WASHINGTON, D.C. – AOPA brought together U.S. and Canadian officials October 2, 2014, in an effort to make crossing the border a simpler, less cumbersome and more manageable experience for general aviation pilots and passengers. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) leaders met in Washington, D.C. with their counterparts from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to discuss ways to ease GA border crossings without compromising security.
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.”
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.
