Regulatory prep

Canada is, of course, a different country. And, it inconveniently lies between the "lower 48" and Alaska. This post is less narrative, and more of a checklist and brain-dump for what I'll need for ADIZ crossings, and clearing customs in both countries.

Useful Links and resources

• FAA - Planning A Flight to Alaksa
• AvWeb - Major Differences Between Canadian and US Flight Procedures
• Transport Canada - Canadian Aviation Regulations
• AOPA - Crossing Borders

Personal Documentation and regulations

• Pilot Certificate
• Medical
• Passports
• Restricted Radio Telephone operator Permit

CBP Decal and fee

(e)Fee for arrival of a private vessel or private aircraft -

(1)Fee. Except as provided in paragraph (e)(3) of this section, the master or other person in charge of a private vessel or private aircraft must, upon first arrival in any calendar year, proceed to CBP and tender the sum of $27.50, as adjusted in accordance with the terms of paragraph (k) of this section, to cover services provided in connection with all arrivals of that vessel or aircraft during that calendar year. Either a properly completed CBP Form 339V (Annual User Fee Decal Request - Vessels) or CBP Form 339A (Annual User Fee Decal Request - Aircraft), must accompany the payment. Upon payment of the annual fee, a decal will be issued to be permanently affixed by adhesive to the vessel or aircraft, in accordance with accompanying instructions, as evidence that the fee has been paid. Except in the case of private aircraft, and aircraft landing at user fee airports authorized under 19 U.S.C. 58b, all overtime charges provided for in this part remain payable notwithstanding payment of the fee specified in this paragraph.

(2)Prepayment. A private vessel or private aircraft owner or operator may, at any time during the calendar year, prepay the $27.50 annual fee specified in paragraph (e)(1) of this section, as adjusted in accordance with the terms of paragraph (k) of this section. Prepayment must be made in accordance with the procedures and payment methods set forth in this paragraph and paragraph (i) of this section. The decal request and prepayment by credit card or ACH debit may be made via the Internet through the “Travel” link at the CBP Web site located at http://www.cbp.gov. Alternatively, prepayment may be sent by mail with credit card information, check, or money order made payable to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, along with a properly completed CBP Form 339V (Annual User Fee Decal Request - Vessels) or CBP Form 339A (Annual User Fee Decal Request - Aircraft), to the following address: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Attn: DTOPS Program Administrator, 6650 Telecom Drive, Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46278.

Aircraft

• ELT (121.5 still OK)
• Mode C
• Radio Station License
• Airworthiness certificate
• Registration
• Operating limitations
• Weight and Balance
• Public Liability Insurance (See Insurance)

eAPIS and Flight plans

Use an ICAO flight plan (I already do this anyway)

Provide CANPASS more than 2, but less than 48 hours notice of entry

Provide US CBP more than 1, but less than 24 hours notice of entry

ATC Fees

Canada charges $17.85 for ATC services per quarter.

Insurance

Canada requires liability insurance as documented in the Canadian Aviation Regulations section 606.02(1). Based on my reading, I need $500,000 of liability insurance. I generally carry $1,000,000, so I'm good to go.

Liability Insurance

606.02 (1) This section applies to every owner of an aircraft, other than a remotely piloted aircraft, that is registered in Canada or registered under the laws of a foreign state and operated in Canada, if the owner is not required to subscribe to liability insurance in respect of the aircraft under section 7 of the Air Transportation Regulations.

(2) Doesn't apply?

(3) Doesn't apply?

(4) Doesn't apply?

(5) Doesn't apply?

(6) Doesn't apply?

(7) Doesn't apply?

(8) No aircraft owner not referred to in paragraph (2)(a), (b) or (c) shall operate an aircraft unless, in respect of every incident related to the operation of the aircraft, the owner has subscribed for liability insurance covering risks of public liability in an amount that is not less than

(a) $100,000, where the maximum permissible take-off weight of the aircraft is 1 043 kg (2,300 pounds) or less;

(b) $500,000, where the maximum permissible take-off weight of the aircraft is greater than 1 043 kg (2,300 pounds) but not greater than 2 268 kg (5,000 pounds);

(c) $1,000,000, where the maximum permissible take-off weight of the aircraft is greater than 2 268 kg (5,000 pounds) but not greater than 5 670 kg (12,500 pounds);

(d) $2,000,000, where the maximum permissible take-off weight of the aircraft is greater than 5 670 kg (12,500 pounds) but not greater than 34 020 kg (75,000 pounds); and

(e) $3,000,000, where the maximum permissible take-off weight of the aircraft is greater than 34 020 kg (75,000 pounds).

(9) Subject to subsection (10), no owner or operator of an aircraft shall operate the aircraft unless there is carried on board the aircraft proof that liability insurance is subscribed for in accordance with this section.

(10) Doesn't apply.