted Medical visa for appropriate period by the Indian Missions/Posts. The condition of obtaining a visa will not apply to dependent family members of foreign diplomats/officials who are eligible for visa exemption in terms of bilateral visa exemption agreements or visa specific agreements entered into by India with various countries. Such foreign nationals covered by para (i) (b) above will not be permitted to travel to India on the strength of any electronic visa (e-Visa) obtained earlier.

(iii) In case any foreign national not covered by categories mentioned in (i) above is required to visit India urgently due to any family emergency, the Indian Missions/Posts are authorized to issue single entry X-Misc visa for appropriate period. In such cases, the Indian Missions/Posts may take a decision on grant of visa on a case to case basis on the merits of each case.

(iv) Nationals of Nepal and Bhutan are permitted to come to India from any country (including any third country).

(v) Any Indian national or a national of Nepal or Bhutan holding any type of valid visa of any country is permitted to travel from India to the country concerned provided there is no travel restriction for entry of Indian/Nepalese/Bhutanese nationals in that country. It would be for the airlines concerned to ensure that there is no travel restriction for Indian/Nepalese/Bhutanese nationals to enter the country concerned with the particular visa category before issue of tickets/boarding pass to the Indian/Nepalese/Bhutanese passenger.

(vi) There will be no restriction on incoming passenger traffic into India through the authorized airport/seaport Immigration Check Posts for all categories of foreign nationals who are permitted to enter India or those who may be permitted to enter India in future. Such travel restrictions would also not apply to any movement of cargo or goods and supplies in any vehicle, aircraft, ship, train etc. along with their crew, sailor, driver, helper, cleaner etc. on any of the 107 Immigration Check Posts including the land ICPs. However, such restriction on incoming passenger traffic into India will continue to be in effect in respect of foreign nationals holding Tourist Visa.

(vii) In respect of quarantine and all other health/COVID-19 related matters, guidelines of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare shall be strictly adhered to.

If you have any questions about this article or would like assistance planning your next trip to India, contact us ops@vvipflight.com or (OPS)- (+91)-8010686868.

Note: Regulations, watch hours, NOTAM or any other information given in above article are subject to change from time to time, for most latest information please feel free to contact us.

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