Greetings: In early/mid April I will be flying from Alaska to the lower 48 in my C182. The route will generally follow the Alaska highway as I dont wish to fly the trench that early in the year. However at some point I need to cross back over the mountains as Eastern Washington is my destination.

The map shows that flying from Ft. St. John or Grand Prairie over to Prince George is doable. Any suggestions/advice on this?

If crossing back to the US is at Osoyoos, is Scott (on the US side) really an airport of entry (indicated by by AOE on sectional)? Or should Omak be the point of entry?

thnaks

Sean

From Grande Prairie to PG is easy. There's a good pass that takes you right over Monkman and Wapiti Lakes. Just south of Tumbler ridge. Pretty much a straight line from Grande Prairie to Otter Lake, then turn south and into PG. I took this route when coming from Victoria in a C150. Beautiful flight. Depending on when you come, I could possibly fly your wing through if you'd like company! But I'm sure you'll have no problem finding your way through.

David

David:

Thanks! That is exactly what I hoped for in local knowledge. My dates are pretty flexible, but if nothing else I will drop you a hello on the way through. My return will be two week so later, and I might choose the trench.

Sean

Sean,

I have no great advice (other than to take David up on his offer) but I'll be with you in spirit. I grew up in Prince George and had a lake house near Oroville for many years, until January. I never crossed the border in a plane, but seem to recall Oroville(Dorothy Scott) had customs that would show up if called ahead of time.

The taco truck in Oroville (there is only one) is excellent and Rancho Chico in Omak is also very good. Not much in the way of Mexican in Prince George but the restaurants and accoms are pretty fair. Earls on the bypass is a pretty safe bet and the "Earl's girls" are always nice to see.

albravo wrote:Sean,

I have no great advice (other than to take David up on his offer) but I'll be with you in spirit. I grew up in Prince George and had a lake house near Oroville for many years, until January. I never crossed the border in a plane, but seem to recall Oroville(Dorothy Scott) had customs that would show up if called ahead of time.

The taco truck in Oroville (there is only one) is excellent and Rancho Chico in Omak is also very good. Not much in the way of Mexican in Prince George but the restaurants and accoms are pretty fair. Earls on the bypass is a pretty safe bet and the "Earl's girls" are always nice to see.

When I crossed a couple of years ago I had called to arrange customs at Dorothy Scott and they were really nice and helpful. I ended up crossing and doing customs at Minot due to a passenger/timeline change, so I didn't actually stop at DS though.

Sean,

You are most welcome to stop in at our place in Ft Nelson on the way through. Gordons Field CBL3 in the CFS.

Rod
UpNorth

UpNorth wrote:Sean,

You are most welcome to stop in at our place in Ft Nelson on the way through. Gordons Field CBL3 in the CFS.

Rod
UpNorth

Sean, you should take Rod up on his offer if you have time.

Rod, Josef was telling me that I just missed you at the hangar the other day, too bad. Hopefully next time, otherwise I'll just have to fy up and see you.

David

Yes Customs is doable at Scott Field, Gas also!

Yep - came through Dorthy Scott last July - just follow all the protocols with re-entering the US and call them ahead of time so they can meet you there as they have to drive over from the road border crossing station - I stopped at Kamloops for fuel and called upon leaving. Nice new FBO there.
Whatever you do - DO NOT exit your aircraft for any reason (unless it's on fire) until invited to do so by the Customs agent. All in all is was a friendly enjoyable experience.
Even more so all through Canada - they were Very user friendly and helpful all the way down.

Ekhart Intl, (1S1) just north of Bonners Ferry, ID. You can clear both CA and US customs at the same airport. Good option if weather further west isn't so great.

I've cleared at Oroville on the water and at the airport. Good experience both times. Also cleared a couple times at Elkhart (Port Hill). Just check to make sure it's plowed if they've had snow. It's a grass strip and I'm not sure how consistent the maintenance is.