Frankster13
Active Member
I am interested to explore flying into Vancouver, Canada, and Baha Mx. Does anyone have experience and know what you need in order to make such a trip. Large N numbers and what else? And how do you clear customs?
I am interested to explore flying into Vancouver, Canada, and Baha Mx. Does anyone have experience and know what you need in order to make such a trip. Large N numbers and what else? And how do you clear customs?
The AOPA website has good info on border crossing requirements. No need for large N-numbers for Canada if you do not cross the ADIZ.
It's actually more of a PIA returning to the US!
About Mexico...
It may be worth it but It's such a PITA that a colleague bought a Twin Commanche to fly from FL direct to his property in Columbia rather than fly around and stop for fuel in Mexico.
Large N numbers and what else?
By my read large N numbers are not required.....
I've flown my RV-6 with 3 inch numbers across the border a bunch of times and never been called out on it. Then again customs clearance up there is usually just a phone call.
Covid needs to end to go up north I think.
Canpass is easy and US CBP is pretty painless if you arrive on time. You need pay a US CBP user fee to get decal ($30). You used to be able to do this with the CBP officer clearing you but not sure if they still do this. Legally (FCC) you need a Radio Station license for your aircraft and a Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit for yourself to fly outside the US.
Not sure about Mexico privately (only flew there under 91K/121), but I know it's not as user friendly and you'll need some cash to make things move.
No issues with flying into Canada in spite of covid. You can go either way.
I live in the Northwest. I did some research on this topic and came up with a checklist file for Foreflight.
I am interested to explore flying into Vancouver, Canada, and Baha Mx. Does anyone have experience and know what you need in order to make such a trip. Large N numbers and what else? And how do you clear customs?
Yes, no problem. You just have to quarantine for 14 days after your land.
WOW!! I have been flying my experimental airplane in and out of Mexico since 2008 and have never had a problem. But I haven't flown there in the last couple of years so I can't speak of what is currently happening.FLASH
Got a BAJA Bush Pilot alert earlier this week where some Mexican AOE airport commandants are not accepting Experimental CofAs as Mexico doesn't have a bilateral agreement regarding them... They are taking this up with the Mexican Central Aviation authority down there, but don't expect quick reply *** they say that office is virtually closed due to the pandemic.
So check before you fly south!
No issues with flying into Canada in spite of covid. You can go either way.
WOW!! I have been flying my experimental airplane in and out of Mexico since 2008 and have never had a problem. But I haven't flown there in the last couple of years so I can't speak of what is currently happening.
IMHO some "procedural" changes may happen but other than that probably not much. It will be interesting to see what comes out of this.
At least Homebuilts can operate between Canada & US legally with the bilateral agreement that is in place, we just have to carry the FAA or TC letter acknowledging the agreement.
Why not? The document states that a copy should be carried on board the aircraft, and it's easy enough to do. In my experience most customs agents don't ask for (and probably don't know) all of the specific documents we're actually supposed to have. But I wouldn't want to tempt fate.FWIW, I have never been asked for, nor have I carried, a copy of that letter when crossing the border in an amateur-built.
Another time a bored agent asked me for my Radio License, I produced a barely legible piece of paper that hadn't seen the light of day in over 20 years, he didn't even smile but let me go.
Another time a bored agent asked me for my Radio License, I produced a barely legible piece of paper that hadn't seen the light of day in over 20 years, he didn't even smile but let me go.
People run red lights every day, doesn't make it legal. Break the law at your own risk. But if/when you get caught, don't become the stereotypical "Ugly American" crying about corruption.With respect to Mexico. I live on the USA/Mexico border and see the same aircraft fly back and forth multiple times per month with 3" N numbers. Not just one airplane. Many. They usually are flown by Mexican nationals with US Pilot's Licenses (hence the N Number). Many Mexican pilot's prefer to get a US license so they can legally fly N-Numbered aircraft and skip the Mexican airworthiness BS. They register them with a US agent and get a US annual or condition inspection every year. Sometimes in the US. And sometimes an IA/A&P gets a vacation down to Mexico each year to do inspections. Most of these aircraft are used for business and pleasure. Majority are high-wing Cessnas but there also are EAB N-Numbered aircraft like an RV-4 and Piper Sport. US and Mexico Customs never gives them a bit of flap over their N number size. Customs in each country seems to care less.
People run red lights every day, doesn't make it legal. Break the law at your own risk. But if/when you get caught, don't become the stereotypical "Ugly American" crying about corruption.
Mostly because it's one more piece of paper to carry in an already bulging paperwork folder. But also because it's easy enough to carry a PDF on your phone or tablet. The document is not aircraft specific, it's generic to all canadian amateur-built aircraft.rv6n6r said:Why not? The document states that a copy should be carried on board the aircraft, and it's easy enough to do. In my experience most customs agents don't ask for (and probably don't know) all of the specific documents we're actually supposed to have. But I wouldn't want to tempt fate.