International Flying
A US Customs Decal is required annually. They cost approx $27 and you can apply through the mail or online here: http://forms.cbp.gov/pdf/cbp_form_339v.pdf
New
electronic Advance Passenger Information System (eAPIS) Private aircraft flying
internationally must submit a manifest electronically at least an hour before
departing (and receive permission to depart) and submit a manifest to re-enter
the U.S. at least an hour before departing the foreign airport. Both
submissions can be made well in advance of travel (as in days, weeks and
months).
If the passenger list changes, a new submission must be made electronically. If
the arrival time or arrival
airport in the U.S. changes, this can be amended with FSS via radio. To
register with APIS, click here:
https://eapis.cbp.dhs.gov/ Failure to follow the eAPIS will result in
a mandatory $5000.00 fine for the first offense.
Beginning March 1, 2009, an "English Proficient" pilot's license will be required for international travel . Click here: http://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airmen_certification/certificate_replacement/
The satellite system will no longer monitor 121.5, this frequency will continue to be monitored by air traffic control and overflying aircraft. There are no mandatory requirements for updates to the 406 ELT by the Bahamas, Caymans Islands, Dominican Republic or any other island in the Caribbean. The U.S. FAA has NOT mandated the upgrade for U.S. registered aircraft.
Transport Canada said it would move forward with a rule requiring virtually all aircraft operating in Canadian airspace to have 406 MHz emergency locator transmitters (ELTs) on board but has not set a date.
I highly recommend a personal locater beacon for use when flying, boating, or camping. In an emergency it is your best bet to get help headed to you.
A FCC aircraft station license and an airman's Third Class Radiotelephone license is required if operating internationally. They can both be ordered from this website. http://wireless.fcc.gov/index.htm?job=online_filing
The useful thing to know is that for the Aircraft Radio Station License, you want radio service code "AC", and for the Restricted Radio Operator's Permit, you want "RR". The latter wasn't pretty non-obvious to me.
The aircraft license can be registered to an entity (useful to me, since the plane is owned by a partnership, which is an LLC), but the operator's permit apparently must be assigned to an individual.
One you know the codes to use, the online form is pretty easy to use.
Radio Communications
SATCOM voice as alternate communications medium
Flying the North Atlantic
North Atlantic Programme Coordination Office
North Atlantic International General Aviation Operations Manual
NORTH ATLANTIC MNPSA OPERATIONS MANUAL
RAC - 11.0 North Atlantic Operations Transport Canada
Flying the North Pacific