Member's Home Forums General Discussion Bahamas / Caribbean Caribbean Aeronautical & Regulatory A $5,000 US Customs eAPIS Penalty

Good afternoon, Rick,
I am about to fly with a student before the weather pulls into Raleigh this afternoon. My student yesterday, the attorney, who along with his US Virgin Island colleague helped me draft the second letter to the US Customs Office, Puerto Rico advised me to send the letter so I don't violate the 60 day requirement.

At least while we wait for the internal process to continue, you know, not to add one more problem. What are your thoughts? I have until February 14 and of course, the letter will have to be in the mail sooner than that.

Hi Steele, I contacted CBP today and there is an investigation underway with the San Juan Field Office. The person with CBP in Washington says that San Juan is aware that he has instructed you to NOT pay the fine at this time. He says that it would be in your interest to sit tight for a few more days, he expects something soon.

Mr. Gardner,
Thank you for your amazing support here. It is great to have a seasoned expert with a solid reputation such as yours. I will standby a few more days.

Hi Steele, we are happy to assist you. Based on what you have shared with us, we also feel that there were extenuating circumstances in your case. As I told CBP in Washington, as a pilot and as a CFI I completely understand the the thought process that you describe and you clearly had the safety of flight foremost in your mind. As a first time international flier, eAPIS considerations were something new and foreign. Therefore, we also feel that it is unfair and excessive to hit you with a fine, especially one of this magnitude.

Let's hope for the best and we will advise as soon as we hear something.

Hello Steele, we just received confirmation that your penalty case regarding your flight to Puerto Rico has been canceled. I have been assured that a cancelation notice is being sent to you. Please advise us when you receive it so that we can be sure that this has been resolved.

We are happy to see that CBP listened to your case and concluded that you deserved additional consideration. It is reassuring to see that there are people who have reconsidered your case and taken action accordingly.

I think this has served as a painful reminder to all of us of what can happen if we do not comply with CBP rules. We cannot exepect that all penalty cases will result with such happy endings and we all need to be vigilent to comply with the rule.

Rick,
Professionalism and persistence pays! I am grateful for your help with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. AOPA endorses you and referred me to you for a very delicate situation of my eAPIS violation. On my own, I am fairly certain it would have cost me a significant amount of money.

My plan is to donate a portion of what could have been my fine to Bahamas Habitat for Humanity as a gesture of appreciation.

Thank you!

Steele, I am sure that your donation to Bahamas Habitat will be greatly appreciated and will benefit many Bahamian families in the family islands. As a Bahamian myself, I know that there is a lot of need, especially after the devastating hurricane last year.

Rick,
Good morning from North Carolina. The CBP letter must still be in transit and has not arrived my mail box as of yet.
You are the best!

Mr. Gardner,
If the letter fails to arrive in today's mail, what would you recommend?
Respectfully,

If it does not arrive today, send me an email and I will contact CBP in Washington to advise them that nothing has occurred.