Since last May, general aviation pilots have been required to file flight manifests online with Customs and Border Protection for all international flights. Now a new service available from Air Journey aims to simplify that chore for a fee of $99 per year. The new Web site, called Easy Air Journey, allows pilots to create and file their manifests and also to save their information online to help expedite future filings, while the official e-APIS site (electronic Advance Passenger Information System) requires users to start from scratch for each entry. In addition, Easy Air Journey will automatically generate general declaration forms (in English and Spanish) requested by the Bahamas, Mexico, and other Caribbean islands. The service also includes access to a 24/7 Help Desk that can answer questions or file your manifest on your behalf if Internet access is not available at your location. Pilots can preview the system via a video tutorial, or sample the service with a free trial online, though no filings will take place without a paid subscription. The service has been approved by the Department of Homeland Security.
Air Journey has over 10 years of experience organizing escorted fly-your-own-airplane journeys around the world, to destinations such as the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Canada, Central America, Europe, South America, Galapagos, Hong Kong, Dubai, and many others. NBAA also developed an easy-eAPIS online service last year, which is available to NBAA members for $25 per flight. Pilots who fail to meet the CBP reporting requirements can be fined up to $5,000 for the first violation and $10,000 for each subsequent violation.
