Starting to get a collection of information about flying to Canada. It's probably pretty easy once you know how to do it, but until you know how to do it, it all seems very confusing.
- AOPACOPACrossBorderOperationsManual.pdf This is the best overall guide I've found.
- AOPA Pilot Information Center - Canada Quick Flight Briefing - requires AOPA login
- FLIGHT PLANNING - Transport Canada - Information from Transport Canada
- Flying to Canada without getting busted - Nice summary, checklist
- eAPIS.org --> https://eAPIS.cbp.dhs.gov - Electronic Advance Passenger Information System
Checklist
- 1 week prior (if this is your first time)
- Register with eAPIS https://eAPIS.cbp.dhs.gov
- Call 1-888-CANPASS to verify customs will be available where you plan to arrive
- Call US Customs to verify customs will be available where you plan to arrive
- Day of departure:
- CARPPP (Cell Phone, Airworthiness, Registration, Plastic Pilot?s license, Passport)
- File outbound (and return?) passenger manifest at https://eAPIS.cbp.dhs.gov
- Call 1-888-CANPASS for Canadian customs.
- File VFR or IFR flight plan
- Arrival in Canada:
- Call 1-888-CANPASS
- Day of return:
- File return passenger manifest at https://eAPIS.cbp.dhs.gov
- Call US customs for landing authorization
- File VFR or IFR flight plan at 1-866-WX-BRIEF 1-800-WX-BRIEF (1-800-992-7433)
- Arrival in US:
- Call US customs to tell them you're waiting on the ramp.
1-800-WX-BRIEF (1-800-992-7433) In Canada try 1-877-4-TIBS-WX (1-877-484-2799)
1-888-CANPASS (1-888-226-7277)
US Customs at KBFI 206-553-7960
http://www.kingcounty.gov/transportation/kcdot/Airport/Tenants/Directory.aspx
U.S. Customs
King County International Airport/Boeing Field
7277 Perimeter Road S
SeaTac 24-Hour Dispatch
206-553-7960
From http://www.copanational.org/DYKIF10.CFM - Canadian Owners and Pilots Association
A better way to reach the US is the new TIBS number. 1-877-4-TIBS-WX
(1-877-484-2799) stands for Telephone Information Briefing Service.
Again, I asked our Directors from across Canada to try this number
and they all reported that it works. So here is a new tool for you
to use when you are planning a trip to the US. I still recommend
that you land at the first opportunity after crossing the border in
order to ensure that there are no issues with clearing Customs and to
top off your briefing for any pop up thunderstorms or TFRs (perhaps
equally deadly?), but this new access to US flight information is a
great way to plan before you leave home.