A friend told us about the Kaslo Jazz Etc Summer Music Festival (https://kaslojazzfest.com/) in Kaslo, British Columbia, Canada. He had attended several times and thought we would enjoy it as well. We took our friend’s recommendations seriously, so there we went… While we drove this time, flying next time sounds very appealing.
The Kaslo Airport (CBR2) is about 1 mile west of the town of Kaslo. It sits at an elevation of 2,354 feet MSL; however, it is surrounded by Kootenay Lake and mountains rising up to 10,000-plus feet. It has a single paved runway, Runway 07/25, that is 3700 feet long by 60 feet wide. It is only open during daylight hours in the summer. It does not have fuel. Additionally, floatplanes can land on Kootenay Lake. Kaslo Bay has a sheltered lagoon for them.
The AOPA website dedicated to flying in Canada has great information about the procedures for crossing in and out of Canada: https://www.aopa.org/travel/international-travel/canada.
In addition to carrying your usual documents (pilot certificate with the English proficient endorsement, medical certificate, aircraft registration certificate, airworthiness certificate, etc.), performing your usual maintenance inspections (i.e. annual, biennial altimeter check), and ensuring your aircraft has the proper equipment (i.e. Mode C transponder and a 121.5 MHz or 406 MHz Emergency Locator Transmitter or ELT), you will at least have to:
- Carry a valid passport.
- Obtain a current user fee decal for the aircraft from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
- Carry a Restricted Radiotelephone Operators Permit from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
- Carry a Radio Station License, also from the FCC, for the aircraft.
- Use the Electronic Advance Passenger Information System (eAPIS).
- Confirm that your aircraft has 12-inch registration (N number or otherwise) markings.
- Confirm your aircraft has an ID data plate.
- Ensure that your aircraft is covered by a Public Liability Insurance plan (maybe a Passenger Liability Insurance plan too) based on the gross takeoff weight of your aircraft.
- Become very familiar with CANPASS and join it, if you qualify: https://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/canpass/privateair-eng.html, 888-CANPASS (226-7277). Note that this process can take a little bit of time, so prior preparation is required.
- Notify the appropriate authority of your arrival (in both directions) ahead of time, as they require.
- File and activate an ICAO IFR or DVFR flight plan.
Your first landing in Canada must be at an Airport of Entry (AOE). These are the two airports closest to Kaslo:
Creston Airport (CAJ3) is an AOE/CAN, meaning it is designated for CANPASS private and corporate permit holders only. CANPASS members can land at an AOE any time the airport is open for landing, regardless of the hours of business of the local CBSA office.
Eckhart International Airport (1S1), very close to CAJ3 but still in Idaho, is an AOE/15, meaning it is an airport used solely for clearing persons arriving by General Aviation (GA) aircraft. The airport has a turf runway (maybe with a paved area on the north end), Runway 15/33, which is 3,650 feet long by 175 feet wide. This airport makes for an interesting experience.
- To clear Canadian Customs, one lands at 1S1, taxis across the border to the open field north of the airport, and walks over to clear customs in their building (same building used for ground vehicle crossings). However, make sure to check their hours of operation so you arrive when they are open (telephone: 250-428-2575). You will need to obtain Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) approval beforehand by contacting the CBSA’s Telephone Reporting Center prior to taxiing the aircraft across the border.
It is also important that you understand the process for returning to the U.S. The first landing in the U.S. must be at a designated Airport of Entry (AOE) with a U.S. Customs Office. These airports are referred to as “Designated International Landing Rights and User Fee” airports. Prior to departure, make direct telephone contact with the Customs Office at the U.S. destination airport, and notify them of your Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) at least one hour before, and no more than 23 hours before, your ETA. (Do not rely on entry of “ADCUS” in the flight plan.) After landing at the U.S. airport, taxi to the Customs Office and wait in or next to your aircraft for a Customs Officer(s) to arrive to inspect your aircraft prior to exiting your aircraft or immediate tie-down area.
Should you need fuel, the closest option is Nelson Airport (CAD8), also known as Norman Stibbs Airfield. The airport’s website (https://nelsonairport.ca/pages/for-pilots) has helpful information, including links to live webcam footage.
The Kaslo festival dates for 2025 are August 1-3. We only attended on Saturday because three consecutive days of “just about anything” might have been too much for us. (The rest of the time was spent boating, in hot springs, and exploring with our Jeep.) While we did listen to jazz, most of the musicians fell in the “etc.” category: folk, reggae, funk, blues, Latin, etc. The venue is spectacular; listening to the music while soaking in the lake was very cool.
Please let me know if you decide to go; I’d love to hear what you think: yassoria@gmail.com
Fly safe and fly often!
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