Hey, so I have never flown my own plane into the US. I plan on doing it in the near future. I have been doing some researching on COPAs website, but am having trouble finding out exactly what I need to have with me to be legal. Do I have to carry paper charts with me? Or will my Aera and Avare on my phone be enough? I know that may sound like a stupid question, but It will be a short flight to drop my plane off, and not sure if I should buy paper charts for the quick journey. Most likely just should do it. Also, do I need to have a copy of the AIM with me?
Any other suggestions are welcome.
Thanks in advance.
David

There is no regulation requiring you to have paper charts. But you are responsible for familiarizing yourself with all applicable info for the flight, and making sure you have what you need to ensure you can make the flight safely and legally. If your electronic gizmos have the information you need and you can access it readily in flight, paper doesn't do much for you.

There is no requirement to carry an AIM either. If I was going to carry one or the other, I would add the paper charts, AFD, etc rather than AIM. The value of the AIM is not really for in-flight issues. There are phraseology differences from Canada, and the pattern is organized a little differently with the descent portion starting on downwind in the US, but I can't imagine looking all that up in the air. And I don't suspect the differences in pattern are that critical anyway, just keep your head on a swivel and make sure you have the right frequencies.

Awesome. Thanks Troy.

Have you signed up for EAPIS? do you have a transponder? Make sure you have all the frequencies needed for Flight Service or who ever to give you the squawk code before crossing the border. None of it is a big deal, just intimidating the first time or two.

Hey Steve. Havent signed up for EAPIS yet. On my list of things to do. I do have a mode C transponder.
How do I get a hold of those frquencies? Will I be given them when I file my flight plan to cross?

David, I have been flying foreign registered airplanes into the US almost 40 years. First of all, you will NEVER get a ramp check if you are not a N airplane. Secondly, and most important, since 911 the eAPIS has been put into effect. This system requires that you register yourself and your airplane with the system (just google eApis or go to the FAA website). Before leaving the foreign country, you must enter the flight, pilot's and pax information, and receive a confirmation number. You must have an ICAO flight plan active when you enter US airspace, land at the nearest AOE, and when you arrive, you'll have to purchase a customs sticker (good for a year). Customs will ask you for your Reg, Airworthiness, and your Lic and medical (maybe), and nothing else, since you're a private flight.

Please don't forget NEVER to mention anything that can give the impression that you're coming into the States to work. You might be immediately deported. I have friends who have.

If you comply with all this, it should be a breeze (hopefully!!)

Besides filing the flight plans with EAPIS and Transport Canada, you will also need to give US Customs a call at least two hours before crossing the border. I have not had much luck getting frequency information when filing flight plans. You will file the plan with Canada and they are supposed to pass it on to the US, it does not always seem to work that way though. Make sure you make your radio call to the US 20 miles before crossing the border into the US, tell them you are on a flight plan and are requesting a squawk code (transponder code) to enter the US. I would suggest you call the Flight Service Station that services the area in the US you will be using as a Port of Entry, tell them your story, they can help you with the frequencies. Where will you be crossing the border? What Port of Entry will you be using? I can look up the phone number you will be needing, just let me know, I still have your e-mail address.

Steve

Thanks Steve. I will be crossing south of Steinbach. But I may just be hiring it out to a ferry pilot. May just be easier for everyone.

A1Skinner wrote:Thanks Steve. I will be crossing south of Steinbach. But I may just be hiring it out to a ferry pilot. May just be easier for everyone.

Or may make it more complicated not being his airplane, flying for hire issues etc. Don't know for sure but in my border crossing experiences (mostly ground vehicle) there have been all kinds of complications over the years.

I've used Piney/Pinecreek south of Steinbach (straddles the border) for going north but it hasn't worked out going south due to hours or routing.

Hope it goes well for you!
Mark J

There are a number of details to attend to. But I don't really consider it complicated.

File eapis.
Call customs for point of arrival to schedule your arrival.
File flight plan.
When you arrive, stay in the plane until you are given permission to exit.
Customs sticker is not an issue because you can just deal with it while going through customs.