Biz jets and Border Force issues?
 

Over in the "Private Flying" section this has become somewhat a live issue over the last year or so.

How are operators into Biggin Hill, Luton, Southend etc finding their dealings with the BF both for EU and non-EU flights?

Are you all being made to religiously submit your GAR forms etc?

Any difficulties raised?

Interesting topic!

I operate for a German company, we fly cargo in and out of Oxford, Southend and Lydd.

We always send these GAR forms, but it's difficult if you under time pressure...adhoc charter:}

I am slightly confused if it's needed or not. To quote the UK Border Agency website:

An operator or pilot of a general aviation aircraft is legally required to provide notification of flights if they are making an international or Channel Islands journey to or from the UK, unless they are travelling directly from the UK to a destination in the European Union.


Until now we do it everytime, but they should make a website where we can fill in this form...online. Now it's an Excel or PDF file...not so easy to fill in and send from your Ipad...

Would like to hear from other aviators:ok:

I'm not sure how much of an 'issue' it is. If a GAR is required it has to be done.

https://www.gov.uk/government/public...ion-of-flights

Details here. Including an online form Sanhor.

If it's not done and they happen to be waiting for you expect to have an issue. But the requirements are laid out clearly so there's no real excuse. And abusing the system only ruins it for everyone.

In my dealings I've always found them efficient and courteous. Any changes are accepted with no problems. One time the pax had departed then BF arrived late. They were a bit shirty till I pointed out that they hadn't told anyone they were coming and I was on time. Problem over. Always carry a copy.

To make things easier there is a new electronic system of submitting a GAR that automatically sends it to Border Force, HMRC and Special Branch as required and gives you a receipt so there is no argument if an officer accuses you of not sending one in.

https://www.onlinegar.com

NB. I have nothing to do with this organization and this is not an advert

The link I posted also links to the AOPA online GAR system. Which is free to use unlike this one.

Tech Stops
 

If you need to complete a Tech Stop, the UK can be extremely difficult. Border Force at Airports like Luton and Stansted ask for all passengers to clear UK Immigration, despite remaining on the same aircraft for before continuing their onward journey on the same aircraft. By leaving the aircraft for clearance, they then have to be re-screened (if on a charter flight) which causes more difficulties.

Obviously an understandable exercise if the pax are formally "landing" in the UK or even connecting to another aircraft, but if they are wanting to stay onboard the same aircraft for a simple 45min turn around....what is the point? I know of several operators who have had embarrassing situations with VIP's being taken off their aircraft for an unnecessary Immigration clearance.

Don't get me wrong, airports like Biggin and Farnborough have a much more realistic view of business aviation, but these airports are restricted by their operating hours. So if you are needing to tech stop...beware!