Flying to Canada without getting busted:


Checklist:
 * 1 week prior (if this is your first time)
   - Register with eapis https://eapis.cbp.dhs.gov
   - Call 888-CANPASS to verify customs will be available where you plan to arrive
   - Call US customs to verify customs will be available where you plan to arrive 
 * Day of departure:
   - CARPPP
   - File outbound (and return?) passenger manifest at https://eapis.cbp.dhs.gov
   - Call 888-CANPASS for Canadian customs.
   - File VFR or IFR flight plan
 * Arrival in Canada: Call 888-CANPASS 
 * Day of return:
   - File return passenger manifest at https://eapis.cbp.dhs.gov
   - Call US customs for landing authorization
   - File VFR or IFR flight plan at 866-WX-BRIEF
 * Arrival in US: Call US customs to tell them you are waiting on the ramp

Important stuff:
 * CARPPP – Cell Phone, Airworthiness, Registration, Plastic Pilot’s license, Passport

VFR or IFR flight plan
 * Required for all flights which cross the border.
 * ADCUS service no longer exists.
 * Required in Canada for flights > 25NM
 * Canadian flight plans open AUTOMATICALLY at ETD.  1-866-GO-METEO, 1-866-WX-BRIEF
 * Burlington AFSS: 802-863-5271  (Duats, 1-800-WX-BRIEF?)

Canadian customs:
 * 1-888-CANPASS for Canadian customs.
 * Call a few days prior to make sure your intended airport is available. Dorval and Quebec are 24/7.
 * 2-48 hours prior, call to make your declaration.  You need DOB and citizenship of each pax.
 * After you land, at the FBO, call 888-CANPASS.  They will either release you or tell you a customs agent will meet you.
 * Canpass certificate is nice but only if you fly frequently. 
                 http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/canpass/privateair-eng.html

US customs
 * Plan to use BTV(802-864-5181) or BGR(207-947-7861). They are courteous and friendly, occasionally anal.
 * Call a few days prior to make sure they will be open.
 * Call at least 2 hours before you return to schedule a landing time.
 * After you land, use your cell phone to call them.  They will meet you at your plane.
 * Annual sticker $27.50.


eAPIS (electronic advance passenger information system)
 * http://flash.aopa.org/asf/eAPIS/index.cfm
 * http://www.aopa.org/members/pic/intl/eAPISFAQs.html
 * For each passenger, you will need:
   - DOB
   - Passport#, expiration date and citizenship
   - Green card # (if applicable)
   - Address in US
   - Pilot license# for the pilot.
 * 1 week prior, go to https://eapis.cbp.dhs.gov and create an account.  You will need an email acct.
 * Within a day or 2 you will get your account.  Login and create your aircraft and pilot profile.
 * At least 1 hour prior:  create the OUTBOUND manifest.  WAIT for email authorization before you take off.
 * At least 1 hour before your return: create the RETURN manifest.  WAIT for email authorization before you take off.
 * For departures from 6B6,  Departure location is KBED, description
           “6B6 Minuteman Airport, Stow MA” or “9B1 Marlborough, MA”
 * For flights to/from CYHU, you will cross the border at 
           “Highgate Springs, VT” approximately 40NM from CYHU.  
 * For CYUL, “Rouses Point”, bout 40NM from CYUL.



Other rules which won’t get you busted:
 * ARROW – Radio Station license
 * Standard traffic pattern entry:  Midfield crosswind at pattern altitude.  Climb straight out.
 * Position reports.  Monitor 126.7.   FSS is on 126.7.
 * VFR over the top:  day only, must be IFR rated, destination forecast must be SCT or better.
 * Most uncontrolled airports have a MF (mandatory frequency) and position reports are required.
 * Oxygen rules start at 10,000.
 * English or French are fine.
 * Liability insurance valid in Canada is required.
 * Experimental aircraft are OK.  You need this certificate onboard:             http://www.tc.gc.ca/civilaviation/maintenance/RegsDocs/Validation.htm


Other stuff:
 * Dorval(CYUL) is easy and not busy.  FBO:  SkyService 514-636-3300,  Shell Aerocenter 514-636-5870
 * St Hubert(CYHU) is a little cheaper, similar to BED but nice. Very busy, no customs on weekends. FBO: Petro Air 450-656-7880,    heated hangar
 * Toronto Island airport.
 * Survival gear – Canada is mostly empty space.
 * Charts – subscription, Wings, borrow.
 * Fees for Canadian ATC about $17/quarter.  You’ll get a bill in the mail.
 * US customs web:   http://www.cbp.gov
 * Canada customs:    http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/menu-eng.html
 * Canada flight planning:    http://www.navcanada.ca http://www.flightplanning.navcanada.ca
 * AOPA info: http://www.aopa.org/members/pic/intl/canada/

Disclaimer:
 * I did my best.