HIGH IMPORTANCE 

Letter to Operators

23 November 2009

To

1. Operators of Bermuda registered aircraft wherever operated

2. Operators of all aircraft  to and from Bermuda

CARRIAGE OF WEAPONS AND MUNITIONS OF WAR ON BOARD AIRCRAFT

This letter is to remind all operators of the provisions of Article 57 of the Air Navigation (Overseas Territories) Order 2007 (AN(OT)O). All operators are urged to ensure that they are familiar with these provisions which relate to the carriage of munitions of war and sporting weapons.

In particular, operators are reminded that Article 57 prohibits the carriage of any munition of war (which includes any weapon or ammunition designed, or made, for use against persons) except with the written permission of the Governor of Bermuda and subject to any conditions relating to such permission. The granting of such permissions is delegated by the Governor to the Director of Civil Aviation.

Operators and pilots-in-command are reminded that unless such permission is given the carriage of any munition of war on board an aircraft by any person or in any part of the aircraft for any reason is unlawful and constitutes an offence punishable by a fine or a term of imprisonment not exceeding two years, or both.

The carriage of sporting weapons other than in accordance with Article 57 is also unlawful and punishable as above. 

Exception in respect of foreign registered aircraft only.

The prohibition on munitions of war and the provisions  in respect of sporting weapons  taken or carried on board an aircraft do not apply in respect of aircraft not registered in Bermuda if munition of war or sporting weapon may under the law of the country in which the aircraft is registered be lawfully taken or carried on board for the purposes of ensuring the safety of the aircraft or of persons on board.