OregonMaule wrote:Great flight up here this morning. Did you know? Seattle Radio can not close a US FP once I crossed the border. Canada has to close it. OK

Canada Customs didn't want to see me so they said go have fun EH. Park at the Victoria Flying Club. $10.00 over night. The FBO wants $35.00 he Dakota Cafe at the flying club has great food!


Might get dinner here.


Our camp spot for the night. No camp fire. Damn it.

Cheers...Rob

FloatFlyer wrote:Flight following does not count as a flight plan into Canada AND Canadian Customs requires 2 hrs prior notice while the US requires 1 hr. Your AOE in Canada will close your flight plan if you ask them. In the US you probably need to make the call. Hope you leave plenty of $$$ and learn some proper English. FF

Backcountry Tundra wrote:Eh bud, looks like you had a great getaway...sorry I didnt read the post earlier, would have told you that if you fly US to CAN, CAN has to close your FP...same the other way...I learned that this year flying to Alaska and back few times...got it down path now... you're lucky not to have to clear customs! They always come and greet me although they know who I am now and I try not to carry illegal substances that may send me on a free trip to the east end of Cuba!

I took my Multi at the Victoria Flying Club in 99', great memories, glad you experienced it. When's your trip to AK coming up! Cheers, BCT

FloatFlyer wrote:OM, glad you had a decent time and that you were allowed to leave CA! It is my understanding that e-Apis is strictly for the US CBP/Homeland Security BS(bullshit). Has nothing to do with any CA procedures. If you think you are going to be a frequent flier into CA you might consder getting a Can Pass Permit. This is issued to those that are "pre-screened" and considered low risk visitors. Additionaly this permit allows you to clear customs at a few more airports than without a permit AND you can clear customs anytime the tower is open regardless of whether or not you are out side of Custom's hours of operation. I am in the process of renewing my permit, good for 5 yrs. http://cbsa.gc.ca/prog/canpass/menu-eng.html

I am curious why you say that border crossing into or out of Mexico is harder? The filing of a "round robin" flight plan into Mexico is possible, I rarely have a set schedule and therefore never use that type of flight plan. For years I only air filed my flight plan when returning to or leaving the US and that was/is very easy. The flight plan is not restricted to a 1 hr notification, Mexico, or 2 hr notification, Canada, you just have to file one. It IS the Customs notifications and e-Apis filing that has the time requirements.

So how was your customs experience when you returned to the US? Not smuggling any ice wine or hockey pucks were you?? Not sure what else you would consider bringing back except photos and less $$$$. By the way, Black Velvet, ugh, can be bought in most places in the US for $14-$15 per 1.75 ltr bottle and is about $56 in Canada.