If you are operating as an air ambulance, the following points are an overview of what you need to know:
1. Advance notification requirements Depending on the urgency of the flight, landing and overflight permits can usually be arranged within a few hours. While most air ambulance permit applications will be processed from a few hours to a one day, the processing time depends on the country.
2. Permit documentation for air ambulance permit applications, you’ll need to provide aircraft/crew information, as well as medical-related details. Required documentation usually includes in addition to aircraft docs and crew details you’ll need to provide full patient information along with hospital information from departure or destination point, a local hospital contact, and a phone contact for the party picking up/dropping off the patient. Be careful if the flight requires any military PPR approval in addition to Airport landing permission, when transferring military patient. Med
3. Visas may be required Depending on the nationality of crew members/passengers, visas may be needed. While some countries permit visa-free access for crew members/patients on an air ambulance flight, others enforce the same visa requirements as they do for all general aviation operations. Air ambulance flights to China; crew members must all have C-type visas prior to arrival. Some airports require visas for the medical staff and they cannot enter the country on GenDec.
4. Planning tips Air ambulance operations may be exempted from noise and/or curfew restrictions, depending on the airport and country the flight is operating to. Overtime, to extend airport and/or Customs, Immigrations, and Quarantine (CIQ) hours, may be available for these types of flights, but advance notification must be provided. Charges will likely be applicable, and approval will be at discretion of the airport authority.
5. Ground handling considerations
Always pre-notify your ground handler if you’re operating an air ambulance flight. Your ground handler will need relevant patient and hospital information – along with contact details for the doctor responsible – in order to make arrangements and request ambulance car access airside. You’ll need to work with your ground handler to determine if CIQ clearance will be done at the aircraft or in the terminal. Any special ground service requirements – such as provision of pressurized medical oxygen – should be requested as early as possible to avoid day-of-operation delays. Always confirm visa requirements and if these visas are obtainable on arrival with your 3rd-party provider or ground handler.
6. Fuel release confirmation.
A confirmed fuel release for your return flight is a must. You need to make sure no fuel shortage or other aspects affecting your aircraft refueling.