Miami
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Miami
I have a possible trip to Miami towards the end of the month. Having not been there for many years, can anyone give me some pointers. Is it better to land at say, Fort Lauderdale, rather than Miami International? Where are the quickest Customs and Immigration and can anyone recommend an FOB to use? Is there any other vital information I should know?
Thanks in anticipation.
Thanks in anticipation.
Depends on where in Miami you or your pax need to go. Miami Intl (MIA) only has a single FBO (Signature. Expensive - no competition.) with a constricted ramp. There was going to be another FBO (Sheltair? Not sure) but it's been a couple of years since I've been there so I don't know if it was ever built. Customs is near Signature but isolated from it so you'll usually have to start & taxi around the corner to the FBO.
Opa Locka (KOPF) has a choice of FBOs with different levels of glitz & price.
Fort Lauderdale has a heap of FBOs. Sheltair is next door to Customs and Sheltair's line guys will tow the aircraft to their side of the shared ramp. Fuel is typically more expensive at Sheltair than elsewhere at FLL but then there's the customs convenience. Still cheaper than Miami!
AirNav will give you heaps of info.
Opa Locka (KOPF) has a choice of FBOs with different levels of glitz & price.
Fort Lauderdale has a heap of FBOs. Sheltair is next door to Customs and Sheltair's line guys will tow the aircraft to their side of the shared ramp. Fuel is typically more expensive at Sheltair than elsewhere at FLL but then there's the customs convenience. Still cheaper than Miami!
AirNav will give you heaps of info.
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If your pax want to go to Miami then KOPF is the place to land, good customs/immigration and good road connections. TSA clearance etc can be done on line but make sure that you inform customs at KOPF separately of your arrival as they dont get it from the on-line submissions. Also ensure your pax have US visas as visa waiver does not apply to private flights. its warmer than UK, enjoy!!
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Thanks
Thanks for the replies, very helpful, especially Tinstaafl for Air Nav. I will investigate KOPF. We are a private operation, so as I understand it, visas are necessary.
You should also register with FltPlan.com Flight Planning & Flight Tracking for General Aviation. (it's free).
Fltplan will submit flight plans for you for domestic & some international flights (eg Bahamas). I've used them for over four years & the only time the plan gets stuffed up is either the ATC system or I forgot to press the correct button
.
US Customs & Immigration have recently implemented a requirement for online notification of international flights, both inbound & outbound. You can register on the TSA website. It's not exactly userfriendly! Fltplan.com have just started their own TSA notification service. I haven't investigated it yet - its only been active for a couple of weeks - but it might be worthwhile to avoid the TSA crap.
Details are on the TSA's website.
Be warned: The TSA/Customs/Immigration are not known for their sense of humour. You *must* provide at least 1hr notification of your flight, using your online TSA registration (eAPIS), including pax names, age, nationality and an estimate of when you'll cross the US ADIZ a few miles off the coast.
You must also plan to land at the first C&I airport to your route of flight so no overflying the US to get to somewhere more convenient unless you have overflight approval.
They're not based in Florida but this website: Welcome to AirFlyte - Serving Corporate Aviation Since 1988 has a good precis of the procedures with links to the eAPIS site.
Fltplan will submit flight plans for you for domestic & some international flights (eg Bahamas). I've used them for over four years & the only time the plan gets stuffed up is either the ATC system or I forgot to press the correct button
. US Customs & Immigration have recently implemented a requirement for online notification of international flights, both inbound & outbound. You can register on the TSA website. It's not exactly userfriendly! Fltplan.com have just started their own TSA notification service. I haven't investigated it yet - its only been active for a couple of weeks - but it might be worthwhile to avoid the TSA crap.
Details are on the TSA's website.
Be warned: The TSA/Customs/Immigration are not known for their sense of humour. You *must* provide at least 1hr notification of your flight, using your online TSA registration (eAPIS), including pax names, age, nationality and an estimate of when you'll cross the US ADIZ a few miles off the coast.
You must also plan to land at the first C&I airport to your route of flight so no overflying the US to get to somewhere more convenient unless you have overflight approval.
They're not based in Florida but this website: Welcome to AirFlyte - Serving Corporate Aviation Since 1988 has a good precis of the procedures with links to the eAPIS site.
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Miami
If you need to go to Miami, KOPF would be the first choice: huge runway, cheap fuel (there is a self serve too) and there is a nice FBO - Miami Executive Aviation.
If you want to go to Fort Lauderdale, I would rather go to KFXE - its just ca.4 miles south from FLL but not as busy and expensive as FLL.
Runway is 6000 ft and they have very many different FBOs. The best one is Banian - its very good and very new.
Don’t forget to call them in advance and to arrange for a special fuel price.
OHHH and by the way, since about 1 year you have to pay a landing fee in KFLL which will not be a small one.
I landed in Florida many times with my B1B2 visa with a private airplane on an international flight as a FO and never had any problem.
Have a safe flight.
PM sent
If you want to go to Fort Lauderdale, I would rather go to KFXE - its just ca.4 miles south from FLL but not as busy and expensive as FLL.
Runway is 6000 ft and they have very many different FBOs. The best one is Banian - its very good and very new.
Don’t forget to call them in advance and to arrange for a special fuel price.
OHHH and by the way, since about 1 year you have to pay a landing fee in KFLL which will not be a small one.
I landed in Florida many times with my B1B2 visa with a private airplane on an international flight as a FO and never had any problem.
Have a safe flight.
PM sent
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While everyone has provided valuable information, one very important aspect has been overlooked.
Starting May 18th electronic transmission of passenger manifests via the eApis website will become mandatory.
User enrollement takes about a week.
Read the rules carefuly, save yourself some grief and a few thousand bucks in fines.
Happy landings!
Starting May 18th electronic transmission of passenger manifests via the eApis website will become mandatory.
User enrollement takes about a week.
Read the rules carefuly, save yourself some grief and a few thousand bucks in fines.
Happy landings!
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Joe's Stone Crab on South Beach - A MUST SEE
You must go to Joe's Stone Crab on South Beach for LUNCH. Make sure you go to the "take out" area and not the more formal sit-down area. There is, however, a little sitting area in the "take out" area. Next, order 10-12 little stone crab legs (includes drawn butter for dipping). You are given a little cracker to crack the little crab claws. The crab meat is very tender and super delicious. One of the best meals I have ever had and not too pricey. Ask any cab driver or hotel concierge and they will tell you where it is located - it is a landmark. Stone crab claws are awesome!
To summarize, remember to go to the "take out" area during lunch - you will thank me....
To summarize, remember to go to the "take out" area during lunch - you will thank me....
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GVPILOT
Does the eAPIS replace the CBP Form 178
My understanding is that it does, but then talking to a customs officer in the NY area she said they still want the 178.
Also, be on the guard. eAPIS submission won't always mean customs at destination know your coming
Does the eAPIS replace the CBP Form 178
My understanding is that it does, but then talking to a customs officer in the NY area she said they still want the 178. Also, be on the guard. eAPIS submission won't always mean customs at destination know your coming
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Originally Posted by VIKING9
Does the eAPIS replace the CBP Form 178 
My understanding is that it does, but then talking to a customs officer in the NY area she said they still want the 178.
My understanding is that it does, but then talking to a customs officer in the NY area she said they still want the 178.
Good luck!
