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High Point

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 Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Petri and Ranking Democrat Costello Oppose New Flight Fee

Chairman and Ranking Democrat Oppose

Flying into Canada 

Every year I am asked what steps are required to fly into Canada? So close and a lot to see but you must comply with all of the latest rules and regulations.  

Below are the steps required and some useful web links.

1. A passport is required for travel by air to and from Canada. A passport card or enhanced drivers license is ONLY valid if visiting by car or boat. So first step is to make sure that you and all passengers have a valid passport.
2. You as PIC MUST register on eAPIS the Electronic Advanced Passenger Information System. Go here to start the registration process:  https://eapis.cbp.dhs.gov/ 
3. Once enrolled it can take up to 24 hours before you receive an acceptance e-mail. Follow the directions on this e-mail to complete the process and remember your entire log in information.
4. Now go back into this web site and complete all of the information requested for your departure and flight into Canada. You must also complete all of the information requested for your passengers so have their information on hand.
5. A log in number will be assigned to your flight and confirmation e-mail sent to you. I advise you to print out all of the information and have it with you on the flight.
6. Starting 24 hours before your proposed departure time start to check the weather, NOTAMS, and complete weight and balance calculations.
7. At least 12 hours prior to departure, you need to call Canadian Customs and tell them which airport you will be arriving at and at what time. You may call them at 888-226-7277. They will request personal details of the pilot and all of the passengers to include passport details so again, make sure you have this handy.
8. Now you get to actually go fly...BUT first FILE A FLIGHT PLAN...This is compulsory and of course you must activate it. As soon as you activate it and ATC notices you are flying to Canada, they will ask for verification that you have completed the eAPIS process.
9. Enjoy the flight and if operating VFR obtain flight following all of the way.
10. On landing at your destination airport in Canada, request through the tower or ground controller to be directed to customs. Follow these directions and once at the customs area shut down the aircraft BUT DO NOT GET OUT OF THE AIRCRAFT. If a customs agent is present, he will come to the aircraft and follow his directions. If there is no agent on duty, call 888-226-7277 and let them know you have arrived. They will confirm your N number and give you a customs clearance number for you to write down. Once this step is completed, you can exit the aircraft or start back up again and continue to fly to an airport of your choice in Canada.
11. If you do plan to continue on to other airports review Canadian regulations and pilot requirements here: http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/civilaviation/publications/tp15048-menu-5859.htm  
12. On the return to the USA, again you must file on the eAPIS system.
13. Once filed with eAPIS, complete a Canadian flight plan and then call US customs at an airport of entry. It is easiest to use Bellingham (KBLI) as they operate 24 hours per day 7 days a week. You can call them direct at: 360-734-5463. Give them all of the information they request and remember that you MUST meet your ETA by +/- 15 minutes
14. Enjoy the flight and get flight following all of the way. In Canada, as soon as you take off from a towered airport your flight plan is activated
15. On arrival in at KBLI inform the ground controller that you need to clear customs and taxi over to the customs area located just south of the terminal building. There is a red outlined area and taxi into this and stop the engine. Again, DO NOT GET OUT OF THE AIRCRAFT.
16. Customs personnel will come to you and follow their directions.
17. If the aircraft does not already have a customs sticker, you will be required to purchase one on the spot. So be ready for a $27.50 fee. Details of this fee can be found here: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/pleasure_boats/user_fee/user_fee_decal.xml  

I realize all of these steps may seem a bit daunting, but with time and careful planning you will have an enjoyable and safe trip.

Fly safe,

Peter Swift 

SNOHOMISH FLYING
OFFICIAL FAA CHARTS AND PRODUCTS DEALER

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Did you know.........

20% of US Terminal Procedures Publication Charts Changed Effective in the August 25 Charting Edition! AND 2200 Changes were made to IFR Enroute Charts!   

Of the approximately 22,000 procedures and 15,000 Charts that AeroNav Products produces and maintains for the US Terminal Procedures Publication, just shy of 3400 of them were updated on the 25th! That is 20% of the NAS - Likewise, 2200 chart changes to the IFR Enroute High and Low Altitude Charts changed effective in the August 25, 2011 edition, including Caribbean and Planning Charts....

FAA AeroNav Products has had a lot of name changes through the years. From Coast & Geodetic Survey to NOAA to NOS to NACO, etc., keeping up with name changes has lead to some confusion for the aviation community. To reduce confusion and enhance users' product knowledge, we refer to  the publications as "FAA Charts and Products."  

Keep flying safely with the latest, most up to date products!

Aeronautical Charts and Related Products for the October 20, 2011 Edition: 

• Sectional Aeronautical Charts from
• Albuquerque, Chicago, Dawson, Hawaiian Islands, Phoenix, Salt Lake City
• Airport / Facility Directory
• Supplement Alaska & Pacific
• World Aeronautical Charts : CF-18
• US Gulf Coast Helicopter Chart
• Instrument Navigation Charts and Publications
• US Terminal Procedures Publication
• IFR Enroute Low and High Altitude charts
• VFR Terminal Area Charts
• Chicago, Phoenix, Salt Lake City
• Puerto Rico - Virgin Islands (with Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Planning Chart on reverse side)
• Aeronautical Planning Charts
• North Atlantic Route Chart
• North Pacific Route Chart
• IFR Gulf of Mexico - West
• IFR Gulf of Mexico - Central

Aeronautical Charts and Related Products for the November 17, 2011 Edition: 

• Sectional Aeronautical Charts
• Anchorage, Brownsville, Fairbanks, Kansas City, New Orleans, New York, San Antonio, Seward
• Instrument Navigation Charts and Publications
• US Terminal Procedures Change Notice
• VFR Terminal Area Charts
• Anchorage/Fairbanks, Boston, Kansas City, New Orleans, New York