Flying a Private Plane to Canada: Documents, CANPASS and the ADS-B Mandate

Pilot and Passenger Documents

AOPA lists what the pilot in command needs: a current passport, a pilot certificate with an English proficiency endorsement, a medical certificate (BasicMed is not accepted) and a restricted radiotelephone operator permit. Each passenger needs a current passport. A child traveling with only one parent needs a notarized statement from the absent parent giving the dates of the trip.

Aircraft Documents and Equipment

AOPA says a U.S.-registered aircraft going to Canada must have:

• A valid airworthiness certificate, with the special airworthiness certificate form for experimental aircraft
• A permanent registration certificate, not a temporary one
• A radio station license, operating limitations and weight and balance information
• An ID data plate, and 12-inch registration marks if you cross an air defense identification zone, which mainly affects flights from Alaska
• A transponder with Mode C, and an ELT that transmits on both 406 MHz and 121.5 MHz
• Both U.S. and Canadian charts
• A DHS user fee decal on the window
• Form 337 on board if fuel tanks are installed in the baggage or passenger compartment

If the aircraft is registered to another person or a corporation, AOPA recommends carrying a notarized letter authorizing its use in Canada.

Canada's ADS-B Out Mandate

NAV CANADA says Canada is implementing the mandate in phases, starting with high-altitude airspace.

To operate in mandated airspace, NAV CANADA says an aircraft needs two things:

• A transponder with ADS-B Out that meets RTCA DO-260B or newer
• An antenna able to broadcast 1090 MHz Extended Squitter toward space-based receivers. That can be done with antenna diversity, a top and bottom antenna, or a single antenna capable of transmitting both toward the ground and up toward satellites

The equipment rules are in Canadian Aviation Regulations section 551.103. On the flight plan, mandated airspace requires equipage code B1 or B2 in item 10, and an aircraft that meets the mandate adds CANMANDATE after SUR/ in item 18. If you are not equipped, you can apply in advance for an ADS-B accommodation. The mandate applies to Class A and B airspace, so a light airplane flying lower is unlikely to meet it, but check the airspace on your route in Canada's Designated Airspace Handbook. Our aircraft antennas guide explains how the antennas work.

Flight Plans

AOPA says all flights from Canada to a foreign state must be on a flight plan, and cites Canadian Aviation Regulations 602.73, 602.74 and 602.75. The CBSA also says a filed and activated flight plan is needed to cross the border. An ICAO flight plan is required if the flight enters international airspace. It differs from an FAA plan in its equipment codes, so check box 10 carefully.

Clearing Customs Into Canada

The CBSA says the pilot must call the Telephone Reporting Centre at 1-888-CANPASS (1-888-226-7277) at least 2 hours but no more than 48 hours before the estimated time of arrival in Canada. The pilot gives:

• The full name, date of birth and citizenship of everyone on board, and their travel document numbers
• The purpose of the trip and length of stay for non-residents
• A declaration of all goods being imported, including firearms and weapons, and of currency of CAN$10,000 or more
• The estimated time of arrival, the aircraft registration number and the landing point, which must be a designated airport of entry or a CANPASS-only airport

If the ETA changes by more than 30 minutes, or the arrival point, passengers or declarations change, the pilot must tell the reporting centre before arriving. AOPA adds that the pilot is given an ID number to provide on arrival, and that a second phone call is made after landing, before leaving the aircraft. Frequent travelers can join the CANPASS Private Aircraft program, which has its own rules, including that everyone on board must be a member.

When leaving the U.S., AOPA says there is no need to contact U.S. customs on departure, because the eAPIS filing is sufficient. eAPIS must be filed at least one hour before departing from or arriving in the U.S.

Returning to the United States

AOPA says the first landing in the U.S. must be at a designated airport with a customs office. Before departure, call the customs office at the U.S. destination airport with your ETA, at least one hour and no more than 23 hours before arrival, and do not rely on entering ADCUS in the flight plan. After landing, taxi to the customs office and wait in or next to the airplane for officers to inspect it before you get out.

Insurance and Fees

• Insurance. AOPA says private aircraft must carry liability insurance and proof of coverage on board while flying in Canada. The requirements are in Canadian Aviation Regulation 606.02. Check that your policy covers Canada.
• Fees. AOPA lists a NAV CANADA user fee of CDN$72 a year or CDN$17.85 a quarter for use of the ATC system, with invoices mailed later, and landing fees at some tower-controlled airports. Confirm current amounts with NAV CANADA.

For the U.S. side of border flying and what an FAA medical involves, see our guide to private pilot privileges.

ADS-B rules sit alongside the transponder rules. To check what your own aircraft is fitted with, see how to tell if your aircraft has a Mode C transponder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use BasicMed to fly to Canada?

AOPA says BasicMed is not accepted for flying into Canada. The pilot in command needs a medical certificate, along with a passport, a pilot certificate with an English proficiency endorsement and a restricted radiotelephone operator permit.

How far ahead do I call CANPASS?

The CBSA says at least 2 hours and no more than 48 hours before your estimated time of arrival in Canada. You must land first at a designated airport of entry or a CANPASS-only airport.

Does Canada require ADS-B Out?

In Class A airspace since August 10, 2023 and in Class B airspace since May 16, 2024, according to NAV CANADA. Class C, D and E will come no sooner than 2028. The aircraft needs a DO-260B or newer transponder and an antenna that can reach space-based receivers.

Do I have to call U.S. customs when I come back?

AOPA says to call the customs office at your U.S. destination airport at least one hour and no more than 23 hours before arrival, file eAPIS, and land first at a designated airport with customs. Do not rely on ADCUS in the flight plan.

Do I need insurance to fly in Canada?

AOPA says private aircraft must carry liability insurance and proof of coverage on board, as set out in Canadian Aviation Regulation 606.02. Check that your policy covers Canada.