Get Your St Barts
Landing Endorsement
The DGAC endorsement for Saint-Barthelemy (TFFJ/SBH), taught by an active PC-12 captain who flies the approach every day. Ground course, checkout, signed endorsement.
Also written St Barts, St Barths or Saint-Barthelemy.
The Challenge
Why TFFJ is unique
Ranked among the most demanding airports in the world. St Barts requires a specific qualification and a mandatory DGAC endorsement.
Short Runway
About 650m of runway, barely enough for a PC-12. Precise landing distance calculation required.
Special Approach
Steep descent of about 10 degrees, flyover a hill before the threshold. Visual approach only.
Variable Wind
Shifting wind conditions, turbulence, windshear. Rotor frequent on final.
DGAC Endorsement
Mandatory qualification issued by the DGAC. Professional training programme.
St Barts Endorsement Training
Three tailored programs
From online theory to full checkout with DGAC endorsement. Choose the training level that fits you.
Online Course
- Complete theory (approach, weather, procedures)
- Cockpit POV videos
- Self-assessment quizzes
- Lifetime access
Full Checkout
- Theory briefing
- TFFJ qualification training
- DGAC endorsement signed
Annual Recurrency
- Endorsement revalidation
- 2 to 3 check landings
- Procedures update
Questions
The endorsement, answered
Do I need an endorsement to land at St Barts?
Yes. French DGAC rules require a site-specific qualification for Gustaf III Airport (TFFJ/SBH). You must complete a checkout with a DGAC-approved instructor before acting as pilot in command into St Barts. It is a regulatory requirement, not a recommendation.
How long does the St Barts checkout take?
Ground instruction followed by flight training with multiple supervised landings. Most proficient pilots complete it over one to two days, and the endorsement is signed as soon as the standard is met.
Does the St Barts endorsement expire?
It has to be kept current. Recency at the airfield is what keeps the qualification alive, which is why an annual recurrency with check landings exists as its own programme.
Why is the St Barts approach so demanding?
Runway 10 is entered over the Col de la Tourmente ridge, followed by a steep descent of roughly ten degrees to a runway of about 650 metres ending at the beach, with shifting wind and turbulence on short final.
Who can sign a St Barts endorsement?
Only an instructor approved for the Saint-Barthelemy site qualification, who must demonstrate significant experience of the aerodrome itself. There is no separate examiner stage.
I am an owner-pilot, not a professional. Is this for me?
Yes. Owner-pilots are a large share of St Barts endorsement demand. The standard is identical for everyone and the training is paced to your experience and your aircraft.
Ready to get qualified?
Get in touch for a personalized training plan. We respond within 24 hours.