Flying to Canada: what you need to know - TP 15048

Canada’s scenery and wide-open spaces offer general aviation pilots the ideal backdrop for adventure. To make sure your experience is pleasant and memorable, review this summary of what to consider before you fly.

The following information is for U.S. pilots. This isn’t a legal document and does not cover all Canadian and U.S. regulations. Table 1.7 of the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) Canada – Part 1, General (GEN), identifies the specific differences to the International Standards and Recommended Practices which Canada has filed with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

On this page

• What you need to know before you fly
• Pilot documentation
• Aircraft documentation
• Aircraft equipment
• Emergency locator transmitters (ELTs)
• Transponder requirements
• Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) requirements
• Canadian airspace
• Differences between flying in Canada and the U.S.
• Weather, NOTAMs and flight planning
• Visual flight rules (VFR) navigation
• Instrument flight rules (IFR) navigation
• Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
• Transport Canada contacts

What you need to know before you fly

As with the U.S. Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) require that you (the pilot-in-command) of an aircraft be familiar with information available and related to your flight.

This includes:

• pilot and aircraft documentation
• weather, NOTAMs and flight planning
• aerodrome information
• class of airspace
• aircraft equipment
• general differences between flying in Canada and the U.S.
• border crossing procedures

Pilot documentation

You will need:

• your FAA pilot certificate (Ref: FAR 61.3, CAR 401.03 and CAR 401.04)
• a valid FAA medical certificate (Ref: FAR 61.3 and CAR 401.03)
• proof of citizenship (valid U.S. passport, foreign passport with a valid Canadian visa or a valid U.S. green card, or a NEXUS card for U.S. citizens)
• a Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit (RR) issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) (Ref: 47 CFR § 87.89)

If you want to fly a Canadian-registered aircraft, you need the right Canadian pilot licence, permit or rating, or a Canadian Foreign Licence Validation Certificate and a Restricted Operator Certificate – Aeronautical (ROC-A).

If you have an FCC Commercial Radio Operator License, email the Contact the Radio Operator Certificate Centre spectrumcertificates-certificatsduspectre@ised-isde.gc.ca to get an equivalent ROC-A.

Aircraft documentation

You must be able to show:

• a standard airworthiness certificate (Ref: CAR 605.01(2) and FAR 91.203)
  • If you’re operating a U.S.-registered aircraft under a Special Airworthiness Certificate – Experimental (amateur-built aircraft), or a Special Airworthiness Certificate – Light-Sport or Experimental – Light Sport you will need to apply for a standardized validation
• a registration certificate (Ref: CAR 202.13 and FAR 91.203)
• an aircraft radio station license (Ref: 47 CFR § 87.18)
• operating limitations, placards and instrument markings, approved flight manual, as required by regulations (Ref: FAR 91.9)
• proof of liability insurance (Ref: CAR 606.02)

The Canadian Aviation Regulations require pilots to carry proof of liability insurance on board when operating in Canadian airspace. This applies to all aircraft, including private and amateur-built aircraft. The type of coverage is based on the aircraft’s gross take-off weight (Ref: CAR 606.02).

Ultra-light vehicles operating under FAR 103 are generally not allowed to fly in Canada.

Aircraft equipment

The radiocommunication and radio navigation equipment requirements for operating in Canadian airspace may differ from those for operating in U.S. airspace (Ref: CAR 605.01(2)).

Equipment requirements are listed in the following CARs:

• CAR 605.14: Power-driven Aircraft – Day VFR
• CAR 605.15: Power-driven Aircraft – VFR Over the Top
• CAR 605.16: Power-driven Aircraft – Night VFR
• CAR 605.17: Use of Position and Anti-collision Lights
• CAR 605.18: Power-driven Aircraft – IFR
• CAR 605.19: Balloons – Day VFR
• CAR 605.20: Balloons – Night VFR
• CAR 605.21: Gliders – Day VFR

Canadian aircraft and foreign aircraft operated by Canadians must carry certain survival equipment for flights over land (Ref: CAR 602.61). Although foreign aircraft are not legally required by Canadian regulation to carry survival equipment for flights over land, we highly recommended carrying the appropriate equipment on board to make sure everyone on board can survive on the ground. When choosing this equipment you should consider the geographical area, the season and expected seasonal weather.

Pilots that don’t understand the potential dangers and problems of navigating an aircraft in sparsely settled areas of Canada tend to underestimate the challenge involved in surviving on the ground. They assume that operating in a sparsely settled area is the same as operating in more populated areas and fail to plan and prepare properly.

As a result, pilots risk exposing themselves, their passengers, and their aircraft to unnecessary risks and loss of life. They can also strain the limited local resources at stopover or destination aerodromes or cause lengthy and expensive searches that could be avoided.

Learn more about flying in sparsely settled areas and suggested survival equipment in the AIP Canada GEN 1.5.

Emergency locator transmitters (ELTs)

Canada has large areas where very few people live and finding a missing aircraft is difficult and expensive.

In Canada, aeroplanes and helicopters must have an emergency locator transmitter, or ELT (Ref: CAR 605.01(2), 605.38 and 605.38.1).

Satellites only monitor emergency beacons that operate on 406 MHz. We strongly recommend any visiting general aviation aircraft that doesn’t have a 406 ELT carry a 406 capable emergency beacon, like a PLB (personal locator beacon).

As of November 25, 2025, Canadian general aviation (non-corporate) aeroplanes and helicopters must have an ELT that can transmit on frequencies 121.5 MHz and 406 MHz. Foreign general aviation aircraft will need either:

• an ELT that can transmit on frequencies 121.5 MHz and 406 MHz, or
• a 406 capable emergency beacon (PLB)

Foreign registered aeroplanes and helicopters can operate in Canada without an ELT, as long as they’re equipped with an emergency beacon like a PLB (Ref: CAR 605.38).

If you want to operate with a PLB instead of an ELT, the PLB must:

• transmit on the 406 MHz frequency with a tested life of at least 24 hours
• have a Class 1 or Class 2 Type Approval Certificate issued by the international search and rescue COSPAS-SARSAT Council, and
• be registered with the appropriate authority of the country identified in the coded message transmitted by the emergency beacon

These are all common requirements for most PLBs. Some ultra portable PLBs (like those in watches) likely don’t meet these requirements.

Transponder requirements

When operating in Transponder Airspace (all Canadian Class A, B, and C airspace, as well as some Class D and E airspace (Ref: CAR 601.03)), your aircraft must be equipped with an altitude-encoding transponder (Ref: CAR 605.35).

Find more information in the Designated Airspace Handbook (DAH).

Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) requirements

If you plan to fly in Canadian Class A or Class B airspace you must have:

• an ADS-B with dedicated 1,090 MHz ADS-B “Out” capability, or
• an ADS-B with dedicated 1,090 MHz ADS-B “Out” and “In” capability that performs to the Minimum Operational Performance Standards of RTCA DO-260B, or newer

The equipment must have an antenna that can broadcast toward both ground-based and space-based ADS-B receivers.

State aircraft, and aircraft operating in Canadian airspace where air traffic services are provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), are exempt from Canadian ADS-B requirements. Additional information is available the AIP Canada – Part 2, Enroute (ENR).

Canadian airspace

Canadian domestic airspace is divided into 7 classes.

You need to use 2-way radio communication:

• when operating in Class A, B, C or D airspace, or
• for Class E airspace during IFR flight

Table 1: Names and descriptions of different airspace classes

Type of class	Description
Class A	Controlled high-level airspace. IFR only.
Class B	Controlled low-level airspace (above 12,500 feet ASL, up to but not including 18,000 feet ASL). IFR and Controlled VFR (CVFR) only. VFR aircraft require an ATC clearance before entry.
Class C	Controlled airspace. IFR and VFR permitted. ATC provides separation for IFR and VFR flights, when necessary. VFR aircraft require an ATC clearance before entry.
Class D	Controlled airspace. IFR and VFR permitted. ATC provides separation for IFR aircraft only. VFR aircraft must establish two-way communication with the ATC facility before entry.
Class E	Controlled airspace. IFR and VFR permitted. ATC provides separation for IFR aircraft only.
Class F	Special-use airspace. May be controlled or uncontrolled. May be a restricted or advisory area.
Class G	Uncontrolled airspace.

For detailed information on terminal control areas, control zones and transition areas, refer to the:

• NAV CANADA Designated Airspace Handbook
• Transport Canada Aeronautical Information Manual

Differences between flying in Canada and the U.S.

• Radar coverage and air traffic control services in Canada are limited to the southern part of the country and along busy air traffic routes. Outside of these areas it may be difficult to access enroute weather information or other air traffic services that are normally available throughout the contiguous U.S.
• A flight plan or a flight itinerary is required for all VFR flights, except for flights within 25 NM of the departure aerodrome (Ref: CAR 602.73)
• VFR weather minima differ from U.S. flight visibility and cloud clearance requirements (Ref: TC AIM-RAC Table 2.2 and TC AIM-RAC 2.7.4)
• In Canada, controlled airspace above 12,500 feet ASL (up to but not including 18,000 feet) is Class B airspace.
• Mandatory Frequencies (MF) are designated for use at some uncontrolled aerodromes, or aerodromes that are uncontrolled between certain hours. Aircraft must be equipped with a functioning 2-way radio and follow reporting procedures as specified in CARs 602.97 to 602.103 inclusive (Ref: TC AIM-RAC 4.5.4, 4.5.6 and 4.5.7)
• Traffic circuit procedures for uncontrolled Canadian aerodromes are slightly different than traffic pattern procedures at U.S. non-towered airports (Ref: TC AIM-RAC 4.5)
• Take-off visibility minima apply for all IFR flights (Ref: TC AIM-RAC 9.19)
• All IFR flights are required to file an alternate aerodrome. Alternate minima are in the CAP-GEN
• General aviation aircraft are subject to RVR minima to conduct an IFR approach (Ref: TC AIM-RAC 9.19.2)

Weather, NOTAMs and flight planning

The FARs require pilots to file and activate a flight plan for all flights crossing the U.S. – Canada border, including flights “with no landing” (Ref: FAR 91.707).

Pilots must:

• communicate with air traffic services when they cross the border
• squawk an assigned discrete transponder code

NAV CANADA is the private, not-for-profit corporation responsible for civil air navigation services in Canada. NAV CANADA provides:

• air traffic control (ATC) and information services
• flight advisory and information services
• weather briefings
• aeronautical publications
• ground-based navigation aids

Buy aeronautical charts and publications from NAV CANADA

File, amend, delay or cancel your flight plan online with NAV CANADA

Download a local area weather manual from NAV CANADA

Learn about customer service charges levied by NAV CANADA for air navigation services

Table 2: Contact information for NAV Canada Flight Information Centers

Your location	Toll-free phone number (in Canada)
British Columbia Yukon	1-866-541-4101
Alberta Saskatchewan Manitoba The Northwest Territories Western Nunavut	1-866-541-4102
Ontario Southern New Brunswick Nova Scotia Prince Edward Island Newfoundland and Labrador	1-866-541-4104
Québec Northern New Brunswick	1-866-541-4105
Anywhere in Canada	1-866-WXBRIEF (1-866-992-7433)

Visual flight rules (VFR) navigation

VFR Terminal Area Charts (VTA):

• Scale: 1:250 000 (3.5 NM/in.)
• Similar to U.S. Terminal Area Charts (TACs) – available for major Canadian airports

VFR Navigation Charts (VNC):

• Scale: 1:500 000 (7 NM/in.)
• Similar to U.S. Sectional Aeronautical Charts

Canada Flight Supplement (CFS): Civil/military publication of Canadian and North Atlantic aerodromes. Similar to the U.S. Chart Supplement.

Canada Water Aerodrome Supplement (CWAS): Civil/military publication of water aerodromes shown on Canadian VFR charts.

Instrument flight rules (IFR) navigation

Enroute low (LO) and high (HI) altitude charts provide IFR navigation and aeronautical information in:

• low and high airway structure of Canadian domestic airspace
• airspace over foreign territory and international waters where Canada provides air traffic services
• other areas required for military use

Terminal Area Charts (TAC) provide aeronautical radio navigation information for congested terminal areas at a larger scale.

Canada Air Pilot (CAP) (IFR approach plates):

• contain aeronautical information related to IFR approach, arrival, departure and noise abatement procedures at Canadian airports
• have 7 volumes that provide coverage across Canada

CAP general pages (CAP GEN): explains the terminology, definitions and special procedures depicted on instrument approach procedure charts.

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)

Learn Canada’s entry requirements

Make sure everyone on board has the right travel documents and ID

To avoid fines, learn about Canada’s rules for importing certain items including firearms

If you’re are coming to Canada on a general aviation aircraft (private or company) you must enter during CBSA business hours via an Airport of Entry (AOE).

Unscheduled general aviation flights with 15 or fewer non-paying travellers (including crew), can also use an Airport of Entry/15 (AOE/15). If you’re arriving by seaplane with no more than 15 people, you can enter Canada at an Airport of Entry/15/Seaplane (AOE/15/SEAPL). Operators of these flights must obtain CBSA approval by contacting the CBSA's Telephone Reporting Center (TRC) to enter or return to Canada, and they must land at an approved AOE during CBSA hours of business.

How does it work?

The pilot has to report the estimated time of arrival (ETA) by calling 1-888-226-7277 at least 2 hours, but no more than 48 hours, before flying into Canada. If the 1-888 service isn’t available, the pilot can use the normal business numbers for the TRC. Please note, long-distance charges may apply.

TRC for all of Canada
Hamilton, ON
Telephone: 905-679-2073
Fax: 905-679-6877

The pilot has to provide the TRC with the following information:

• ETA
• aircraft license or registration number
• destination in Canada
• the full name, date of birth, and citizenship of all persons on board
• purpose of the trip and length of stay in Canada for non-residents
• length of absence from Canada for Canadian residents
• a declaration for each person aboard, and
• any updates concerning the original ETA, passengers, or destination

All travellers aboard must declare any personal goods they’re importing, including firearms and weapons, and report all currency and/or monetary instruments totaling CAN$10,000 or more. If duties or taxes are payable, the CBSA officer will ask for the traveller's mailing address and VISA or MasterCard number and expiry date.

General aviation aircraft must land at an approved AOE during normal hours of business for the CBSA unless they’ve made other arrangements directly with the local CBSA office. In this case, cost recovery charges will apply.

Immediately on landing in Canada, the pilot must phone call the TRC at 1-888-226-7277 to report the plane's arrival. The pilot and all travelers aboard can’t leave the aircraft until given permission to do so.

Exceptional circumstances

If the aircraft has to land at a place not designated for customs reporting due to weather conditions or other circumstances, the pilot must call either 1-888-226-7277 or the nearest CBSA office or Royal Canadian Mounted Police office.

Depending on the circumstances, the flight may be cleared over the phone, the pilot may be asked to wait for a CBSA officer to arrive, or the pilot may be asked to fly to the nearest AOE at the first opportunity.

CANPASS

The CANPASS – Private Aircraft program makes clearing the border easier for private aircraft carrying no more than 15 people (including the crew) and travelling to Canada from the United States. This program allows members to access more airports and provides expedited clearances for low-risk, pre-screened travelers.

Benefits

If you’re a CANPASS – Private Aircraft member, your private aircraft can have the following privileges:

• It can land at any airport of entry (AOE) in Canada
• It can land at an AOE any time the airport is open for landing, regardless of the hours of business of the local CBSA office
• It can land at a CANPASS-only airport, which may be nearer to your destination
• It receives expedited clearance, and
• It can proceed to the final destination if there is no CBSA officer waiting for the aircraft by the reported time of arrival, without the pilot having to make a second call to the CBSA after landing

Find out more about the CANPASS – Private Aircraft program

Transport Canada contacts

Our regional offices offer services in many different sectors such as certification of people, products and organizations, aircraft registration and leasing, training and licensing of personnel, etc. Most of these services can be requested and delivered by email.

Atlantic region

Email: aviation.atl@tc.gc.ca
Toll-free: 1-800-305-2059

Ontario region

Email: aviation.ont@tc.gc.ca
Toll-free: 1-800-305-2059

Pacific region

Email: aviation.pac@tc.gc.ca
Toll-free: 1-800-305-2059

Prairie and Northern region

E-mail: aviation.pnr.rpn@tc.gc.ca
Toll-free: 1-800-305-2059

Quebec region

E-mail: aviation.que@tc.gc.ca
Toll-free: 1-800-305-2059

For questions about the Civil Aviation Program or its services, or to report issues or concerns, use our online form to contact the Civil Aviation Communications Centre.