(a) Application. This section applies to aircraft departing for foreign territory with no export cargo, but not to those aircraft which are themselves being exported.
(1) Such aircraft may clear by telephone in advance with the director of the port of departure if departing empty or carrying only:
(i) Passengers for hire; or
(ii) Non-commercial cargo for which Shipper's Export Declarations are not required.
(2) If not cleared by telephone, an air cargo manifest containing the following statement, signed by the aircraft commander or agent, shall be submitted to Customs:
I declare to the best of my knowledge and belief that there is no cargo on board this aircraft. Signature_______________________________________________________________(Aircraft Commander or Agent)
(b) Timeliness. The request for telephone clearance must be received by the Customs officer in charge with sufficient time remaining before departure to ensure that Customs may undertake any necessary examination of the aircraft and cargo.
(c) Documentation. If clearance is granted by telephone, the aircraft commander is not required to file the documents required by this subpart.