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Flying to Canada
I have not flown outside of US and thinking of a visit to Canada. Looking at the requirements, it looks like I need a Restricted radiotelephone operators permit, but I am not clear how to obtain this?
Beside this, it looks like just a simple VFR flight plan and flight following that hand me over to a Canadian ATC will be sufficient. Am I missing anything? |
There was a time when it was that simple.
AOPA & COPA (Canadian Owners Pilot Association) web sites outline the process & steps required to cross the border. Most of this is to satisfy US Customs & Homeland requirements. Hope you do come up to visit, |
I don't know about the need for Americans to get the radio operator certificate, but I'm familiar with the rest of the process having done it 3 times this month (of course I just call it going home).
You need 4 things, a flight plan, a discrete transponder code (with or without flight following), an eAPIS Notice of Departure and 2 hours prior notice with Canada Customs (1-888-CAN-PASS). As it is with entering the US, your first landing needs to be at an airport of entry, but don't be surprised if you don't meet anyone there. It may just be a phone call clearance (not the same as calling ahead, you still need to do that). Of course, that might be different for Americans, but you'll certainly find the scrutiny is a lot less than what you'll get going back. I think you probably need a US customs decal (or proof of purchase) for your return. For re-entering, you'll also need the same 4 things you needed going north - flight plan, transponder code, eAPIS Notice of Arrival and prior notice to the US Airport of Entry. Brush up on the airspace differences and the requirement for flight plans (or itineraries) in Canada for flights over 25 NM from departure point. We also do circuits here (as opposed to patterns) and our circuit entry procedures are a bit different. One last tip, leave your handgun and your cannabis at home (not saying you have either of those - they are just problems crossing into Canada). Do come and visit us, we're a friendly bunch who like to apologize. Sorry aboot that. |
Also can't go if you are on basic med.
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There radio permit, operator license, and CBP sticker are all pretty fast and only an internet application. Send your email and I will forward the instructions for the FCC licenses i got from their help desk. Very easy to spend that money and 1 week response. For the CBP sticker, it takes longer but the purchase receipt is adequate, to my understanding.
Agree the AOPA list is a good one. also get a eAPIS login for the flight plan so they know you are coming/crossing. I have not exercised my privileges yet, but hopefully soon. |
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Of course you can skip the decal altogether and pay the user fee if you are only crossing once. I think the decal, which is good for the year, is the same price as a single entry, or only a little more expensive. |
FWIW the FCC webpage to get the licence is HORRIBLE!!!
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Before you go call US Customs at the airport you will land when you return, go over everything with them, make sure everything is OK before departing to Canada and get the name or badge number of who you talked with. CYA After you have done it once, it becomes super easy to repeat. Have fun and let us know how it went. :cool: |
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I forwarded the email to Mehrdad. |
Are there still requirements that your tail number be 1 foot high?
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I just came back from Alberta on a bushliving course. Theres really no airstrips out there but alot of arrow straight dirt Range Roads. I'd like to go back and take the plane....can I land on a range road (after clearing customs etc at a real airport)???
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