Checklist for Cross-Border Flight Operations

Sunday, March 16, 2003 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Cross-border flights require comprehensive documentation for both the pilot (certificates, passport, ID) and the aircraft (airworthiness, registration, specific authorizations, insurance).
Pilots must provide advance notification to Customs, adhering to specific contact procedures and timelines for both U.S. and Canadian entries (e.g., 1-72 hours for US to Canada, 1-23 hours for Canada to US).
A VFR or IFR flight plan must be filed and activated, with the first landing upon arrival made at a designated Airport of Entry (AOE).
Strict arrival protocols involve taxiing to the Customs area, following specific instructions from officials (e.g., waiting in the U.S. or calling CANPASS in Canada), presenting all required documentation, and closing the flight plan.

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Pilot Certificate
Medical Certificate
Radiotelephone Operator Permit (required in Canada)
Notarized letter authorizing children to fly in Canada/United States (only if accompanied by one parent)
Proof of citizenship
Passport
Birth certificate (original or certified true copy)
Photo ID (required with birth certificate)
Resident Alien ID Card
Other Visa documentation as required

Airworthiness Certificate
Registration certificate (not temporary certificate)
Operating limitations
Weight and balance information
Experimental Aircraft and Canadian Ultralights-Standardised Validation (for ops in Canada) or Special Flight Authorization (for ops in US)
Proof of Liability Insurance (required in Canada)
FAA Form 337 or Canadian equivalent if fuel tanks have been added in baggage or passenger compartments

Give advance notification to Customs
U.S. to Canada — contact Canpass no less than 1 hour before and no more than 72 hours before arrival at 888-CANPASS or 888-226-7277
Canada to U.S. — telephone Customs office at Airport of Entry no less than 1 hour or more then 23 hours before arrival; enter ADCUS in “Remarks” block of flight plan form
File and activate a VFR or IFR flight plan
Advise Customs if any change in ETA at AOE via ATC/FSS while in flight, get badge number and name of Customs official that ATC/FSS speaks with.

Make first landing at an Airport of Entry (AOE)
Taxi to Customs area on ramp
In U.S. — Do not be early and no more than 15 minutes off ETA; wait for Customs official to motion you out of aircraft
In Canada — find a telephone and call 888-CANPASS, follow directions from Customs official, obtain arrival report number
If inspected, present documentation as required, fill out any declaration forms and pay appropriate duties and taxes, purchase US$25 Customs annual user fee decal (if required)
Close Your Flight Plan!

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