Nicaragua’s CAA has recently implemented a silly new system for overflight permit requests.

They talk about the changes in AIC numbers 89-93. But even when translated into English, the docs are bamboozling, and it’s not really clear exactly what has changed.

So we called on the help of Consorcio Aviation — a flight support company in the region, and our old pals — for help to understand all this, and how overflight permit requests now work.

So, how does it work?

Before, the process would go as follows: you would make one request with all the flights you wanted to do in a month, and the CAA would reply with one unique permit number for the entire list that was requested.

The new system is different. Now each flight must have its own permit number, and it is sent in the format of a QR code.

QR codes? Yuck.

Yep. You scan the QR code, and a webpage opens with your permit number – the one that you add to your FPL.

Is that it?

No, it gets worse. To make things more confusing, the QR codes are not all sent at once, but in partial batches of five, two or sometimes even one at a time, depending on how many flights you’re doing, further increasing the need for constant follow-up.

What do these hideous QR codes look like?

Here’s a sample. The QR code there is fake for confidentiality reasons, but if you scan a real one you get just a text with the permit number.

Watch out for the TRAMITE number on this doc. This is like an internal code for the CAA – it’s not the permit number. If you have inquiries and need to get to the authorities, they will ask you this TRAMITE number, not the permit number itself.

Is this QR code / permit system online?

No, they don’t have an online system for the requirements. You need to request it directly from the authorities – and easier to do this through an agent. Although some of the authorities’ staff understand English, it’s easier to communicate in Spanish in case they request more information or something is not very clear to them.

What about Nav fees? How do these get paid?

At the end of every month they send the billings to all the operators/companies that requested permits. In our case for example we usually give the options to our clients to pay directly or we pay for them. Usually they choose the second option for the reasons stated above.

Who are you, Consorcio?

Consorcio Aviation is a leading Flight Support Company headquartered in Paraguay, with a global footprint. It provides full-service ground handling to the main airports in Latin America and the Caribbean, for both cargo and passenger flights. With over 40 years of experience in the aviation industry, Consorcio Aviation is a suitable partner to assist ground operations with world-class standards. Email us at fltops@consorcioaviation.com

Sounds swish. Got any pics?

Yep. Here we are.

NAT Tracks Change Postponed 16NOV The planned implementation of reduced separation in the Organised Track System (OTS) has been postponed. During final testing, a software issued was identified by ATC, and as a result the previous track structure remains unchanged. New waypoints introduced on 12NOV are useable. A revised implementation date is expected to be announced today, 16NOV.

KLAS/Las Vegas restrictions 17NOV Increased traffic from Monday 16NOV due NBAA Conference. Special Procedures in effect from 14NOV-23NOV affecting KLAS, KHND, and KVGT, refer to this NBAA link for details. If you are visiting the NBAA Conference, you can meet the Flight Service Bureau team at stand C12050 in the Central Hall, and collect your free show pack.

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KAUS/Austin A technical problem with ATC equipment in the Austin Tracon will likely lead to delays today; service is being provided by Houston Centre instead, with a Ground Delay Program planned to manage capacity.

KLAS/Las Vegas Increased traffic from Monday 16NOV due NBAA Conference. Special Procedures in effect from 14NOV-23NOV affecting KLAS, KHND, and KVGT. Refer to https://www.nbaa.org/events/bace/2015/air-traffic/. If you are visiting the NBAA Conference, you can meet the Flight Service Bureau team at stand C12050 in the Central Hall, and collect your show pack (you can reserve one here).

KXXX/USA Several incidents reported of laser beams pointed at aircraft, on 13NOV Southwest and American were targeted at KPHX/Phoenix, and on 11NOV three aircraft at KDAL/Dallas Love were illuminated.

KXXX/USA Runway Closures BWI-RWY 10/28 CLOSED SEA-RWY 16C/34C CLOSED LAS-RWY 7L/25R CLOSED

KXXX/USA Snowbird 2015: The FAA have published details of Traffic Management plans for the east coast of the US during the Thanksgiving holidays, effective 24NOV to 30NOV. The highest volume days will be 25NOV and 29NOV, expect delays on north/south routes to Florida during this period. Read the full details of the airspace initiatives here.

EINN/Shannon Has an overnight runway closure. from 17NOV-20NOV 2300-0500Z for essential maintenance. If another ETOPS alternate is required on these nights consider EIDW/Dublin, EGAA/Belfast or EGPF/Glasgow.

LFXX/France A Notam issued Friday (A4850/15) regarding Border Controls remains in place, in practice the Notam is a reminder to airlines of existing requirements only. Expect delays due security checks at all French Airports, and many closures of public buildings and transport systems in France.

VLVT/Vientiane, Laos has reopened after a runway closure on 13NOV due to a disabled aircraft. An MA60 had aquaplaned and partially blocked the runway.

MNXX/Nicaragua closed its border with Costa Rica on Sunday 15NOV in response to the wave of Cuban migrants moving northward to the United States. Costa Rican officials had previously issued transit visas to approximately 1,200 detained Cuban refugees at the Panamanian border. One Cuban migrant stated that there were approximately 2,000 Cubans waiting on the Costa Rican side of the Nicaraguan border.

NFFN/Nadi, Fiji Refurbished departure lounge opens today 16NOV; the government will spend another 105 million USD to upgrade the Airport further in the coming year.

PAZA/Anchorage FIR Two new waypoints have been added for Polar operations. Those waypoints are LETUN and BAREK.

LFxx/France ATC Industrial action planned for 17NOV has been cancelled.

LIxx/Italy FIR There has been a call for an Italian National Strike, including ENAV ATC personnel, on 24NOV 1200-1600 UTC. More information will be posted as soon as it is available.

PLCH/Christmas Island As per NOTAM A1581/15 Jet A-1 fuel limited in supply. Sched flights to minimize fuel uplift on arrival or maximize tankering into PLCH. Tech stops cannot be made. In effect until 04DEC.

PKMJ/Marshall Island Construction is planned at the eastern end of RWY25; authorities have notified expected delays of up to 30mins including airborne holding.

FMEE/Reunion Airport will be closed from 16NOV-28NOV on Mon, Weds, Fri for surface work. Airfield cannot be used as an alternate except in case of emergency. All traffic services will be provided normally for all aircraft crossing La Reunion TMA. Refer to NOTAM A1452/15.

FAA The FAA is rolling out Controller Pilot Data Link Communications-Departure Clearance (CPDLC-DCL). Currently, only George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, TX (IAH), William P. Hobby Airport in Houston, TX (HOU) and Salt Lake City International Airport in Utah (SLC) are operational, however, the FAA plans to bring 56 airports online by the end of 2016. KTEB/Teterboro is scheduled to be operational by the end of MAR2016.

 

View the full International Operations Bulletin for 16NOV2015