I'm going hunting up on the Lower Stikine in September. The simplest route would be to follow the river in from Wrangell and across the Alaska panhandle back into British Columbia. I'd be flying out of Prince Rupert also in BC. What's the procedure for crossing US airspace without landing in the States? Does anyone know if it would even be legal with guns along in the plane?

I am sure this does not hold, but I know flying into Canadian airspace and not landing does not constitute "being in" Canada. I got fogged out of Campbell River once and turned around at Nanaimo and returned home. As far as Canada and the US were concerned I was never in Canada.

With our Homeland Security...looking for polite words.....administration, who the Hell knows. I am guessing you get a squawk from NAV Canada and keep it all the way. Probably give Customs Border Protection a shout and let them know what you are planning.

Good luck. On the bright side you might get a free colonoscopy during the search.

Technically, you'll need to file an ICAO flight plan for crossing international airspace, but unless there's something new, you won't have to deal with eAPIS or customs. I've done the opposite (WA/AK, overfly Canada without landing) and that's all that was required, but that was also a long time ago now.

But in that neck of the woods, I don't know who'd pay attention to you. And the rifles..... Unless they're full-auto, the US side doesn't care.

Gump

I have taken friends from Atlin over the Juneau icefield, and have crossed into US airspace and back along the border. Never been a problem. The tour flights out of Juneau do the same (cross the border) sometimes.

To cross the ADIZ you need to be on a flight plan with a discreet transponder code assigned by ATC, that's it. If you're not landing in Canada you don't need to get any customs people involved.

It's the same when the fishing fleet leaves Seattle for Alaska, they just cruise through without making any stops and never talk to customs.

Is there an ADIZ along that part of the border now between Canada and Alaska?

Never was before. Lower 48 yes, Alaska/Canada no.

Gump


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If I talked to the airport at Wrangell would they likely know?

As far as I know, if you're not landing in the US them you're not there. Like Gump says, filing an ICAO flight plan should be more than enough. No need for Eapis or boarder patrol.

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No ADIZ up there? Even better, I wouldn't worry about it at all then

Note ADIZ a few miles West of Prince Rupert: I.e. Direct Wrangell to Prince Rupert will clip corner of ADIZ.

Thanks to all for the great info. Sounds like this should be no problem.

It would be the same as when we fly from Langley to Victoria, we fly through US air space and we have to file a flight plan and get a transponder code. We used to just fly there but as of Jan 1 2017 we now need a flight plan.

Just talked to the guys up there. They said it's different in Alaska, no transponder code and no flight plan necessary. Canada said they'd give me a transponder code if I want to be on the safe side.

Yeah, that ADIZ by Prince Rupert is Canadian. Just fly it like you own it! [emoji41]

Gump


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I'd need a flight plan and transponder code to go through the ADIZ but it should be no problem to stay a little closer to shore and avoid it entirely.

Yup...


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Example:

Below PNG is a rhumb line PAWG -> CYPR. Recommended (20)NM before CYPR adjust heading to avoid corner of CA/USA ADIZ:

I'd request a transponder code that I could keep for the whole flight and ask that it be shared with the Americans. You might think there's no radar up there, but you never know where they're patrolling with their drones. Costs nothing and might preclude having to prove your innocence if something in your plan changes. There's also the possibility that you'll have an emergency and have to land in the US. Nice if they can identify you if you're pointed at US soil NORDO.