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flying to Canada

redhawk

Well Known Member
Hello out there,
Just looking for any tips for flying my -8 to Canada (Cambell River BC).
Never have flown into Canada before and any pointers on dealing with customs, etc would be appreciated..
Thank you!
 
Hello out there,
Just looking for any tips for flying my -8 to Canada (Cambell River BC).
Never have flown into Canada before and any pointers on dealing with customs, etc would be appreciated..
Thank you!

Just got back from Powell River, across the straights from where you are going.

Customs at Victoria was quite easy, and if you cross the water from about 5 miles W of Port Angeles you will miss the busy Victoria Harbour area and have minimum over water distance...:)

Returning use the same route, but turn E and get customs at Port Townsend. Quick and efficient - unlike my last experience at Friday Harbor - and the best pies in WA at the airport restaurant.

Link here for making a Customs appointment -

http://www.portofpt.com/us_customs.htm

The customs guy was thankful we dragged him out on a Sunday afternoon - it saved him from some Honey-Do tasks...

This will help..

http://www.aopa.org/members/pic/intl/canada/index.html

..and here for the eAPIS..

http://flash.aopa.org/asf/eAPIS/

Keep it straight and you won't have any DHS guys upset at you.

Check your GPS data bases, my last update stopped at the border, and Foreflight wants a lot of $$$ for the Canada subscription. You can do most of your flight on the Seattle sectional though, and just buy the Vancouver sectional.

Note that when you leave you have to call Canadian FSS for a transponder code, but only 60 minutes before departure.

Get the on-line paperwork correct and it is quite painless. The Customs sticker claims 2 to 4 weeks delivery, but mine was shipped the next day. Plan accordingly just in case it is 4 weeks.
 
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I pretty much echo what Gil said. Port Townsend is a good place to re-enter. I don't have particular experience with going into Canada along the coast, but every other place I've crossed the border has been painless. Check the AOPA website for the list of required documents and be sure you have them (include the radio operators license - no longer required in the US but at least on paper is required to go into Canada but I've never had them look for it). Set things up in eapis ahead of time for both flights (in and out) if you may not have an internet connection to do it while you are in Canada. If you return a bit further east, the Oroville airport (Dorothy Scott Field) is very small, painless, and had cheap fuel last time I was through there. The customs guy drives to the airport from the road border crossing.

Greg
 
Redhawk if you plan to visit Canada more then once I would recommend getting CANPASS. It costs $40 and valid for 5 years. With CANPASS you will have more flexibility in Canada.
 
Redhawk if you plan to visit Canada more then once I would recommend getting CANPASS. It costs $40 and valid for 5 years. With CANPASS you will have more flexibility in Canada.

If you don't need the flexibility of landing at non-airport of entries, it's probably not worth it. It's so easy to get into Canada.

I have never been checked by a person when I entered, just called on a phone and been given a clearance number, and that seems to be typical.

After the first Canadian visit your tail number is in the system, so if you haven't changed wives in the meantime...:)... you don't need to repeat passenger data.

I wish getting back into the US was as easy....

It looks like Campbell River is an Airort of Entry

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/contact/listing/indexpages/indextype5-e.html

Can't work out from the web sites the true hours of operation, but we arrived in Victoria on a Sunday with no problem, and even the Enterprise car rental office was open.
 
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Fltplan

... Foreflight wants a lot of $$$ for the Canada subscription. You can do most of your flight on the Seattle sectional though, and just buy the Vancouver sectional...

Foreflight charges $150 for the Canadian IFR charts. The VFR charts are not available electronically.

While I really like the Foreflight interface, I can obtain the IFR charts for FREE from http://www.fltplan.com/ which also works on the iPad and I think maybe even some other platforms. Again, not as slick as Foreflight, but works well as an electronic chart.
 
Hello out there,
Just looking for any tips for flying my -8 to Canada (Cambell River BC).
Never have flown into Canada before and any pointers on dealing with customs, etc would be appreciated..
Thank you!

Getting into Canada is easy, it's the US portion that is a pain in the ....
Here is the procedure for you.
1. Acquire a US customs sticker from this site
https://dtops.cbp.dhs.gov/

2. Set up an account for this site for Eapis
https://eapis.cbp.dhs.gov/

Going into Canada
1. Go to the Eapis site and fill in Required data for departure from USA, you can also fill in entry portion to USA if you know when that will be. It's handy to do this and saves a step when you return.
You will need your dtops sticker number and passenger passport numbers, also you will need the address that you will beat in Canada.
2. Arrange customs in Canada by calling this number. (888) 226-7277
3. File a flight plan .
4. Fly
5. Cancel flight plan

Going to USA
1. File Eapis return to USA if you haven't already done so.
2. Arrange US customs.
3. File a flight plan.
4. Important , when airborne, contact nearest centre and get a transponder code and stay in touch with them. This is a US requirement.
5. Cancel flight plan when landing.

Thats it,lots of steps but easy to do. Leave about 30 minutes to file everything before flight.morefor customs.
 
Getting into Canada is easy, it's the US portion that is a pain in the ....
Here is the procedure for you.
1. Acquire a US customs sticker from this site
https://dtops.cbp.dhs.gov/

2. Set up an account for this site for Eapis
https://eapis.cbp.dhs.gov/

Going into Canada
1. Go to the Eapis site and fill in Required data for departure from USA, you can also fill in entry portion to USA if you know when that will be. It's handy to do this and saves a step when you return.
You will need your dtops sticker number and passenger passport numbers, also you will need the address that you will beat in Canada.
2. Arrange customs in Canada by calling this number. (888) 226-7277
3. File a flight plan .
4. Fly
5. Cancel flight plan

Going to USA
1. File Eapis return to USA if you haven't already done so.
2. Arrange US customs.
3. File a flight plan.
4. Important , when airborne, contact nearest centre and get a transponder code and stay in touch with them. This is a US requirement.
5. Cancel flight plan when landing.

Thats it,lots of steps but easy to do. Leave about 30 minutes to file everything before flight.morefor customs.

Codes...

Going into Canada, FSS will give you a transponder code when you file a VFR flight plan.

In the Victoria/Vancouver airspace I believe you have to phone in for a transponder code for all VFR flights in their area. I got mine from Canadian FSS but they wanted me to call in again about 1 hour before take off for the code. They accepted the VFR flight plan the day before.

Perhaps a BC pilot can confirm this?

A quick note on eAPIS -

The user names issued mix the letter "O" ad the number "0" - take care typing...:)
 
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Canada / US border crossing

Redhawk

Gary's info above is top notch but something you may wanna consider to simplify your AEpis process is ''Flashpass''

https://www.flashpass.net/

It does simplified the filing process of AEpis tremendously and it is free to try for a month and if you do try it, Arturo ( owner of the site ) will extend your subcription for up to 3 months for free..

Tried it on my way to Oshkosh and loved it..

Also get ''Canpass '' yes it is $40.00/ 5 years but worth every penny


http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/media/facts-faits/009-eng.html

Welcome to Canada, it will be nice to have you here..

Cheers

Bruno
 
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Welcome to Canada (the Great white North)

MY BORDER CROSSING PROCEDURES CHEAT SHEET

Flying South to USA (file e-APIS Northbound first then Southbound)
(1) Call the CBP office at airport of entry two + hours prior to book an arrival time.
(2) One + hour before flight to US submit a "Notice of Arrival" to E-APIS and wait for email reply authorizing departure.
(3) File a flight plan (Canada 1-866-992-7433) If times change submit new flight information via E-APIS, or phone CBP at port of entry & ask them to change your E-APIS information. Or National CBP office 1-800-973-2867.
(4) Open flight plan.
(5) Make contact with a controlling agency for border crossing, FSS or ATC.
(6) Obtain a discrete transponder code prior to crossing the border (This may be given to you on telephone when you file your Flt plan).
(7) Close flight plan.

Flying North to Canada
(1) Call CANPASS 1-888-226-7277 two + hours prior to arriving in Canada.
(2) One + hours prior to your flight North to Canada submit a "Notice of Departure" to E-APIS, wait for reply authorizing your departure (use your webmail).
(3) File a flight plan (USA 1-800-992-7433). If times change submit new information via E-APIS, or call CBP at closest port of entry (to your USA departure apt.) and ask them to change your E-APIS information. If unable call National CBP 1-800-973-2867.
(4) Open flight plan.
(5) Make radio contact with a controlling agency (Canadian/US ATC or FSS).
(6) Obtain & set discrete transponder code prior to crossing the border.
(7) Close flight plan.

Useful Information to have before Flight.
My e-APIS log in ID --
Passengers data, date of birth, passport number etc.
Residence - if unknown use FBO or APT address including ZIP
DUATS -- sign in passwords--
Webmail -- sign in info
E-APIS help line 1-808-237-4601
US FSS recorded weather from Canada 1-877-484-2799
CANPASS 1-888-226-7277
E-APIS https://eapis.cbp.dhs.gov/
Customs KCLM Port Angeles WA 1-360-457-4311
Customs KBLI Bellingham WA 1-360-734-5463
Customs Cut Bank Airport, MT - On Call Service Phone: (406) 335-9610
Customs Oroville Wa. 1-509-476-2955
Record your E-APIS Inbound and Outbound approval numbers.
Put CanPass clearance number in aircraft log.

Fuel up in USA on cheaper gas, get flight following and go direct to Campbell River for customs. Overflying Vancouver, Victoria and Comox requires ATC contact. Campbell River (CYBL) has a MF (mandatory frequency). Check notam's for construction at CYBL.

Have a great trip and if you are like me plan for at least two hours on the e-APIS web site!
 
Bob,

Nope, other than to have your op lims with you (as part of the registration papers and should be with the airplane at all times anyway). Nobody has ever checked mine.

Greg
 
Hello out there,
Just looking for any tips for flying my -8 to Canada (Cambell River BC).
Never have flown into Canada before and any pointers on dealing with customs, etc would be appreciated..
Thank you!

Redhawk, not sure what date you are planning, but the Canadian charts cost a small fortune compared to the US ones.

If you send your mailing address to my e-mail address I can mail you the current Vancouver Sectional and Terminal Area Charts.

Just send them back to me when you are done. I won't need them until next year...:)
 
12" numbers? 406 ELT?

I thought there was a requirement to have 12" registration numbers on the plane? Has this been rescinded?

What about 406 mHz ELT? I guess the requirement was suspended or visitors are exempt?
 
I thought there was a requirement to have 12" registration numbers on the plane? Has this been rescinded?

What about 406 mHz ELT? I guess the requirement was suspended or visitors are exempt?

If you stay away from the Pacific Ocean you are not crossing a ADIZ - which is where the 12 inch numbers are needed IIRC.

From the FAA

Many aircraft inbound to the U.S. will cross an ADIZ. There is no ADIZ between the U.S. and Canada.

There is an ADIZ along the Mexican border, which does then require 12 inch reg. numbers.

This talks about 406 ELTs (not needed yet) but I carry a 406 PLB and add it to the information section of my VFR flight plans. The Canadians know what it is, but I seem to have to regularly explain what it is to the US FSS briefers.

http://polarpilots.ca/index.php/whats-new/59-newadds/79-406-elt
 
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Actually there is a corner of ADIZ you can clip if flying from Maine to Nova Scotia. Non event if you are talking to ATC.


aa586708232b5839411b853d048bbfb7.jpg
 
Actually there is a corner of ADIZ you can clip if flying from Maine to Nova Scotia. Non event if you are talking to ATC.

<pic snip>

I saw that looking at a possible trip to see an uncle in Nova Scotia.

But flying that far over water would be way beyond my personal safety level..:)

At least on my last trip, crossing water in BC and WA, and crossing the length of Lake Tahoe in summer puts you over some of the most populated private boating areas in the country.

In winter with fewer boaters around things change. Even Texas lakes can be fatal -

http://www.kltv.com/story/16962666/preliminary-report-on-lake-palestine-plane-crash

Fred was an airpark neighbor until he moved to TX.
 
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