US into Canadian Airspace

[Phantom30]

Guys....need some help. I've found a paint shop in Canada (Penticton, BC) that I'm interested in.... I'd be flying from Coeur d'Alene, ID to Penticton, BC....about 1 1/2 hour flight.

Any ideas of what is required.....I have registered on on line for a eAPIS account...

I'm mainly concerned with not irritating my Canadian brothers...

[Burtonport]

AOPA has a good checklist about flying to and from Canada.

[AZLeeJay]

I believe you'll need a medical to fly in Canada, and a customs sticker to return.

[RFSchaller]

Ric,

Remember that the destination country has to agree to an EAB or LSA in their airspace. Might be a case of don't ask, don't tell, but it would suck if they grounded your airplane there.

Rich

[az_gila]

Originally Posted by RFSchaller

Ric,

Remember that the destination country has to agree to an EAB or LSA in their airspace. Might be a case of don't ask, don't tell, but it would suck if they grounded your airplane there.

Rich

Info from Canada here on the LSA and pilots bit...

https://www.copanational.org/CAWMay10-1En.cfm

Revised link to the documents -

http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/civilaviatio...ation-2946.htm

[PilotBrent]

Don't have my "Canada file" with me. But, in addition to those sources, I recall finding a Transport Canada webpage that confirms they recognize US experimentals (including LSAs). If I recall there is a letter that you can print out and keep with you that confirms that if you get ramp checked... which is really never going to happen. I've flown into/out of Canada for over 10 years in small aircraft and have never had to show anything more than my passport ...and that was just once. Usually don't even meet a border agent.

If you don't have CANPASS already setup (which I assume is the case) you will likely have to clear at a Canadian airport of entry first. Not sure if Penticton is one or not. You call the same CANPASS pre-clearance number and give all your information. CANPASS is useful if you travel there more regularly and opens up a lot more airports. Your return trip to the US is a little more complicated, but the AOPA website describes the steps.

[Ron RV8]

Penticton customs work Monday to Friday. Saturday and Sunday the nearest port of entry is Kelowna, about 15 RV minutes north. If you need to go to Kelowna arrange to clear customs on Ramp 3 (flying club) rather than going to the FBO who charges a ramp fee as soon as you taxi onto his lease. Penticton has no such issues.

Be sure to file your US exit "eapis" and contact CANPASS (1 888 canpass) at least two hours ahead to arrange customs.

Walter does good work but it does take time...

I'm based in Penticton and if you happen to be here, our club has Thursday morning coffee ~1000 just across the parking area from the paint shop...

Amateur built a/c cross all the time, but I cannot comment on LS. As others have said COPA and AOPA have good info online. It's worthwhile printing a copy of the agreement on their websites though I've never been asked for it.

[az_gila]

Originally Posted by Ron RV8

....
Amateur built a/c cross all the time, but I cannot comment on LS. As others have said COPA and AOPA have good info online. It's worthwhile printing a copy of the agreement on their websites though I've never been asked for it.

Not just "worthwhile" but required.

From my previous link...

a copy of this validation shall be carried on board the aircraft when operating in Canadian airspace;

Crossing the border should definitely be done with RTFM in mind.

[SmilingJack]

[PilotBrent]

I carry a small binder with copies of all the necessary documents for these trips - as stated before, have rarely ever been asked for them but I have them in case. If anyone has ideas to beef up the checklist, more than happy to hear from you.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/1qr89vqsnz...eric.docx?dl=0