The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) is bringing together U.S. and Canadian officials in an effort to make crossing the border a simpler, less cumbersome and more manageable experience for general aviation pilots and passengers.
At an Oct. 2 meeting hosted by AOPA in Washington, D.C., U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) leaders met with their counterparts from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to discuss ways to ease GA border crossings without compromising security.
“As things stand today, using GA to cross into and out of the United States can be a frustrating and needlessly difficult experience,” said Craig Spence, AOPA vice president of operations and international affairs. “That’s why we wanted to bring U.S. and Canadian officials together with GA users, so we can begin to solve many of the problems that plague the system today. We want to see a streamlined process, consistent procedures at all entry airports, and an all-around better experience for international travelers.”
For this month’s ‘cross-border summit,’ AOPA brought together border protection agency officials from the United States and Canada, as well as stakeholders from the aviation community. The gathering was the first step in a longer-term collaboration. Officials from Mexico were also invited to participate, AOPA officials noted.
Canada is in the process of developing an electronic version of its Interactive Advance Passenger Information system, similar to the eAPIS (electronic Advance Passenger Information System) that has been used by GA in the United States since 2008.
At the meeting, CBP officials offered to share their insights and experiences in establishing eAPIS in order to help CBSA leaders avoid some of the pitfalls and challenges encountered in the development and implementation of that system.
CBP officials said they will continue working on needed improvements to the eAPIS system, including adding electronic submission options, such as the ability to cancel a manifest, as well as providing more services for mobile devices and increasing the use of plane-side processing for “trusted travelers.” The agency also said it will work on needed updates to GA operator guidelines and regulations, some of which are unchanged since the 1970s.
Both countries have committed to moving toward a risk-based framework for managing border crossings and are looking at how they can work together to ensure a smooth handoff for international travelers.
“This kind of industry-government cooperation is a good way to make sure stakeholder needs are considered at every step along the way and that the governments involved have the opportunity to learn from one another’s experiences,” said Spence. “We hope this event will serve as a model for ongoing discussions with other nations, including Mexico and the Bahamas.
“The economic consequences of impeding international travel are too high. We clearly need some commonsense solutions to the current process, and we will continue to work toward that end,” Spence concluded.
In addition to AOPA, CBP, and CBSA, the meeting included representatives from the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association, Experimental Aircraft Association, General Aviation Manufacturers Association, National Air Transportation Association, and National Business Aviation Association.
The Canadian rules require the pilot to have a limited radio license and the airplane to have a radio station license. These are not required in the US. It would be nice if if this simple disconnect could be resolved. A radio station license is not required in the US for low frequencies as common with the current GA radios.
Talk about overkill. I have talked with many GA pilots who will not fly across the US / Canadian border any more because of the onerous and totally unnecessary forms and procedures one must follow. In the last 2 years I’ve crossed the border 8 times and it is too complicated and unpleasant. Why does a pilot flying a small GA airplane weighing half the average car have to get a decal, register with and file an eapis, (which can only be done on a computer with Internet) and file a flight plan. They border security folks known many details about me from my decal registration and they know
the same and more about me from my eapis registration and they know the same and more about me from my aircraft registration and they know more about me from my passport information! Why not get my drivers license info, my bank account info, my birth certificate info and my Netflix account info.
When I make it to Canada all I have to do is make one phone call and get a number. Those Canadians are so friendly. When I get to the US and get inspected by US customs they spend 15 minutes checking every inch of my small plane for radiation.
Bottom line they would rather we stay home and never cross a border again
Tom
The big problem which I believe with the U.S. CBP is the whole agency is stuck on the “Miami Vice” mentality syndrome of the 70-80’s. When there was so-called droves of planes coming into the country bringing in contraband. The CBP can’t seem to shake that off. Guys, you don’t have to prove yourselves. There is a need for you now get over it. Also, Guys be realistic and use common sense here. If someone wants to bring contraband in, it’s going to happen. Yes, you can’t get everything but you don’t have to make such a big production out of people who are trying to obey the law and be good citizens by trying to follow the rules, declaring their items and subjecting themselves to searches. Especially nowadays, when there are numerous service animals and electronic means at your disposal to really check for more stuff.
Another thing, the CBP people don’t have to be so “DAMM” impersonal during an encounter. They can be helpful and polite while still performing their job. There is a difference between polite and so-called professional. Just like pornography and art. “JUST Be NICE” and respectful.
If the CBP personnel do suspect a problem they should not attempt to take the “I’m so righteous attitude” because someone violated a law and I’m here to stop it. That is up to a judge and court of law to decide. Not the arresting officer. The arresting officer is there only to present a case of wrong doing and not be the punisher/executioner. The courts are the ones that decide the outcome.
People really are for the most part good natured and like to help out the gov’t. Why, because we all pay taxes and if we help out a little then we won’t have to pay more in taxes.
Also, not everyone is a suspect and the CBP should not be looking at everyone as a suspect or what violation of the law they can find. Again, “USE COMMON SENSE” here. The “KISS” should be applied “Keep it Simple STU*&#%.
Then the CBP agents can use the time more effectively like really watching what comes into the country. Or maybe all this security stuff does work and there is not a great need to increase funding. The bottom line please “USE COMMON SENSE”.