Dear reader,
I would also like to recommend our Colombia travel guide, which provides a perfect overview of the tourist attractions in Colombia. Enjoy reading it!
If you want to travel to Colombia in your own jet, this guide will be very useful. I will explain the steps you must follow to organize your trip, from documentation to rules and regulations. This way you will be able to enjoy the advantages of flying in your private jet.
Plan your trip
First thing’s first: plan your trip. This involves choosing your departure and arrival airports, booking your flight, and arranging any additional services you may want.
Choose Your Departure and Arrival Airports
Colombia’s main airports for private flights include Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport, Medellín’s José María Córdova International Airport, and Cali’s Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport. These airports boast facilities and services tailored to private passengers and aircraft.
Pick an airport close to your final destination to save time and money on transportation. Also, check the weather, air traffic, and parking availability before settling on an airport.
Hire Your Crew
The crew for a private flight can vary based on the type and size of the aircraft, destination, flight duration, and owner’s preferences. However, typically, a private flight crew consists of:
- Captain: The pilot in command of the aircraft and the highest authority onboard. They’re responsible for flight planning and execution, as well as coordinating with the rest of the crew and aviation authorities. They occupy the left seat in the cockpit.
- Co-pilot: The second-in-command pilot and the captain’s assistant. They support the captain in flight tasks and conduct pre-flight and post-flight checks. They sit in the right seat of the cockpit.
- Flight Engineer: Responsible for overseeing and controlling the aircraft’s systems and engines, as well as making necessary calculations and adjustments for the flight. Not all private aircraft require a flight engineer, as some systems are automatic or integrated into the cockpit.
- Flight Attendants: They attend to and assist passengers during the flight, ensuring their safety and comfort. They also handle meal and beverage preparation and service, manage luggage, and conduct safety demonstrations. The number of flight attendants can vary depending on the number of passengers and desired level of service.
Arrange the Flight
This process is carried out by the crew, who must notify aviation authorities of the flight plan before takeoff. The flight plan is mandatory and includes origin, destination, route, estimated time, number of passengers, and other relevant data. This ensures safety and air traffic coordination.
The flight plan is submitted following these steps:
- Selecting the route, considering topography, meteorology, airspace, and restrictions.
- Choosing alternative airports in case of emergencies at the origin, destination, and along the route.
- Preparing the flight script, including visual references, notification points, and frequency changes.
- Filling out the ATC-1 form (FPL) with aircraft data, crew, itinerary, fuel, estimated time, passenger count, and other information.
- Submitting the flight plan to the corresponding ARO office, via AFTN, email, or in person, at least 60 minutes before departure.
- Awaiting confirmation of flight plan acceptance from aviation authority and ensuring there are no changes or delays.
- Contacting the control tower to request startup, taxiing, and takeoff authorization.
Additional Services
As the owner of a private jet, you can directly contract additional services you desire, such as catering, entertainment, ground transportation, security, medical assistance, and more. These services can enhance the travel experience and meet specific customer needs.
You must decide which services you want before making the reservation, and communicate them to the corresponding suppliers in advance.
Documentation for Traveling on Your Jet to Colombia
If you plan to fly with your private jet to Colombia, you must have the necessary documentation. This includes valid passports and visas.
Passports and Visas
To enter Colombia, most citizens need a passport valid for at least six months from the entry date and a visa. You can apply for a visa at the nearest Colombian embassy or consulate, or in some cases, obtain it upon arrival in the country.
Some countries requiring a visa include Belarus, Cape Verde, Congo, Ivory Coast, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Haiti, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mali, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Central African Republic, Rwanda, Senegal, Thailand, Tanzania, Ukraine, Vietnam, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. You can view the complete list of countries here.
Aircraft Permissions
To travel on your private jet to Colombia, you must follow these rules:
- The Special Administrative Unit of Civil Aeronautics (UAEAC) regulates aircraft entry, transit, and departure in Colombia.
- Depending on the type of flight (regular, non-regular, or private), requirements and procedures vary.
- Non-regular flights must request prior authorization from the UAEAC, indicating the purpose, itinerary, equipment, and flight charterer, among other details.
Private flights can overfly, enter, and depart Colombian territory without prior permission, except if:
- They intend to stay more than 48 hours or fly to other airports. In that case, they must submit a request with relevant information and documents to the UAEAC, which may authorize a stay of up to 30 days, extendable in special cases.
- They are corporate or executive flights and can demonstrate ongoing business in Colombia and abroad. In this case, they may request a special long-term authorization, for up to six months.
All aircraft must report to customs and immigration authorities upon arrival or departure from the country and comply with Colombian aviation regulations. The UAEAC may inspect foreign aircraft and their documents.
Rules and Regulations for Traveling on Your Jet to Colombia
In addition to the documentation, you must take into account the rules and regulations governing the use of private aircraft in Colombia. These are some of the most important ones:
- Respect Colombian airspace and its restricted, prohibited, and dangerous zones.
- Follow instructions and communications from air traffic services and control authorities.
- Maintain a minimum distance of 500 meters from other aircraft, buildings, people, vehicles, and obstacles.
- Fly at a minimum altitude of 300 meters above ground level, except in authorized low-altitude flight zones.
- Land and take off only at airports authorized for such operations, except in cases of emergency or with special permission.
- Report any incidents, accidents, or anomalies occurring during the flight to the UAEAC and Civil Aeronautics.
Arrival in Colombia
To arrive in Colombia on your private jet, you must go through customs, present your passport and visa, and transfer to the hotel or destination. Here are the requirements you must meet:
Customs
You must fill out and submit Form 530, declaring your luggage, money, and titles. You must also pay the single tax if applicable. There are no customs formalities upon departure.
Immigration
You must have a valid passport and visa if required. You must also have a return ticket. Some passengers are exempt from these requirements, such as those with UN or OAS documents, or those who are residents in Colombia.
If you arrive or depart on the same direct flight, or transfer flights in the same airport, you do not need documents or visas. If you have to go to the city due to force majeure, you will be given occasional transit authorization.
Emigration
If you are Colombian, you must present your passport or ID, and if you are a minor, a authorization from your parents or legal representatives. If you are a foreigner, you must present your passport and your foreigner card or ID, depending on the type of visa you have. In the case of being a minor and being under parental authority or guardianship, you need an authorization from your parents or legal representatives.
In addition, all aircraft must present themselves to customs, immigration, and health authorities upon arrival and departure from Colombia. They must comply with safety, identification, inspection, and control regulations established.
Other documents you must present include:
- Aircraft registration and airworthiness certificate
- Pilots’ licenses and medical certificates
- Third-party liability insurance
Public Health
You do not need to present vaccination certificates unless you are coming from a region infected with cholera, yellow fever, or smallpox. There are no health procedures upon departure.
Transport to Hotel or Destination
You can arrange ground transportation to the hotel or destination with private airline companies, a taxi, or a private transportation service. Choose a safe, comfortable, and reliable mode of transportation.
To ensure your private jet trip to Colombia is a success, plan it carefully. Review the necessary documents, airspace rules, and extras you want to arrange.
This way, you can make the most of your trip. Fly at your leisure and explore the wonders of this magical country.
More about Charter Flights in Colombia
- How To Get Around Colombia Like A Pro: An Expert Transportation Guide
- Finding the Top Charter Flight Service in Colombia: A Comprehensive Guide
- Your Complete Guide to Colombia’s Airports: Where to Land and What to Expect
- Travel to Colombia on your Private Jet – Hassle-Free Guide
- Charter Flights in Santa Marta, Colombia – Travelers Guide
- Charter Flights in Santander, Colombia – Travelers Guide
- Charter Flights in the Coffee Triangle, Colombia – Travelers Guide
- Charter flights in Meta, Colombia – Travelers Guide
- Charter Flights in the Amazon, Colombia – Travelers Guide
- Charter Flights in San Andres, Colombia – Travelers Guide
