Guidance On International Transportation Of Minors, Illegal
Charters
Aero-News learned this
week the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has
published two new guidance documents for air charter operators.
The first document, "NATA’s Guide for International
Transportation of Minors," provides guidelines to operators who
transport minors outside of the United States. The guidance
reflects policies in place at major airlines and some on-demand
charter operators and is recommended for on-demand charter, Part 91
aircraft management, and Part 91(K) fractional operators.
The publication addresses several scenarios, including
transporting minors with only one parent or legal guardian, minors
alone or with neither parent or legal guardian, minors with a
different last name, and minors with one deceased parent. The
association explains that, although some nations do not require
documentary evidence of the accompanying adults’ relationship
to the minor and/or notarized letters of permission from the
parent(s) or legal guardian for entry, and they are not necessarily
required for departures from the United States, these guidelines
are recommended for all international travel with minors to guard
against legal action resulting from the transportation of
minors.
"The airline industry has long been following similar
guidelines, and on-demand charter operators have indicated a strong
desire for industry guidance. Many operators are afraid to ask
prominent clients for sensitive information, such as birth
certificates or notarized letters. This publication gives companies
guidance for establishing their own policy, and can serve as an
educational tool when provided to customers," said NATA President
James K. Coyne.
The second publication, "Risks of Illegal Charters," outlines
the dangers of illegal commercial operations. The association
intends for charter operators to distribute this document to
potential clients. "Unfortunately, companies illegally offering air
charter are not uncommon in much of the U.S., and this document
will help legitimate charter operators educate their clients,"
Coyne explained.
"Risks of Illegal Charters" describes the training, oversight,
drug and alcohol testing, and other significant differences between
legal charter operators certified by the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) and illegal operators. It also advises
consumers how to determine if a charter operator is properly
certified by the FAA.
Coyne recommends that on-demand charter operators include both
publications in welcome information packets for all new charter
clients and that they also distribute the documents to existing
clients.