It's allowed, but at what price?
Cuba is a mysterious place to most Americans. And although visiting there is nearly impossible for the majority of us, overflying the island en route to other destinations is actually quite easy.
Cuban air traffic controllers speak fluent English, and they are happy to have you overfly the island. The only requirement, other than standard flight-plan and IFR procedures, is that you apply for an overflight permit prior to your departure. And like all business transactions with Cuba, there are restrictions.
Cuba is an embargoed country and U.S. citizens cannot directly do business with its government or most Cuban businesses without a permit. The U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) provides authorization that allows pilots to obtain the overflight permit directly from Cuba. But because it can take a month to obtain the permit, often this isn't a viable option for those with a short time frame.
Luckily there are a number of U.S. companies with OFAC permits that can obtain your Cuban overflight permit for a fee. The cost is usually less than $100 per permit, one being required each time you overfly the island. Additionally, a flight-planning service can obtain the permit, file your flight plan, and help with the necessary documentation, if you so desire. If you do your own flight planning, make sure to include the overflight permit number in the remarks section of the flight plan to avoid any delays.
AOPA also has learned that for an unlucky few, Cuba also will charge for air traffic control services. Because the same restrictions apply and the bill cannot come directly from Cuba, an American company with an OFAC permit will often send it. The charge can usually be considered valid and proper. Though reports have varied, expect the fee to run from $150 to $200.
The U.S. government is serious about the restrictions on doing business with Cuba. Law allows OFAC to charge $65,000 for the first offense!
AOPA has a number of resources that can assist with the permit process, including a full list of operators who can obtain the overflight permit.
Also, be sure to view AOPA's Web site, which contains complete information on overflying Cuba.
Finally, be sure to contact AOPA's Pilot Information Center for any questions you may have on overflying Cuba, or the process of international flying in general. The staff of highly dedicated pilots and instructors is personally experienced with flying internationally and can answer any questions regarding an upcoming trip.
You can reach them at 800/USA-AOPA (872-2672) between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Eastern time, from Monday through Friday.
Membership Q&A
Answers to frequently asked questions about your AOPA membership
Q: AOPA has so many benefits and services to offer. How do I figure out which ones will be the most helpful to me?
A: Contact Member Services at 800/USA-AOPA (872-2672) from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (ET), from Monday through Friday, and our representatives can help. By asking you just a few questions, they can tell you about some of the services that you can take advantage of so that you get more out of your AOPA membership.
Q: Is it true that I can get additional entries into the 2006 AOPA sweepstakes by enrolling in the Automatic Annual Renewal plan?
A: Yes! We really appreciate it when members help us save money by eliminating renewal mailings. Those savings can be put toward general aviation programs and services and can help us keep membership dues low for all AOPA members. So as an added incentive, Automatic Annual Renewal participants receive a total of three entries instead of just one in the 2006 sweepstakes, which features a refurbished 1967 260-horsepower Piper Cherokee Six. Enroll today by calling Member Services at 800/USA-AOPA (872-2672) from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (ET), from Monday through Friday, or by using the My AOPA Membership area of our Web site.
Q: I'm an AOPA credit cardholder. What's the deadline for submitting my 2006 FBO rebates?
A: The deadline for submitting your eligible rebates is December 31, 2006. AOPA members can submit for rebates three ways: online, mail, or fax. For questions regarding your AOPA credit card, call 800/421-2110.
Contact information:
Phone: 800/USA-AOPA (872-2672), 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday
After hours: Renew your membership, reset your Web password, or enroll in Automatic Annual Renewal using our self-service touch-tone phone option.
E-mail: [email protected].
Web: Update your personal information, renew your membership, and much more by clicking on My AOPA Membership in the left column of our home page.
Related Articles
