What to do in preparation for taking your HondaJet out of the United States
One of my first international flights in the HondaJet. Seeing Greenland on the way to Europe is more than just a fuel stop. It is an experience!
Documents, Documents, Documents.....
A big part of getting ready for flying your HondaJet out of the country is understanding what documents you need to have with you and provide to any handler down the road. If you just purchased your HondaJet keep in mind that your temporary registration is not legal for flights out of the United States. If you have an international trip planned in the first 45 days of owning your new airplane you need to be sure to request a fly-wire before closing. You will be asked to provide the details of your planned international trip and then the FAA will issue registration that can be used immediately for international flights. I suggest having electronic and printed copies of the following for the crew and your HondaJet:
Aircraft Registration
Airworthiness Certificate
FCC Radio Licence
Worldwide Insurance Certificate
Noise Certificate (Just the AFM page with Decibel Levels)
Pilot Certificate
Medical Certificate
Passport
COVID vaccine and other applicable vaccines
EAPIS and United States Customs for your HondaJet
The United States Customs and Border Protection will requires any aircraft moving in or out of the USA to file an EAIPS Manifest. If your are using a flight planning company to do all of your coordination then they will be doing this for you, but you can also take care of this yourself. I would only recommend doing it yourself for flights to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean. The EAPIS system is easy to use, but you do need to create an account at least a few days before your trip.
Along with EAIPS you also need to make contact with a CBP agent at your airport of entry. This is only required when you return to the United States in your HondaJet. You should make contact with an agent several days before your arrival and have your EAIPS confirmation when you call. Some locations ask that you contact them at particular times prior to your arrival and might require an email or a fax with some information.
Other countries have a similar system for reporting for places like Canada and the Caribbean you can easily handle that on your own. Canada has the CANPASS system that requires you to call between 48 hours and 2 hours of your arrival time and then again on the ground when you arrive. In most cases the Canada Border Agent will clear the crew and passengers over the phone. For Mexico I would suggest working with a local handler.
HondaJet Insurance
You need to make sure you HondaJet is covered by your insurance policy for the part of the world which you will be operating. Some countries, like Mexico, will require a separate certificate of insurance that specifies that particular country and may need to be written in their language. You should contact your insurance broker as soon as you know you will be heading out of the country to make sure your HondaJet is covered.
Survival Equipment
If you intend to fly your HondaJet out of the United States there is a good chance you will be flying over water and possibly over extreme cold and frozen terrain. You will likely need at a minimum a life raft. Polar survival suits are also advised on any trips across the North Atlantic and Pacific. All of this type of equipment can be rented. You should plan ahead and order what you need a few weeks in advance. All of this can be shipped to you at the start of your trip. I would suggest that you spend a few extra dollars and get personal locator beacons as well.
HondaJet Professional Pilot
Muscavage Aero can help you get going on your first international trip. You can have an experienced HondaJet Pilot with you to make sure your flight outside the United States goes as planned. Muscavage Aero can provide professional HondaJet Contract Pilot Services or can help your crew get the information they need to have a successful international trip.
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