In article , wrote:
Here is the checklist that I have used to fly to and fro Canada. Best viewed
with a fixed width font.

Good stuff.


* Ask about your border-crossing squawk-code. This code will
probably not be available until you take off and open your flight
plan, but ask them anyway. DO NOT CROSS THE BORDER WITHOUT
SQUAWKING THIS CODE.
[snip]
* The FSS operator will give you a border-crossing squawk-code.
If they do not - ASK!

What's this about getting a squawk code from FSS? I thought you had to
be talking to ATC (and getting the code from them). That's how I've
always done it (for some value of always).


6. Land at the AOE and taxi to Canadian Customs

When I flew into Montreal, they just asked me what FBO I was planning to
go to. Two flights in the last month: on the first one, was cleared by
telephone; on the second one, was met by an officer who was already at
the FBO.


* If you are continuing your flight, then ground control or the
control tower of the AOE will assign your in-country squawk-code.
Do not take-off without an in-country squawk-code.

Canada uses 1200 for VFR flights, unless you're getting radar surveillance
(flight following).


4. Take off, and IMMEDIATELY open your flight plan if necessary. Canadian
flight plans seem to assume takeoff times, and will be opened automatically.

Not quite (unless they've changed things recently). At an uncontrolled
airport, they assume that you crashed on takeoff if you don't open your flight
plan.


Morris