What do I need for permission to fly across international borders?
 

Hi,

I've been asked to ferry a helicopter from Viet Nam to India. The only problem is that I'm a helicopter guy who never flies accross international borders... since this is a VFR helicoper with 3 hours endurance, I'm planning on making a bunch of fuel stops. How do I get permission to cross the ADIZ and land in each country? What do I need to do? Who do I contact?

I know this might sound stoopid to some of you fixed-wing guys, but this is a rare thing in the helicopter community!

Beastie

Through which countries are you planning to fly?
What kind of helicopter is it (value)?
Where is it registered?
What kind of license do you have?
Where do you fly now?

You need diplomatic clearance to cross international boundaries and you get this from the aviation department of the embassy of each country before you cross their boundaries, also you need to be able to pay your fuel and landing fee charges, usually in cash, usually in US$. You will be issued clearance numbers and ADIZ crossing numbers, keep them handy.
If you have access to any experienced ferry pilots it will pay you to buy a few beers and pick their brains. Best of luck.

Try Overflight.co.uk..............they'll sort you out for very reasonable rates.....or do the tough donkey work yourself! And it's not a rare event. Happens every day....all over the World......many, many times!:cool:

One issue you will have to deal with is that India requires a great deal of notice for overflight permits. Yes I realize you will be landing there, but you will still require over flight permits. Your best course of action is to get an international handler like Universal Weather to do that for you. It will cost some money, however, they take care of the everything and usually will have a rep meet you when you land. They file all the flight plans and make all the calls. Well worth the money in the long run. It is cheap insurance to ensure the flight goes smoothly.

Thanks
 

Thanks guys... ended up getting an Indian agent to handle this for us... (jetops.com)

Beastie