tedwaltman1
BENEFACTOR
Delta, CO
Update for those heading N to Alaska, or coming back into the lower 48 from Canada:
- Staffing is apparently short at numerous U.S. border stations
- Several folks reported customs staff at different border stations saying they appreciate as much as a day or two advance notice. The minimum is of course 2 hours notice.
- I've received a number of updates recently from folks having some issues scheduling custom's at Northway. Apparently when you call (at least 2 hrs in advance) they will "usually" allow customs between 10 am and 2 pm local Alaska time. Not guaranteed though. You can request a waiver for a fuel stop in Tok then proceed to Anchorage (or Fairbanks) for customs. If Anchorage/Fairbanks are on your route anyway, I guess that's great. If you are headed elsewhere, yikes.
- Skagway is, as far as I've heard thus far, a "no go" for customs this year. Folks wanting to clear at Skagway are being told to head to Juneau. I've seen mostly calm at Carcross yet 20 to 30+ at White Pass on the way to Skagway (or now to Juneau). Note these frequent headwinds when you are planning your flight time.
- In the context of flight time, remember that one has a 15 min +/- arrival time window. Theoretically, one could get as much as a $5,000 fine if outside of this arrival window. I've never heard of anyone getting such a fine, but maybe this year it will happen. Rumor has it whereas previously Border headquarters staff decided this year it is up to the local customs staff at each border station. If you are going to be late call (if you have cell service) or radio Flight Service and ask them to call customs for you--and ask them to tell you the name of the officer they spoke to!
- I'm hearing heading South and trying to clear at Cut Bank KCTB that is no longer an option. Must use either Del Bonita/Whetstone CEQ4/H28 or Stweetgrass/Ross 7S8/CEP4. I've heard that one gets the run around when calling Del Bonita--they say to call Sweetgrass. Then when you call Sweetgrass they say to call Del Bonita. Your other option is to clear at Great Falls KGTF or Kalispel KGPI
