Flying internationally in a general aviation aircraft can seem intimidating, but with the right preparation it can be a very manageable and rewarding way to expand where you fly.
This Hangar Talk will walk through the practical considerations involved in international GA travel, with an emphasis on flying between the United States and Canada given our proximity in West Michigan. We will also discuss considerations for flying to the Bahamas and Mexico.
Topics will include preflight planning, required pilot and aircraft documentation, passports and entry requirements, eAPIS, customs procedures, airport selection, flight plans, border crossing requirements, returning to the United States, and other operational considerations that can differ from a typical domestic flight.
We will also discuss common questions, lessons learned, and practical tips that can help pilots better understand the process and confidently plan their own international flight.
If you have experience flying internationally in a general aviation aircraft, we welcome you to share your experiences, lessons learned, recommendations, and stories with the group. Questions are also encouraged throughout the discussion, whether you are planning your first international flight or have already crossed the border many times.
Whether you are actively considering an international trip or simply want to better understand what is involved, this seminar is intended to provide a practical and collaborative overview of international GA flying and the additional planning required when crossing a border.
