CHECKLIST
THE DOCUMENTS YOUR CREW MUST CARRY ON INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
A flawless permit won't prevent a delay if a crew document has lapsed. Check them during dispatch, not on the departure ramp.
At a border crossing, any of these personal documents can stop the operation. This is the list every crew member should keep current and on hand before an international flight.
✓ Passports and visas. At least six months' validity from the flight date, with the visas the route requires, for example, the C1/D crewmember visa to operate into the United States.
✓ Pilot license and ratings. Current license issued by the aviation authority of the country of registration, with the type rating for the aircraft and the ICAO language proficiency (Level 4 minimum) endorsed.
✓ Medical certificate. Valid for each crew member. Commercial operations usually require Class 1; private flying (Part 91) may accept a lower class, depending on the authority of the country of registration.
✓ Restricted radiotelephone permit. The pilot's personal license, required to operate on international air traffic control frequencies (in the US, the FCC's).
None of these documents is negotiable on an international operation. Reviewing them the night before, not on the runway, is the difference between departing on time and waiting on the ground.
At a border crossing, any of these personal documents can stop the operation. This is the list every crew member should keep current and on hand before an international flight.
✓ Passports and visas. At least six months' validity from the flight date, with the visas the route requires, for example, the C1/D crewmember visa to operate into the United States.
✓ Pilot license and ratings. Current license issued by the aviation authority of the country of registration, with the type rating for the aircraft and the ICAO language proficiency (Level 4 minimum) endorsed.
✓ Medical certificate. Valid for each crew member. Commercial operations usually require Class 1; private flying (Part 91) may accept a lower class, depending on the authority of the country of registration.
✓ Restricted radiotelephone permit. The pilot's personal license, required to operate on international air traffic control frequencies (in the US, the FCC's).
None of these documents is negotiable on an international operation. Reviewing them the night before, not on the runway, is the difference between departing on time and waiting on the ground.
Preguntas frecuentes
Frequently Asked
Questions
How much validity does a crew member's passport need?
As a general rule, a least six months from the date of entry to the destination country, plus the corresponding visa, for example, the C1/D crewmember visa for operations into the United States.
What class of medical certificate does the crew need?
It depends on the operation. Commercial charter usually requires Class 1; private flying (Part 91) may accept a lower class, depending on the authority of the country of registration. In every case it must be valid.
What is ICAO language proficiency Level 4?
ICAO requires crews operating internationally to hold a minimum level of English (operational Level 4) to communicate with air traffic control. It must be endorsed on the pilot's license.
What is the restricted radiotelephone permit for?
It allows the pilot to operate on international air traffic control frequencies. It's a personal license, separate from the aircraft's own radio station license.
Does the crew need anything extra on charter (Part 135) flights?
Yes: beyond their license and medical, they must be qualified under the operator's certificate. The basic documentation (passport, license, medical and language proficiency) is just as required as in private aviation.
Questions
How much validity does a crew member's passport need?
As a general rule, a least six months from the date of entry to the destination country, plus the corresponding visa, for example, the C1/D crewmember visa for operations into the United States.
What class of medical certificate does the crew need?
It depends on the operation. Commercial charter usually requires Class 1; private flying (Part 91) may accept a lower class, depending on the authority of the country of registration. In every case it must be valid.
What is ICAO language proficiency Level 4?
ICAO requires crews operating internationally to hold a minimum level of English (operational Level 4) to communicate with air traffic control. It must be endorsed on the pilot's license.
What is the restricted radiotelephone permit for?
It allows the pilot to operate on international air traffic control frequencies. It's a personal license, separate from the aircraft's own radio station license.
Does the crew need anything extra on charter (Part 135) flights?
Yes: beyond their license and medical, they must be qualified under the operator's certificate. The basic documentation (passport, license, medical and language proficiency) is just as required as in private aviation.
