🚨Mistakes to avoid while requesting an overflight or landing permit.🚨

As the aviation industry continues to grow, the process of obtaining overflight or landing permits can be complex and time-consuming. Whether you are a pilot or an aviation company, it is important to avoid making mistakes that can delay or even prevent the issuance of a permit.

✈ Incomplete documentation: One of the most common mistakes is submitting incomplete documentation. Ensure that all required documents are included. Scandic AERO will guide you and double check submitted documents to make sure they comply.

✈ Missing deadlines: Some permits require specific lead times for processing, and missing these deadlines can result in delays or even denial of the permit. It is essential to be aware of the application timelines and plan accordingly. You might sometime receive a particular permit faster than initially informed, but we strongly recommend to not take it as granted for another application.

✈ Failing to comply with regulations: Overflight & landing permits are subject to various regulations, such as airspace restrictions and customs requirements. Ensure that all regulations are met and the application complies with the relevant laws.

✈ Incorrect information: It is essential to ensure that all information provided in the application is accurate and up-to-date. Any errors or discrepancies can lead to delays or even rejection of the permit.

✈ Lack of communication: Communication is critical throughout the permit application process. It is important to stay in contact with the relevant authorities and respond promptly to any requests for additional information. Most of the CAA’s will not start working on the permit application until full documentation is in place. Also keep a clear and straight forward communication. Send all the documents in one email rather than different email for each document that can lead to one of the emails being missed.

✈ Failure to plan ahead: Permits can take time to obtain, and failure to plan ahead can lead to delays in your plans. Start the application process early and have contingency plans in place in case of delays or denials. Scandic AERO always propose you a plan B. Having an extra permit to eventually fly around a country you intended to overfly can sometime be a better option than cancel or postpone by several hours at best, days in worst cases, a trip.

✈ Multiplication of Actors: It is crucial to avoid the multiplication of actors involved in the permit application process. When using a flight support company or submitting an application directly, refrain from involving a third party. This can lead to multiple requests for the same permit, resulting in confusion and delays in the processing of the application. For instance, requesting permits through multiple trip support companies in the hope of expediting the process is not advisable. While one company may appear more efficient, all the requests will still end up on the desk of the same CAA officer that can put the flight on hold until it is clear which request should be taken further and which should not. Thus, it is best to keep the number of actors involved in the permit application process to a minimum.

In conclusion, applying for overflight or landing permits can be a complicated process, and mistakes can be costly. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can increase your chances of obtaining the necessary permits in a timely manner, ensuring that your flights run smoothly and without unnecessary complications. This is why, unless you are confident with the process, we recommend you use a flight support company that you trust and that will guide you through the process and often have local agents and contacts that can ease and speed the processing time.

Photo credits: Niklas Jonasson