TOP TEN TIPS FOR FLYING WITH GUNS & DOGS

With the Glorious Twelfth marking the start of the grouse shooting season in Scotland and northern England, private aviation and helicopter booking service PrivateFly.com has compiled its top tips for flying with guns and dogs to maximise the shooting party experience.

Carol Cork, marketing director of PrivateFly.com comments: "Private aircraft or helicopter hire can take you closer to your country shoot destination than scheduled flights – as there are many smaller airports and helicopter landing sites which are well-situated for shoots. This can save hours of travelling time and is particularly effective for shooting parties travelling together, as the cost of the charter is for the whole aircraft.

"And with the right advice and preparation, flying by private charter also allows you to fly with your gun and gundog on board. This makes the journey seamless and ensures that getting to and from the shoot is a positive part of the experience, rather than a painful complication".

1. Carry photocopies of your licence
Customs and Immigration Officers may want to check your licence on the day of the flight. If you depart from a major private jet hub like Farnborough, London City Airport or Paris Le Bourget, you are almost 100% guaranteed to be checked. Having photocopies of your licence to hand out will reduce the time required for the inspection.

2. Avoid carrying ammunition
Not all aircraft operators have the 'dangerous goods' licence required for transporting ammunition for sporting weapons. If ammunition is permissible, each passenger is limited to 5kg only and it must be stored in separate and non-accessible locations within the aircraft. Depending on your captain, this may be a painful experience and result in delays to your departure. The simplest advice is to avoid carrying ammunition in order to avoid any possible complications on the day of your flight.

3. Easy to carry & open case
Some pilots and almost all Customs and Immigration Officers will want to inspect your weapons prior to flight. If your case is easy to open and close, this will reduce the time taken for this inspection.

4. Label your gun & case clearly
Custom and Immigration Officers may take your gun away to an inspection room where other guns will be located. Having your gun labelled will avoid it becoming placed in the wrong case. Having a clearly labelled case will also help your crew to identify your gun when loading and unloading the aircraft.

5. Check quarantine regulations for your gundog
Animals can fly in the cabin with you on private jet flights. However you will need to check quarantine or pet passport regulations before you travel.

6. Consider two aircraft for larger shooting parties
If more than 11 passengers are flying to the shoot it can be more cost and time effective to charter two aircraft instead of one larger aircraft. Aircraft can be organised to take off at the same time or at different times to accommodate passengers' requirements.

7. Compare prices for private charter
Prices can vary so we always recommend comparing the private jet or helicopter charter market before you book your flight, to find the best availability and pricing for your specific flight schedule and dates.

8. Get closer to the shoot site by helicopter
Combine a private jet charter flight to the nearest airport with a helicopter transfer direct to your shoot. Nothing quite beats landing directly in the action and your bags will be waiting by the time you arrive back at the lodge.

9. Luggage limitations
When you book your private jet charter discuss your luggage storage options. If you're planning on taking fishing rods or large luggage get advice on the storage and weight limitations of the aircraft.

10. Book your flight in advance
Passengers can travel with sporting weapons on private jets and helicopters as long as the regulations are met. Booking your flight in advance ensures that all the necessary paperwork and checks can be made, to inform all parties that guns will be onboard. As long as the correct procedures are followed and the relevant authorities are informed there will be no delays to your flight.

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