The U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) has updated its guide explaining the required electronic Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) used by pilots flying into the U.S., with consideration given to suggestions from EAA. The new guide clarifies certain requirements first published in 2008 and adds instruction designed to help pilots deal with real-world complications they may encounter.
Added sections include details on what to do if weather or other issues prevent a pilot from arriving at their planned border crossing location, or cause them to miss their planned crossing time. It clarifies what to do when departing from an airport not designated by the CBP as an airport of entry. And it also adds direction for pilots who encounter APIS system problems or, for other reasons, can not provide complete information through the system. Previously, the guide indicated those problems were the sole responsibility of the pilot, regardless of whether the APIS system itself (through an interface or other problem) was at fault. A link to the guide follows after the jump.
EAA says its “real-world experience” recommendations were incorporated into the revised guide thanks in part to the working relationship EAA and the CBP developed through AirVenture. The CBP attended AirVenture and was an AirVenture Federal Pavilion partner in 2009. The event put CBP members in direct contact with AirVenture employees and the CBP facility allowed visiting international pilots to file with APIS, directly. EAA says APIS experts will again be in attendance at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, this summer. EAA says it worked closely with the CBP on the modifications and looks forward to continuing cooperative efforts.
