border crossings

[slingdavid]

I had been planning to fly my Pacer from B.C. to Utah soon to visit an old army mate. I did at "test flight" to Bellingham a few months ago to get acquainted with the border-transit stuff. Ya, the USA has legitimate, serious security concerns. Security measures are one thing, security theatre is another. The customs/border people were perfectly polite, but clearly were obliged to regard people like me (a fiftyish nurse & teacher, fifty years of B.C. residence, 25-year old pilot's license, with a "proud parent of a soldier" sticker on my rear window) with the same scrutiny they might reasonably have applied to someone with--how to say?--a different security threat profile.

So I drove there today to check, and preclude inadvertent errors (and threatened, vast, fines) on my intended flight down in a week or so and found that the entry requirements will change yet again, to now demand computer filing and registration. OK, I wasn't going to spend millions, but I was going to buy US gas, stay at US hotels, buy US stuff and spend money in US stores to buy gifts for people. To hell with it. I'll stay in B.C. and spend the money here. Too bad for me, too bad for the US merchants I'd have--in some small measure--enriched, and most of all, too bad for yet another increment on the restrictions on personal liberty.

[Iflylower]

It's so sad. I'd like my country back too.

Gov't Gone Wild.

I did attend a Tea Party on the 15th. Partly on TSA, partly on everything else wrong....

[RedEye]

The terrorists are winning ! :x

[NimpoCub]

I wuz just gonna say that.

[C-YQK]

tried eapis.gov and was directed elsewhere
Anyone have more info on the site?

[RedEye]

tried eapis.gov and was directed elsewhere
Anyone have more info on the site?

apis.gov worked for me. Skip the "e"

[haphogan]

I have made a few trips cross border in the last two years. all have gone with out any problems.

I did check with the us customs and made sure i was in compliance. I also had advice from pilots that fly across several time a month.

comming home i checked with Canpass. I did not go to jail so i guess i did it right but it is continualy changing and you never have it all figured out.

[glaciercub]

Redeye

" apis.gov worked for me. Skip the "e" "


YOU are correct..........

[glaciercub]

You know having to comply with the new regs is one thing, jump thru some more hoops ..... computer thing just ISNT RIGHT, should be able to use phone !!!

BUT ...... the reason we have to REALLY does suck



" The terrorists are winning !"

again you are right......

[Flying Ds]

My husband would probably feel the same way because he flies to Alaska each spring...and does not keyboard! So I did all of the registering before he left in April and did the minimal updating as he needed it. I was concerned that I would have to be really accurate about the times of crossing, but we found out that they were very lenient about that. In fact, I found the whole process quite easy, with e-mail feedback immediately after I filed. Eddie had no problems. Therefore, I suggest that any of you who feel the computer registration is a problem, just find someone who is comfortable and register days/months ahead of travel. Then that person just needs to go in and modify the time section as you near travel time.
Charlotte Doyle

[Ruffair]

SOMEONE I know was flying film from the trail back to Fairbanks during the Yukon Quest some years ago.... it may have been like the second or third running of it. Seems the landings along the trail might be on frozen rivers or lakes, and would not always involve meeting with the customs folks whilst in Canada. Oh he would go out of his way to meet with them, just seems there was a time when it didn't work out.... So, he just flys back to the big village on the Chena and clear back into the USofA...

The films from the race would be picked up, edited real quick like and a few minuets would be broadcast right after the local news.... Was a real good time, he says...

[aktango58]

My husband would probably feel the same way because he flies to Alaska each spring...and does not keyboard! So I did all of the registering before he left in April and did the minimal updating as he needed it. I was concerned that I would have to be really accurate about the times of crossing, but we found out that they were very lenient about that. In fact, I found the whole process quite easy, with e-mail feedback immediately after I filed. Eddie had no problems. Therefore, I suggest that any of you who feel the computer registration is a problem, just find someone who is comfortable and register days/months ahead of travel. Then that person just needs to go in and modify the time section as you near travel time.
Charlotte Doyle


first, not all of us have an understanding spouse when it comes to departing for weeks to the interior :wink:


But

It seems easy, and most customs folks realize that a small plane is subject to many delays- head winds, clouds, wind, showers, lap dances... (did I say that :o ).

But, if one official decides to make his group do it BY THE BOOK, we in GA are toast!

I hate the computer stuff... it stinks.

[haphogan]

looks like we need a wife that is good on the computer.

[cruiser]

And we don't need your stinkin oil neither. Sorry, could not resist. Actually we could use your oil but we are temporarily occupied by a bunch of idiots and unfortunately cannot seem to get our act together to amend that. Jim

[haphogan]

we should sell it all to Asia

[180Marty]

we should sell it all to Asia
And sell based on gold. Then watch the fireworks start.

According to more than a few observers, Gadhafi’s plan (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuqZfaj34nc) to quit selling Libyan oil in U.S. dollars — demanding payment instead in gold-backed “dinars” (a single African currency made from gold) — was the real cause.And it literally had the potential to bring down the dollar and the world monetary system by extension,

[haphogan]

we need the oil so we can fly super cubs.

[haphogan]

to bad, the dollar is still at stake

[jimboflying]

Anyone know how to cancel an APIS flight if the weather does not permit a last minute departure?

[AKClimber]

They want you to call the border station at your destination and verbally cancel.
If they show up at the field and you don't arrive, they may fine you, especially if the CBP agent drives to Northway to wait for you!
That's what I heard from the CBP agent when asked.
From their website:
"Certain changes to an already-submitted manifest do not require electronic resubmission. Flight
cancellations, changes in expected time of arrival (ETA)/departure (ETD), or changes in
arrival/departure location may be submitted telephonically, by radio, or through existing
processes and procedures.
"

See page 34 for relevant phone numbers:

http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/travel/pleasure_boats/private_flyers/private_flyers_guide.ctt/private_flyers_guide.pdf (http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/travel/pleasure_boats/private_flyers/private_flyers_guide.ctt/private_flyers_guide.pdf)

[Rob Murray]

Don't let the new border regulations drive you out of the sky. Make the EPIS people help you complete the forms over the phone if you're not adept with a computer. Whether it's Homeland Security, CBP, or Canpass, get their phone numbers and call them directly. Ask for help. (AOPA also has a pretty good on-line course, worth looking at in advance of a trip.)
Write down your questions before hand and get the name of the person who answers them. If you have weather or other delays and can't reach the Customs people, call FSS, ATC, Airport Towers, Unicom - whoever. Give them the phone numbers and ask them - politely - to relay a message, a new ETA, etc. They will tell you it's none of their concern but if you persist they often give in and make the call. Eventually the EAPIS / CBP people may realized that not everyone sits in front of a computer all day or has one bolted to the panel of their Piper Cub or the end of their dock. But don't let them keep us from flying. Otherwise they win. Having said that, I must admit carrying an iPad has simplified the communications process and so-far I've managed to go back and forth across the Canadian border without too much difficulty. And carrying a cell phone is pretty much essential even though coverage can be pretty limited in many parts of the country - even in the air.

[aktango58]

Don't let the new border regulations drive you out of the sky. Make the EPIS people help you complete the forms over the phone if you're not adept with a computer. Whether it's Homeland Security, CBP, or Canpass, get their phone numbers and call them directly. Ask for help. (AOPA also has a pretty good on-line course, worth looking at in advance of a trip.)
Write down your questions before hand and get the name of the person who answers them. If you have weather or other delays and can't reach the Customs people, call FSS, ATC, Airport Towers, Unicom - whoever. Give them the phone numbers and ask them - politely - to relay a message, a new ETA, etc. They will tell you it's none of their concern but if you persist they often give in and make the call. Eventually the EAPIS / CBP people may realized that not everyone sits in front of a computer all day or has one bolted to the panel of their Piper Cub or the end of their dock. But don't let them keep us from flying. Otherwise they win. Having said that, I must admit carrying an iPad has simplified the communications process and so-far I've managed to go back and forth across the Canadian border without too much difficulty. And carrying a cell phone is pretty much essential even though coverage can be pretty limited in many parts of the country - even in the air.


Rob: Try finding a number to call....

Cruiser-You don't want Alaska oil? That is ok by me. But keep your stupid ass environmental regulations away from us, we don't need any more of your east coast rules... nor your anti gun treaty loving former senator now secretary signs.......

Lets give new york and that whole area back to England!

(sorry, hit a sore spot)

[brown bear]

The last time I crossed was 2010 and things may have changed , but I had a eazy time of it on my trip from Ks. to Alaska and return. I filled out the EPIS for the whole trip before leaving Kansas , then call Beaver creek and Scoby Mt. border stations before I left Kansas and told them I was un sure I could make the day let alone the hour on my EPIS. They both told me , "no big deal, just to call them 2 hours or more ahead of time and tell them the date I had filed for.
I made the first crossing at Scoby Mt.on the right date, but that was the only one. I was off by a few days on my return and had no trouble at all .Just called 2 hours head and told them I had filed but was "x" days late .
Before the trip I call AOPA and was told I could not do it this was , but when I called Homeland Security I was told that as long as the border stations oked it was fine with them.
Doug

[brown bear]

The last time I crossed was 2010 and things may have changed , but I had a eazy time of it on my trip from Ks. to Alaska and return. I filled out the EPIS for the whole trip before leaving Kansas , then call Beaver creek and Scoby Mt. border stations before I left Kansas and told them I was un sure I could make the day let alone the hour on my EPIS. They both told me , "no big deal, just to call them 2 hours or more ahead of time and tell them the date I had filed for.
I made the first crossing at Scoby Mt.on the right date, but that was the only one. I was off by a few days on my return and had no trouble at all .Just called 2 hours head and told them I had filed but was "x" days late .
Before the trip I call AOPA and was told I could not do it this way , but when I called Homeland Security I was told that as long as the border stations oked it was fine with them.
Doug

[N5126H]

At least our B.C. friends speak english, and generally do not kill/rob and rape us when we visit unlike other neighbors to the south which will remain nameless.

[aktango58]

At least our B.C. friends speak english, and generally do not kill/rob and rape us when we visit unlike other neighbors to the south which will remain nameless.

Like washington DC?

Brown Bear, if it really is no big deal, why have it at all?

(I am in a bad mood I guess... better go for a ride!)

[brown bear]

AKtango58
I am with you on "why have it at all" but no one in D.C.cares what I think!!!
:-xDW

[haphogan]

I have been crossing the Canadian US Border for over 53 years. I feel I'm privileged to have the freedom of crossing into the lower 48 & Alaska by ground, airline, & airplane with very little hassell either way. I realize in the past few years security has tightened which means I must do a little more preparation before traveling either way. I do this because I do not want to jeopardize the wonderful privilege I have experienced.

[haphogan]

I believe Cruiser was referring to Alberta oil not Alaska Oil. I took it as he was being sarcastic about the politicians not approving the pipe line. Our protesters seem to have a lot of stroke politically. We should shut down all production. all pipe lines, all ships and all refineries for 30 days then call for protests in New York, California, Washington DC, Ottawa Ont, Vancouver BC & Kitamat and invite all of the protesters. With out fuel how will they get there.

Only problem is, we wouldn't be able to fly our cubs.

[aktango58]

oh.

well,

to quote Rosanna the Danna the Danna, (from Saturday Night Live):

Nevermind!:help

[aktango58]

Maybe just park the politico's jets... including air farce one.

[jimboflying]

I recently went though the process of trying to get set up to fly to Canada from the US. It was a day long process that was quite frustrating. None of the sites communicated with other sites. I could not find any help available. It is not logically set up. Don't try to use an Apple product because some sites only partially work with them. To get the sticker to put on your plane takes 2-3 weeks after you pay on-line. You can't file until you have the sticker number. ATC , FSS 800 number had no idea how to cancel a booked APIS flight plan, CBP local office said they didn't handle that. The office they referred me to was 400 miles away and only open M-F 8-4. I could not find any national number to call to cancel an outbound flight. Canpas in Canada said they didn't have anything to do it as it was a US thing. Perhaps others have had different experiences.

[haphogan]

Well instead of fumbling I should do the research for the US & Canada and post it. I only cross approximately once a year so i have to star over every time. I will do some research.

[cruiser]

Yes I was being sarcastic and she's not my senator. She's a carpetbagger in reverse that needed a liberal state to land in. Jim

[Dave Barras]

Haphogan I could use some help. I hope to make the trip North next month. It will be my first trip.

[bushmaster]

best way I know is have handy phone numbers for border station on U S side that you are going to use and call them with any problems or changes once you have filed e-aphis. The canpass for canada is easy but also have # with you and call on cell when you cross border they will give you a # that you write down. They are all usually helpful if you try to follow rules and will help if you have problem. Note usually!

[scout88305]

After a good 2 hours and help from another brainiac pilot that crosses into Canada alot, I finally hit the enter buttom to purchase a US Customs sticker for my plane. What a crock of shiat the Customs and Border Protection Online Decal and Transponder Online Procurement System-DTOPS is. User friendly not!! Easy steps not!! Maybe I am the dumbasssss?? A really FUKKKED UP design IMO.

[spinner2]

After a good 2 hours and help from another brainiac pilot that crosses into Canada alot, I finally hit the enter buttom to purchase a US Customs sticker for my plane. What a crock of shiat the Customs and Border Protection Online Decal and Transponder Online Procurement System-DTOPS is. User friendly not!! Easy steps not!! Maybe I am the dumbasssss?? A really FUKKKED UP design IMO.

I agree. I did it two weeks ago and found it frustrating and poorly arranged. A business with a website like that would have no customers.

[Tim]

I don't live to far from the border and often thought about flying in to Canada. Just to much hassle for me , I wouldn't know where to start. To bad they make it so complicated.

[Dave Barras]

I don't have an 406 ELT, is this going to be a problem in Canada?

[8GCBC]

When I was in Iraq, 2008, I met several middle eastern men involved in the war (both sides) that had applied for Canadian citizenship. The Canadian's were letting them into North American. One Iraqi already had a CA passport (I saw him cashing a check). I don't know what their intentions are, hopefully starting over again in a peaceful nation?

NOTE: The above statement is for information pupose ONLY and is intended for safe flight knowledge only. It is not a rant or rave. It's for neutral discussion ONLY.

[irishfield]

I don't have an 406 ELT, is this going to be a problem in Canada?

No.. because the requirement to have same still hasn't passed thru legislation up here. Although there is no 121.5 monitoring anymore.. or so we are told.

[SC3CM]

I've flown into Canada and back and it's not that tough, you just need to follow the checklist! AOPA has a good writeup on this.

Flying into Canada I was all set with just a phone call to get my approval number (or whatever its called) and by the time the line guys had the wheels chocked was good to go. Didn't need to see anyone other than the nice people in the FBO.

Flying back to the US there is a fairly narrow window so I picked the nearest decent size towered airport with customs onsite (KBTV), made all the calls ahead of time, and they were out 2 minutes after I pulled into the customs spot. They asked a bunch of questions, wanted to see all the paperwork AOPA asked for, and scanned the plane for radioactive material then I was done. Probably 5 minutes from shut down if that.

Just do your homework, get organized and it's a non-event.


Rene

[8GCBC]

Many agencies listen to 121.5 ... Try saying "Hello world" on 121.5. Many will say hello back, if within VHF range.

121.5 is not used for SARSAT ops (officially). BTW 1277 is the SAR squawk in USA when searching under orders (VFR).

[Dave Barras]

Hope to head out in the morning. 1st stop, Graham,TX

[brown bear]

Dave
Have fun!!
Doug

[backountryflyer]

Re: border crossings... not sure if this is of interest to any of you but the dreaded "eAPIS" beast just got tamed a bit. There is now an iPhone app called "iAPIS" that allows you to enter your aircraft details, pilot/crew/pax details (including passports etc), and frequent routes of travel. Since these items are retained in the app, you don't need to enter them each time you want to submit an arrival or departure manifest-just simply choose from the list of pre-populated information! Also, since you do all this on your iPhone, you can do it from anywhere as long as you have cell service or WIFI... no PC required!

I have used the app several times now and found it to work very well; submitting a manifest is so simple-only a few seconds and you're done, then just wait for the email confirmation before calling for "permission to land".

The app is free, but they charge $2.50 each time you submit a manifest. For me, this is a small price to pay for a huge convenience. Obviously if you're crossing daily, the price could add up.. in that case there's another app to check out called FlashPass... while similar to iAPIS, this one costs a flat yearly fee ($60 I think)

On a separate note, anyone flying across the border frequently should also check out CANPASS... very convenient.

Feel free to ping me if more information would be helpful.

Kind regards,

Ben

[Cubus Maximus]

Had a friend get beat up by the border system yesterday. Tried two RNAV approaches in gusty bumpy conditions to minimums and still couldn't see anything. Terrain warning blaring away... After two missed he bugged out for the US side and tried an hour later and this time got in to pick up his passengers (does this same flight frequently for the aircraft's owner and is familiar with and too the system.) But Canadian Customs raked him over the coals anyway despite his following the correct procedures for this scenario. Was quite the unhappy camper after that experience.

[C-YQK]

Have you tried to get a sticker for your plane from DHS?
Well,I did after they installed a new software
WHAT A CLUSTER TRUCK!!!!!!!
Applied first part of April and recieved another phone yesterday from someone who's english skills were marginal telling me they needed another faxed permission form to correct the numerous mistakes they have made

Perfect example of just how out of control the Obama adm is getting

In the meantime no one knows if I can cross without the sticker while waiting delivery. Have had a stick on the plane for 15 years never seen anything like this

WOW!!!!

Gary

[skywagon8a]

I haven't crossed the border in a while. You used to be able to just buy the sticker from the customs person when you arrived. Maybe things have changed? Why not call the customs office where you intend to land and ask?

[C-YQK]

Have things changed?

Well, let me tell you they have!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You show up at the border and ask to buy the sticker there they take you to the POPO

[superchamp]

Not sure if you can just buy the sticker at customs, but believe you can pay the penalty for no sticker which is the same cost. Also, you can print out your receipt from your computer order for the sticker and carry that with you. Proves you paid and that you're just waiting for the mail to come.

[eaglepilot]

Re: border crossings... not sure if this is of interest to any of you but the dreaded "eAPIS" beast just got tamed a bit. There is now an iPhone app called "iAPIS" that allows you to enter your aircraft details, pilot/crew/pax details (including passports etc), and frequent routes of travel......

....The app is free, but they charge $2.50 each time you submit a manifest. For me, this is a small price to pay for a huge convenience. Obviously if you're crossing daily, the price could add up.. in that case there's another app to check out called FlashPass... while similar to iAPIS, this one costs a flat yearly fee ($60 I think)


I have been trying FlashPass for the past few months, unfortunately, due to weather, I have not been able to start the mission on two occasions.

When I enter the site and open my account, I usually get an email from Arturo (the owner/developer) asking if I need any help. On occasion I have received phone calls from Arturo, and found him very helpful. He even provides feedback on how to fill out the form (using the language that Customs likes to see...e.g. crossing the border "12 nm due N of X", vs crossing "N of X") that minimizes headaches when clearing Customs.

Arturo is frequent crosser on the Southern Border, and has a lot of experience with the procedures. I have found the customer service to be outstanding. Also, Arturo is a stand up guy, he refuses to take my money until I have had a chance to complete my mission crossing the border using FlashPass, only then will he accept my payment, even though I offered to pay in advance.

If you're crossing the border, I would suggest you have a look at FlashPass. My 2​¢.

[C-YQK]

Hey
Just got an e-mail yesterday from the jackasses at DHS notifying me that they have finally processed my app for the sticker for the plane????
Still no sticker though

Out of control gov't at it's best