For American private pilots, the call of the wild beckons from the skies above our northern neighbor. But before answering that call, your aircraft must meet Canada’s latest requirements to legally enter their airspace.

With new mandates looming, is your private plane prepared for the challenges of crossing into the Great White North? This guide will equip you with the knowledge needed for a smooth and legal flight abroad, from filing flight plans to outfitting your avionics. We cover everything required to prepare your aircraft and documentation when flying to Canada.

Key Points

1. Research landing requirements and file a flight plan before departing for Canada.
2. Ensure aircraft meets equipment needs like Mode C transponder, radios, ADS-B Out.
3. Confirm airport has customs facilities; call US CBP when leaving Canada.
4. Follow all Canadian aviation regulations and air traffic control instructions.
5. Have valid pilot's license, insurance, and maintain FAA airworthiness standards.

Table of Contents

Flying a Private Plane to Canada: Pre-Flight Planning

The first step is researching which Canadian airports you can fly into with your private plane. Some larger international airports like Toronto Pearson will accommodate private planes, while smaller regional airports may not have customs available.

Check airport websites and call ahead to confirm your private plane can land there.

You’ll also need to plan your flight path and file a flight plan.

Canada requires all private planes entering their airspace to have an active flight plan filed and activated.
Flight plans can be filed through various online services or through a call to the relevant air traffic control center.
You must call CANPASS between 48 and 2 hours before the expected ETA in Canada.

Aircraft Equipment Requirements

Your private plane will need to meet certain equipment requirements to enter Canadian airspace.

All private US-registered aircraft must have a Mode C transponder that is in good working order. This transponder must be turned on so that air traffic control can monitor your plane.
You’ll also need a working two-way radio for communications.
Just like the US, your plane will need basic VFR equipment like airspeed and altimeter indicators, magnetic compass, and lighting system. Make sure everything is in good condition before departure.
Carrying up-to-date aeronautical charts is also essential.

New ADS-B Requirements For Flying Into Canada

As of August 2023, Canada requires all aircraft flying in Class A airspace to be equipped with ADS-B Out technology that uses a satellite-based system rather than ground stations. This presents a new mandate for US-registered private planes that typically use ground-based ADS-B.

To comply, your aircraft will need ADS-B Out equipment that has antenna diversity, meaning it has two separate antennas, usually one on the top and bottom of the aircraft. This diversity provides redundancy to ensure position reporting via satellite.
If your plane does not have antenna diversity ADS-B Out installed, you can request an accommodation for individual flights by contacting Nav Canada in advance.
But this equipment upgrade will be necessary to regularly fly in Canadian airspace, as the mandate expands to Class B airspace above 12,500 feet starting in May 2024.

Customs and Immigration

One key task is determining if the airport you plan on landing at has customs and immigration available. Most major Canadian airports will have this, but many smaller airports do not.

Landing at an airport without customs will significantly limit your legal options for entering Canada.
Be prepared to wait for a while! Local Customs may not be able to reach you quickly, especially if remote. Also, you need to have predicted your ETA fairly accurately to within 30 minutes.
If customs is available, you will need to provide the standard documentation like passports, pilot license, and aircraft registration to the CBSA Agent.
When flying back to the US from Canada, you do not need to clear Canadian customs again, but you must call US CBP at least 2 hours prior to departing Canada. Otherwise you may face a large fine.
You will also need to clear US customs when landing back in the US. So make sure you allow time for customs processing at both ends.

Pilot Licensing

As a private pilot, you must hold at least an FAA private pilot certificate to fly into Canada.

Be sure your license is current and not expired.
Holding an instrument rating is advisable but not strictly required if the weather is VFR.
US pilots do not need any special licensing like a Foreign Pilot Permit to operate their US-registered plane in Canada.

Insurance Requirements

Canada requires at least $100,000 minimum of liability insurance coverage. You will need to carry proof of valid aircraft insurance and may be asked to show it in customs.

Some policies may exclude Canada so check your coverage area.
Private planes registered in the US cannot fly into Canada without the proper insurance in place. Violators risk having their aircraft detained until insurance is secured.

Maintenance Requirements

Your private plane must adhere to US federal aviation regulations regarding maintenance and airworthiness to fly into Canada.

There are no additional private plane maintenance requirements.
But during preflight, thoroughly inspect your aircraft and double check logbooks to ensure it meets all FAA standards.

Rules of the Air

As a pilot, you must follow Canadian aviation regulations and rules of the air once entering their airspace. This includes:

Obeying all air traffic control instructions
Maintaining radio contact when required
Filing a flight plan or itinerary for flights beyond 25nm while flying in Canada
Always having an IFR alternate airport planned, unlike US VFR requirements
Using current Canadian navigation charts and AIP

Taxes and Fees

There are no landing fees for private planes at Canadian airports, however, you will have to pay for other services used like parking or fuel.
Customs inspection fees are typically around $25-$50 for private aircraft.

Final Thoughts

Flying your private plane into Canada involves filing flight plans, having proper licenses and insurance, clearing customs, and following Canadian aviation regulations. While complex, the procedures are manageable with thorough pre-flight planning. Always check official sources for the latest requirements.

Upgrading avionics may be necessary to comply with new ADS-B requirements. But with the right planning and upgrades, you can have a smooth flight to Canada in your private plane.