Navigating PPR Flight Permits: A Guide for Private Flights and their Operators

Navigating PPR procedures and Sanctions Regulation can be a complex task

Challenges in Obtaining PPR Flight Permits

For private flight operators, obtaining a Prior Permission Required (PPR) permit is a crucial step before landing at certain airports. The PPR procedure ensures efficient and safe use of airport infrastructure while maintaining compliance with operational requirements. However, delays, incomplete documentation, or non-compliance with airport regulations can lead to a rejected flight permit, disrupting travel plans and causing financial losses. This is especially critical for private flights, where flexibility and timely approvals are essential.

Consequences of Denied PPR Approvals

A denied PPR application can result in significant setbacks, including:

• Flight Delays or Cancellations: Without an approved permit, private aircraft cannot land at the intended airport.

• Additional Costs: Changes to flight plans may lead to increased fuel consumption, additional landing fees at alternative airports, and unexpected logistical expenses.

• Operational Disruptions: Private flight operators, business travellers, and VIP clients face reputational risks if flights cannot proceed as planned.

• Legal and Compliance Risks: Need to obtain the necessary PPR flight approval can lead to regulatory scrutiny, particularly in highly regulated jurisdictions, and in the EU where Sanctions Regulation is involved.

  
  

A Streamlined Approach to PPR Approvals

To ensure a smooth PPR approval process, private flight operators should adopt the following best practices:

1. Understand PPR Requirements: Different airports have varying PPR procedures. It is essential to check the airport’s specific requirements, available on its official website or Air Information Publication (AIP).

2. Submit a Complete and Accurate PPR Form: The PPR application includes information about the applicant, aircraft operator, flight details, and ground handling service provider. Incomplete forms are a leading cause of permit rejections.

3. Engage an Experienced Aviation Lawyer: Aviation legal experts can review applications, ensure compliance with aviation law, and liaise with airport authorities to resolve any issues.

4. Allow Sufficient Lead Time: Most airports require PPR applications at least 24 hours before arrival. Submitting applications well in advance minimizes the risk of last-minute denials.

5. Ensure Compliance with Sanctions and Regulations: In cases involving international travel, verifying compliance with EU aviation regulations is crucial to avoid permit denials due to sanctions violations.

   
   

Regulatory Considerations: EU Sanctions and Compliance

One of the key considerations when applying for a PPR permit is compliance with EU aviation sanctions, particularly Council Regulation (EU) No. 833/2014, which imposes restrictive measures in response to Russia's actions in Ukraine. This is a particularly acute issue for Russian nationals.

Under Article 3d of this regulation, EU airports must deny landing permissions to any aircraft operated by Russian nationals, entities, or aircraft listed in sanction directories. The regulation prohibits the sale, supply, transfer, or export of aviation-related goods and services if they may be used to benefit Russian military or sanctioned entities.

Furthermore, under EU Council Regulation 2022/334, stricter enforcement mechanisms have been introduced to ensure compliance with these sanctions, and violations can lead to significant penalties. Private flight operators must ensure their flight plans, aircraft registrations, and affiliations do not fall under these sanctions to avoid automatic permit denials.

PPR Approval Process at LTOU Airports

For those seeking PPR approval at Vilnius (EYVI), Kaunas (EYKA), or Palanga (EYPA) airports, prior permission is granted when the following conditions are met:

• (a) All required fields in the PPR application form are completed.

• (b) The PPR form is submitted at least 24 hours before the scheduled arrival time. General aviation flights (G) must submit their PPR form at least 2 hours before departure, unless exempted under Section 1.1 of the procedure.

• (c) The Aerodrome Operator confirms that airport infrastructure and operational capacity can accommodate the specified aircraft type.

• (d) No sanctions violations are identified, meaning the aircraft and its operator must not appear on the EU's list of sanctioned aircraft, per Article 3d of Council Regulation (EU) No. 833/2014.

• (e) No violations of EU Council Regulation 2022/334 are detected based on the submitted information.

  
  

If these conditions are met, a unique PPR approval code (e.g., PPREYVI1258) will be generated and sent to the designated ground handling service provider specified in the application form. This approval code must be included in the flight plan (FPL) under Part 18 (Other Information) to ensure seamless operations.

If any discrepancies or sanctions violations are found, the Aerodrome Operator will deny PPR approval and notify the designated ground-handling provider of the reasons for non-approval. In such an event, timely liaison with airport compliance team or aviation authorities can be useful.

Action changes things: Legal Assistance for PPR Approvals

This guide is prepared for information purposes only. If you encounter issues with PPR approvals, immediate legal support can help navigate the complexities of aviation regulations and prevent flight disruptions. At Zabulis Legal, we specialize in aviation law and have experience in assisting private flight operators in securing flight permits efficiently and representing before aviation authorities.

Contact us at info@zabulislegal.com or visit www.zabulislegal.com to learn more.

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