Cross Border Flying – A comprehensive breakdown.

The following are all of the resources, links, phone numbers, my check lists, as well as detailed notes and other pertinent info as a companion to my Cross Border Flying vlog (link to watch above).

I’ll update / edit this as needed!.
Happy international general aviation flying!

Important Links & Telephone Numbers
U.S. Customs Decal: https://dtops.cbp.dhs.gov/home
eAPIS: https://eapis.cbp.dhs.gov/eapis/auth
CBSA / CanPass: 1-888-CanPass (1-888-226-7277), and/or 1-905-679-2073

Canadian Airports of Entry: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/do-rb/services/aoecan-eng.html

Optional:
Register for CanPass: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/canpass/privateair-eng.html

I obviously highly recommend FlashPass. Use the code:

chops90

for an extended 90 day trial:

Available at the iOS App Store or a manual install for Android.

Regarding the NAV Canada ATC Fee for N-Registered (USA) aircraft: Foreign aircraft are charged a $20 flat fee per quarter (as defined by NavCanada, not every 90 days) regardless of the number of times you enter/exit Canada. Full details can be found in this PDF from NavCanada. Note:

Northern Border (USA/Canada)
With regard to the Northern border, in either case of arrival to U.S. or Canada, you can plan to fly as “deep” into the country as you want to clear customs… BUT you need to understand that diverting would be problematic. To avoid stress, I have planned to clear reasonably close to the border so that I am free to modify my route as I head to my final destination.

Southern Border (USA/Mexico/Caribbean/South America)
Normally you are supposed to clear USA customs at the nearest airport of entry (AOE) in the USA if flying over the Northern Border. However, you can get an exemption:

Overflight Exemption Process – Simplified:
A border overflight exemption allows general aviation aircraft to overfly the first designated Airport of Entry (AOE) when arriving into the U.S. from below the 30th parallel in the eastern U.S., and below the 33rd parallel in the western U.S. This covers all flights from the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America, and French Polynesia. More details on how to apply for this exemption can be found from APOA – Overflight Exemption Process- Simplified.

Don’t Have Your DTOPS Sticker Yet?
As long as you can provide the CBP officer proof of purchase you should be ok. Be sure to show them a print-out of DTOPS order.

TIP: As a place-holder type the following number in Flashpass (Aircraft Section/Decal): yy000000 (where “yy” is the last two digits of the current year, followed by six zeros). Make sure you type the correct decal number when available.
TIP: Your new decal number can be found on your DTOPS account a few weeks after purchase.

Departure Manifest
The reason for the Departure Report is that the CBP reserves the right to inspect your aircraft before you leave the country. This manifest must be filed at least 60 minutes prior to departure. You can, however, depart from any airport in the United States. It does not have to be an AOE or offer CBP services (even a remote/grass airstrip).

To file a Departure Manifest in FlashPass from a non-CBP airport:

• Open Flashpass on iPhone
• Select More
• Select Useful Links
• Select Departing a NON CBP Airport.

Flight Plans
Open and activate a flight plan (VFR or IFR) as it is is required for all border crossings. When flying VFR it is a good idea to get a squawk code before crossing from ATC or a FSS.  For example. When crossing from from Mexico to the US, I call SAN ANGELO RADIO:
“San Angelo Radio, this is N94GL on a VFR flight plan from MMAN to KMFE requesting a SQUAWK code for border crossing”.
“N94GL squawk 1201 before crossing the border and close flight plan on arrival.” Getting a discrete squawk code for crossing the border is not required when flying IFR (as you will probably already be assigned one).

Airport Fact Sheets
The CBP website has got a lot better over the years they are slowly adding all the GA fact sheets online. These fact sheets contain information such as the correct number to call for landing rights, hours of operation, etc..

More Information On Crossing The Northern Border
Check out the Pilot Nerds episode: Transborder Crossing in GA Aircraft. You can also read Blake’s blog post: How To Fly to the USA from Canada.

Dedication
This video is dedicated to Arturo Jr.
His story was shared by the Air Safety Institute

Flight Chops Border Crossing Check Lists

Both the arrival and departure checklists are available as a PDF. Feel free to copy/paste them into your own checklist or print off as is.

A note from anther pilot friend Jim, who flys cross border a lot:
I carry a package that is similar to what you would have. If you’re driving your car. Police officer pulls you over and asks for three things: drivers license, registration, and insurance. The only difference with aircraft is there’s three licenses involved, but it’s the same concept and by having it in a folder I just leave the copies in the aircraft. It’s labeled trans-border documents. I kept a copy of my CANPASS receipt in there as well.

I noticed you mentioned the flyover permission in your processes list. This is excellent because your US viewers should know that that’s available and they also changed the process of how you apply for one. You used to be able to get your local CBP agent to accept your letter of interest and process your permission letter, however, that whole process has changed now and it goes through official channels. Nonetheless, it saves a lot of hassle. If you have the range to make it to your home airport when approaching the border from the south.

The post Cross Border Flying appeared first on Flight Chops.

It started off fun… But got more difficult quickly.

This episode covers the lead up to what was absolutely my most #Difficult #AirVenture arrival experience. Every year there are #Storms and super high traffic volume… I’ve flown the Fisk arrival many times over the years, and have always managed to skate through fairly smoothly. But 2023 was the first time that basically everything happened: We had to divert due to storms being parked over the entire arrival procedure, then got spun at Fisk multiple times, had to go around due to a wrong way landing aircraft, and then had to join the holds when the airport was closed – all in, we spent over 2 hours doing what should have taken 25 minutes.

I was so glad to have Katie as a crew member on this one! Learn more about her here: https://www.AstroKatie.com

Quantum 101 series produced by the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics and Digital Sabbath
https://www.digitalsabbath.ca/

Full series here:
https://perimeterinstitute.ca/quantum…

SiriusXM Aviation is a long time Flight Chops supporter.
The current GDL-52 rebate is a great opportunity to get started with onboard weather data!
https://www.siriusxm.com/aviation
https://www.siriusxm.ca/aviation/ (For Canadians)

The post DIVERTED Away From AirVenture – FAST Pilot Decision Making! appeared first on Flight Chops.

In this episode we’re sharing the aftermath of the RV-14 being grounded due to a #PropStrike, and the pivot to salvage plans to #fly my first aerobatic competition. Huge thanks to Adam and his family for lending me their RV-8.

I had no time in that particular type when I got there to see it for the first time. It was a rewarding challenge to push through the #adversity and make it happen.

Adam’s Channel:    / @turned_n_banked  

Ryan’s Sukhoi-26 crash episode:    • 74 Seconds: Engine Failure to Crash!  

SiriusXM Aviation
The current GDL-52 rebate is a great opportunity to get started with onboard weather data!

https://www.siriusxm.com/aviation

https://www.siriusxm.ca/aviation/ (For Canadians)

The post This could cost $30,000 and End the Flying Season appeared first on Flight Chops.

The most Physically Demanding #Flying I’ve ever done!!

In this episode of Flight Chops, I’m sharing the process of preparing for my first aerobatic flying contest. #Solo practice was great, but being coached from the ground was a game changer! A full episode about the 3 day camp is coming soon. Leave a comment if you’d like to learn more about the coach camps that Aaron runs.

And if you’d like to learn more about Luke: He’s on instagram follow him there at these accounts: @harvsairinverted + @teamcanadawaac To follow the journey to World #Aerobatics Championships later this season!

The post Thinking Inside The Box – Aerobatic Competition Prep! appeared first on Flight Chops.

The costs, a thorough review of the RV-14, and detailed breakdown of components.

In this episode of Flight Chops, I’m doing my best to share what I’ve learned operating the airplane for 200 hours. I’m also answering a bunch of the key questions such as what did things cost, what do we like, what did we modify, what do I wish I knew, what snags have there been, etc…

Here are some of the major component partners we are proud to be working with on the Van’s Aircraft RV-14:

https://www.vansaircraft.com/

https://www.garmin.com/en-US/

https://www.lycoming.com/engines/thunderbolt

https://www.evokeaviation.com/

https://hartzellprop.com/

https://www.steinair.com/

https://www.earthxbatteries.com

https://hartzell.aero/

https://aeroleds.com/

https://www.classicaero.com/

https://www.mcfarlaneaviation.com/

https://www.hookerharness.com/aviation.html

https://www.vettermanexhaust.com/

Center console:
https://www.aerosportproducts.com/product/rv-14-armrest-throttle-quadrant/

Glare shield:
https://www.aircraftspecialty.com/rv-14.html

Air / Oil separator – Raven Aircraft
– have it now installing ASAP
https://ravenaircraft.com/products2/engine-firewall-forward/

The post All the ANSWERS after 2 years, 200 hours Flown appeared first on Flight Chops.

In this episode of Flight Chops, we’re sharing tips and insights from experts and insiders about how best to prepare for, and execute your arrival into #AirVenture, the world’s biggest #Aviation event!

If you’re planning for 2023, come visit the Hartzell booth to see the RV-14 and get a fist bump! The rest of my event scheme will be at https://www.FlightChops.com, posted on the various socials, and in the Flight Chops community mailer this week.

Fred Stadler has been the EAA lead on the #Oshkosh NOTAM for 30 years. A long time pilot and mechanic, Fred also volunteers at the EAA Pioneer Airport, flying old airplanes and Young Eagles. To learn more about volunteering during AirVenture, visit the EA website, or try this link: https://www.eaa.org/eaa/support-eaa/volunteer/volunteer-opportunities-at-airventure/available-airventure-volunteer-positions

Ed Wischmeyer is an aviation safety researcher who asks questions like, why do pilots only lose control in turns at low altitudes? At AirVenture 2023, he will be presenting forums on Setting Reasonable Expectations for Angle of Attack, Base to Final Turn Loss of Control, and the Expanded Envelope Exercises®, a fun way to make pilots safer and more at home flying their everyday planes. He is also a widely published aviation journalist.  

Ed’s events at Osh 2023: (they’re all at 10am)
Monday: NAFI tent behind Garmin
Tuesday: Forum tent 3
Friday: Pilot Proficiency Center

And thanks to CFI Claire for being a good sport when Ed introduced me and we threw a camera in her face for comments with no notice

The post Maybe don’t Fly Solo – AirVenture Arrival – World’s Busiest Airport! appeared first on Flight Chops.

I Never Regret Filing IFR, This Is Why! I’m #Flying #Singlepilot #IFR to reposition the RV-14 from Toronto to Windsor where the museum I fly with is based.

It’s a beautiful day (although a bit bumpy) and I took the opportunity to file IFR to get some solid practice working with the automation in the Garmin glass panel; It went well for the most part, but I felt I captured some learning moments worth sharing. I owe a great deal to long time mentor Dennis for getting me through many phases of my flight training, including transitioning to the panel in this airplane.

Check out his company Next Level Flight Training: https://www.nlft.ca

Jason Miller is an other great CFI that I’ve learned a lot from. He’s doing some great this with The Ground School App.

I am proud to be a member of the Canadian Aviation Museum (formerly CH2A). They are a not-for-profit organization that anybody can visit, and (almost) any pilot can join and fly the planes. Please consider sharing their link, visiting the museum in Windsor, and/or sending a small donation to help them keep our historic warbirds flying! https://www.canadianaviationmuseum.ca/

The post 3 Reasons to Fly IFR on a Nice Day + Glass Panel Walkthrough & Procedures appeared first on Flight Chops.

Wanna learn about General #Aviation in #Europe ?  In this episode of Flight Chops, (a #Travel Adventure filmed in “the before times” of 2019), we’re flying the second half of our water crossing leg with friends from Hässlö Flygförening, just outside of Stockholm.

Hässlö Flygförening is located at Stockholm Västerås Airport (ICAO code ESOW) about an hour drive from Stockholm. With more than 600 members they are the largest flying club in northern Europe.

Being so close to Stockholm, while still keeping out of the more congested airspace around the big international airport, HFF is a great place to start your #GeneralAviation flying adventure in #Sweden. They have access to many different airplanes to rent, together with a group of highly competent instructors ranging from airline captains to aerobatic instructors.

For pilots visiting Sweden, they can assist with anything from information, checkout flights on new types to the paperwork needed to act as PIC on a Swedish registered plane without an EASA license.

Learn more at their site: https://hasslo.org/in-english/

The post Flying in Europe, Not So Different? VFR Water Crossing with my Family appeared first on Flight Chops.

In this episode of Flight Chops, we’re #Flying #IFR in the RV-14 to visit Sporty’s and see the latest in #FlightSim tech! (We face some challenging weather along the way, but do what general aviation pilots do, and adapt the plan to execute the mission!

The Yawman Arrow used in the video is a 3D printed pre-production model that is used for testing, but is 100% representative of the final design and all the controller’s features. Sporty’s is going to be the exclusive distributor in North America (and they’ll have better international shipping rates).
You’ll be able to buy in two places:  https://www.Yawmanflight.com and Sporty’s https://www.sportys.com/yawman-arrow-…

Infinite Flight is a mobile flight simulator designed for iOS and Android, letting pilots and flight sim enthusiasts get their flying fix on the go. Combined with the new Yawman Arrow gaming controller, Infinite Flight lets you can take your simulator setup to the next level, anywhere.
Learn more at https://www.infiniteflight.com and download Infinite Flight in the App Store or Google Play.

FlightSimExpo is North America’s community-driven flight simulation conference. The next event takes place on June 23-25, 2023 in Houston, Texas. I’ll be there with the RV-14 displayed across from Microsoft with the panel powered up so you can check out out – stop by for a fist bump and a sticker!
Learn more at https://www.flightsimexpo.com

The post Had to DIVERT – Flying to test the FUTURE of Flight Sim appeared first on Flight Chops.

Ryan had absolutely no time spare time to pull off this Forced Landing.

In this episode of Flight Chops, we debrief Ryan’s #emergency landing in his Sukhoi 26. I’m putting the word #Crash in here for the hashtag / search term, but he really did an amazing job under very difficult circumstances.

Watch for more content #flying and training with Luke soon!
https://www.harvsairinverted.com/

Help Ryan:

Donate and/or share his GoFundMe and view the Details for how to win the flight in our mk4 Harvard!
https://www.gofundme.com/f/sukhoi26

For Sukhoi updates, (and other great aerobatic content) visit Ryan’s youtube channel:
   / @kahaaerosports  

Ryan’s Sponsor deal codes:

Lost Aviator Coffee
http://www.kahaaerosports.ca/
Use Coupon code: Kaha10

Bonehead Composites
https://boneheadcomposites.com/
Discount code for 5% off at checkout: kaha5

I asked Ryan to describe his world for me to use as a basis for one of the initial voice overs, and here’s what he wrote:

“Competition aerobatics is all about precision and flying for the judges. Every maneuver is graded starting from 10.0 and the judges deduct from there, based on a set of criteria in the rule book. What’s more important is what the judges see on the ground, vs what you see in the cockpit. You not only have to fly clean, you also need to manage the aircrafts energy throughout the flight while accounting for the environmental conditions to make sure you’re actually flying in the right spot, because parallax and position, affect your scores. At the world level, one mistake can push your ranking right to the bottom that will automatically put you out of contention for a top 10 finish.”

The post 74 Seconds: Engine Failure to Crash! appeared first on Flight Chops.