AOPA Services

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association is general aviation's advocate and the largest, most influential aviation association in the world. Its membership of more than 414,000 comprises nearly two-thirds of all pilots in the United States. Visit and bookmark our Web site designed especially to serve the information needs of student pilots. All AOPA Flight Training members, including those with free six-month introductory memberships, have full access to AOPA's resources, including the members-only areas of AOPA Flight Training Online and AOPA Online.

Oh, Canada

Summer's temperatures provide a great reason to fly north for some reprieve from the heat and humidity. Canada's provinces and territories offer myriad attractions, from Ontario's City of Niagara Falls to Alberta's Jasper National Park. The country welcomes general aviation.

Student pilots cannot act as pilot in command on international flights (although Federal Aviation Regulation 61.89 does contain limited exceptions for student pilots flying from certain parts of Alaska to Canada). But you can take along a certificated flight instructor for an interesting twist on a dual cross-country flight, or even a $100 hamburger trip. And, of course, private pilots are free to fly north of the border, as long as they observe the proper customs procedures and requirements. (Also remember the relatively new requirement for everyone aboard to carry a current passport when flying across the border.)

You can find out everything you need about flying into Canada and returning to the United States with the help of AOPA. Did you know an entire section of AOPA Online is devoted to international flight planning? There you'll find a quick flight briefing that gives an overview of the required documents and procedures, as well as information on flight operations in Canada. You'll also be able to locate customs offices as well as their hours and fees. Read up on CANPASS (a cooperative program between the United States and Canada that seeks to streamline the customs and immigration process for low-risk travelers) and Canadian flight rules. AOPA's extensive online resources provide all of the information you'll need for your flight.

If you have additional questions, call one of the experienced pilots who staff AOPA's Pilot Information Center (PIC) at 800-USA-AOPA. Each year the PIC conducts a flight to Canada to familiarize staff with the process so that they can answer your questions. They're available weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time. Pilots also can post questions on the International Flying--Canada forum on the AOPA Web boards.