AOPA Access

Go ahead — cross that international border. It's fun and easy to fly yourself to Canada, Mexico, or the Bahamas. But please don't leave without AOPA's free advice and low-cost information on international flying.

One of our many member services is an international packet, available for a nominal fee. It's stuffed with all necessary forms and valuable information on charts, airspace, foreign regulations, and possible fees. Packets also include the latest member-reported pireps for each country. Advice for a smooth trip through Customs is there, too, to help you to avoid aircraft seizure or heavy fines for minor infractions.

I'd recommend thorough preflight planning with those packets, then a last-minute call if you have questions or want updates. International staff, including me, are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Eastern time.

Despite what you might have heard about drinking foreign water, it's paperwork — or the lack of it — that causes most problems. Before you launch into foreign airspace, consider:

• Proper pilot paperwork. Customs and immigration officials are not amused by pilots without current pilot and medical certificates. Proof of citizenship is a common stumbling block; passports and original birth certificates (or notarized copies) are the safest forms of identification.
• Proper aircraft paperwork. Required paperwork includes the airworthiness certificate, registration, radio station license (still required by FCC for international flights), operating limitations, and weight and balance information. Also, if you don't own the aircraft, make sure you have a notarized "letter of operation" giving you permission to use it.
• Customs paperwork. Have general declaration forms prepared in advance.

Most common mistakes

The most difficult calls I get are from members who either didn't get planning information or failed to read it before they left, and who are now asking for AOPA's help in mitigating a budget-busting Customs fine (penalties start at $5,000 in most cases, even for minor infractions) or help in getting back an impounded airplane. Of course, we try to help in each case, but prevention is much, much easier than a cure. Aside from the paperwork mistakes mentioned above, the most common traps for unwary pilots are:

• Failing to obtain proper insurance. For flights to Mexico, you'll need liability insurance written by a Mexican agent.
• Not notifying proper aviation authorities in each Central American country when visiting. National pride often demands that local commandants know exactly who is on their airport, and why.
• Missing the requirements for operating through an ADIZ (air defense identification zone). Being intercepted by a military jet or drug enforcement aircraft is not the best way to start a vacation.
• Flying with a "pink slip" aircraft registration. On the front of temporary aircraft registrations is this clear statement: "Operations outside of the United States are prohibited by law" — and Customs officials rarely accept excuses.
• Failing to notify U.S. Customs in advance of your return.
• Misunderstanding the difference among airport of entry, landing rights airport, and user fee airport. It makes a big difference if you expect to comply with Customs requirements.
• Not possessing a copy of FAA Form 337 (major repairs or alternations) on board if your fuel system has been modified. Extra fuel tanks are a major red flag for drug agents looking for smugglers.
• Misunderstanding immigration requirements.
• Lacking awareness of U.S. Customs Form 178 and the $25 yearly fee.

True member stories

• A honeymoon flight to Baja, Mexico, turned sour when all the pilot's carefully arranged paperwork was stolen. It took the better part of two days, but I was able to get his new mother-in-law to fax birth certificates for identification. Then, working with the FAA registry in Oklahoma City, I was able to get a temporary pilot certificate, medical and airworthiness certificates, and aircraft registration for our member and alerted U.S. Customs to the situation.
• A $5,000 U.S. Customs fine was assessed because a member's medical certificate had expired the day before his return. I suggested that he obtain a new medical and helped him to explain the situation to Customs. We helped to get the fine reduced to $100.
• Another $5,000 fine was assessed to a member who flew into Canada with only a temporary "pink slip" registration. Negotiations with the district port director reduced the fine to only $500.

International flight can be just as exciting and colorful as you've always imagined. Thousands of AOPA members enjoy it every year. Please make full use of your AOPA membership benefits to make your international trips a pleasure, not a fright.

Jim Bryant, 51, is an instrument-rated private pilot who has owned and flown the same 1957 Cessna Skylane for 29 years. AOPA's senior international aviation specialist, he has logged about 3,500 hours.