Overflight Clearances & Handling Agents
Pilots planning a circumnavigation generally obtain diplomatic and civil aviation clearances either by contacting each country's Civil Aviation Authority directly or by retaining an international flight-support handler:
White Rose Aviation (UK)
Experienced in supporting light aircraft and adventure flyers with international overflight and landing permits.
Web: whiteroseaviation.co.uk
Email: ops@whiteroseaviation.co.uk
Universal Weather and Aviation
Global trip planning, international permits, fuel releases, and ground handling services.
Web: universalweather.com
Jeppesen International Trip Planning
International flight planning, route briefings, overflight clearances, and aviation charts.
Web: jeppesen.com
Worldwide Aviation Insurance Underwriters
Securing hull and worldwide liability coverage—particularly for remote oceanic crossings and N-registered or experimental aircraft—is one of the earliest steps in RTW preparation. Underwriters historically used by Earthrounder pilots include:
US-Registered Aircraft
- AIG / Stuart Hope
- Airsure Ltd
- Ascair
- AVEMCO
- Colt International
Non-US Registered Aircraft
- AIG
- Allianz
- Axa Winterthur
- Bavaria
- Besso
Communications, Tracking & Key Considerations
Satellite Communications & Tracking
Do not rely solely on cellular data or airport Wi-Fi in remote regions. Earthrounders strongly recommend carrying an Iridium satellite handset or satellite messenger/tracker (such as Garmin inReach or Spidertracks) for oceanic and polar weather/position updates.
Fuel Planning & Jet-A Contamination
Avgas (100LL) availability varies widely across Asia, Africa, and remote Pacific islands. Pilots flying piston aircraft should verify drummed fuel supply well in advance and carry filtration funnels and strict misfueling safeguards where Jet-A1 is the primary fuel.
FAI World Speed & Record Recognition
Pilots wishing to claim an official FAI (Fédération Aéronautique Internationale) world speed or circumnavigation record must meet stricter minimum distance rules (at least equal to the Tropic of Cancer) and register sporting observers prior to departure.