Day 1 - June 29, 2013

Although Sunday June 30^th was looking like the most probable departure day we were able to get organized to leave on June 29^th (our preferred day anyway).  We spent most of the day on last minute preparations, which was perfect because the weather was marginal in the Copper River Valley until about the time we flew through.  We left Merrill just at 4pm and were pitching our tent in Whitehorse by 1:30 AM local (12:30 AM ADT).  The flight was uneventful with the exception of some marginal VFR weather after leaving Beaver Creek.  The weather got nicer and nicer as we approached Whitehorse and we enjoyed a midnight (really) sunset just as we approached Whitehorse.  I couldn’t have asked for anything more – it was a perfect birthday present to land in Whitehorse just after midnight.

   

FOR PILOTS: 

• When you file eAPIS online, make sure your port of entry matches the final destination on your flight plan. 
• You can file your flight plan with the FAA when departing the US.  The FAA will then hand off your flight plan to CANPASS.  CANPASS expects your flight plan to terminate at your port of entry.  Upon arrival into Canada you are expected to notify the Telephone Reporting Center (TRC) of the arrival of your aircraft. GOOGLE my friend.  
• CBSA may choose to pay you a visit or they may issue you a clearance/report number over the phone.
• You will then need to close your flight plan with CANPASS.  A new plan should then be activated for any additional travel.
• In Canada, at airports with a control tower the controller will automatically activate your flight plan on departure and close your flight plan on arrival.
•  There is one BIG note of difference between US and Canada flight plan filing, which is, in Canada when you call and file your flight plan it is essentially open.  If you don’t depart they will come looking for you.  If you cancel or delay your departure call them!
• While airborne in Canada you can contact Flight Information Services Enroute (FISE) for any updates to your flight plan or receive weather briefings.  RCO’s – don’t seem to be listed on the sectionals.  They are listed in the Canada Flight Supplement (CFS).  Reception is limited at best in mountainous terrain.
•  I highly recommend purchasing the CFS. This is a great bible with lots of information!
• Don’t depend on cell phone service.  In addition, not all airports have payphones on the field.  Instead of submitting flight plans for each landing we just filed one long flight plan per day with extra time for fuel stops and weather contingency.  That way, we were not trying to open/close flight plans via radio with FISE while in mountainous terrain
•  Don’t plan on walking into a flight service station.  Previously (several years ago) the Canadian FSS’s pretty much had an open door policy.  It is my understanding due to budget cuts they are required to direct pilots to their toll free telephone service.  They are also limited on volunteering information.  If a briefer asks you “is there anything else I can help you with” that is your queue to ask for whatever you wish.  They are willing to help – they simply need a ‘request’ from the pilot in lieu of offering all of their trade secrets.