March 16, 2003 Checklist for Cross-Border Flight Operations

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COPA

For More Details ... This checklist was published as an addition to Russ Niles' article, "Northern Hospitality."

PREFLIGHT

• Appropriate charts and Flight Supplements

PERSONAL DOCUMENTATION

• 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

AIRCRAFT DOCUMENTATION

• 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

DEPARTURE

• 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.

ARRIVAL

• 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!

RETURN FLIGHT

• Follow this checklist again.