The AOPA/COPA

Flying between Canada and the United States is probably the easiest “international” flight that a recreational flyer can make, even here in the security conscious era after September 11^th 2001. The procedures, language and love of general aviation are shared by both countries and will make your trip a very smooth one. The procedures for crossing the border are boiled down into a short one-page checklist at the back of this book; the intervening pages amplify them and provide additional information about the slight variances between Canadian and United States regulations and procedures, in order to make your trip an enjoyable success.

Please keep in mind that this is a guide and as such is not a legal document covering the rules and regulations of each country. For official flight information you will need to reference the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) for Canada and the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) for the United States. These publications are both available on the internet and also on paper from the respective government agencies. Contact information is in Appendix A. Additional publications that will be useful include the Canada Flight Supplement, Airport/Facility Directory, and aeronautical charts, all of which are discussed later in this chapter.

Return to Table of Contents

General Planning

Experience has shown that the key to a smooth trip is adequate, organized, and early preparation. You have already accomplished the first step by obtaining this AOPA/COPA Guide to Cross-Border Operations. A careful and thorough review of this booklet in addition to reviewing more information available in the Canadian Operations area in AOPA Online’s members-only area and in the Flying In Canada area of the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA) web site will help you in planning. Don’t wait until the day before your trip; some time will be necessary to collect and review documentation, get the maps and flight information publications you will need, plan customs notification and learn use of survival gear when required.

It will be helpful to organize documents and equipment for convenient, ready access during your flight. When returning, separating items purchased abroad should further expedite customs clearance inspections.

Circumstances will differ from person to person and may warrant alternative methods in some cases. Should you encounter a situation not addressed in this booklet or have any questions regarding the information it contains, you are encouraged to contact our Aviation Specialists at 800/872-2672 (AOPA) or 613/236-4901 (COPA).

Return to Table of Contents

Charts

As you prepare for your cross-border flight, your first order of business will be to obtain the proper charts and supplements you’ll need for the trip. At a minimum, most pilots will need Sectional (U.S.) or Visual Navigation Charts (Canada) that cover the route and the Airport/Facility Directories (U.S.) or Canada Flight Supplement (the sole available paper airport directory for Canada).

US charts show portions of Canada and Canadian charts show parts of the US. It is legal to fly on charts from the other country, but may not be advisable. In the past there have been numerous errors on US chart portions of Canada, showing airspace boundaries incorrectly, for instance. Canadian charts have also had inaccuracies in showing the US. You are advised to get the right national charts for the country you are flying in!

Listed below are the charts available for the United States and Canada.

VFR Navigation:

1. WACs (World Aeronautical Charts): Provide VFR coverage of Canada and the United States. Scale 1:1,000,000 (14 NM per inch).

2. Sectional Aeronautical Charts: Provide VFR coverage of the United States. Scale 1:500,000 (7 NM per inch).

3. VNCs (VFR Navigation Charts): Equivalent to U.S. sectionals, and provide VFR coverage of Canada. Scale 1:500.000 (7 NM per inch).

4. Terminal Area Charts: Provide VFR coverage of U.S. Class B airspace, available for 29 cities. Scale 1:250,000 (3.5 NM per inch).

5. VTAs (VFR Terminal Area Charts): Equivalent to U.S. Terminal Area Charts, available for Edmonton, Calgary, Montreal, Toronto, Winnipeg and Vancouver. Scale 1:250,000 (3.5 NM per inch).

6. Alaska Highway Strip Map: VFR coverage of the portions of the Alaskan Highway in Canada. Scale 1:500,000 (7 NM per inch).

IFR Navigation:

1. Terminal

The AOPA/COPA

Guide to Cross Border Operations

(United States/Canada)

Chapter 1 – Preflight Planning and Preparation

Chapter 2 – Getting There

Chapter 3 – Canadian Flight Rules

Chapter 4 – United States Flight Rules

Chapter 5 – Travelers’ Information

Appendix A – Sources

Appendix B – Special Flight Considerations for Canada

Appendix C – CANPASS

Appendix D – Instructions for Completing Canadian and ICAO Flight Plan Forms

AOPA/COPA Checklist for Cross-Border Operations CHAPTER 1 – PREFLIGHT PLANNING AND PREPARATION

AOPA/COPA Checklist for Cross-Border Operations
CHAPTER 1 – PREFLIGHT PLANNING AND PREPARATION