I flew north of Lake Erie from Detroit to Rochester NY VFR a couple of years
ago (pre 9/11). I'm not sure if anything has changed since then.

At that time, I filed a flight plan specifying "Overflight Only". I used
flight following the entire way. Most of the time I was over Canada, I was
talking to Cleveland Center. Near Niagara Falls, I got switched to Toronto
Center.

At the time I did the overflight, you only got billed for Candian ATC fees
if you landed in Canada. I also did not have to go thru customs in
Rochester, because I never landed outside the US.

I was very glad I flew over Canada, as I was in completely clear VFR
weather, while I could see major thunderstorm activity south of Lake Erie
over Cleveland.

Again, keep in mind that things may have changed.

Mike Schumann

"SeeAndAvoid" wrote in message
k.net...
Hey all,
Anyone in the Great Lakes area familiar with the procedures for overflying
Canadian airspace? Specifically from the Detroit area to Niagara Falls,
NY.
Is there a fee if you don't land in Canada? Do you still have to file a
DVFR flight plan? I can't believe you'd have to go through customs once
in
NY, right?
I'd prefer to land in St. Catherines, ON , but I thought I read somewhere
that on entering Canada you have to land at first INTL airport, and I'm
assuming on return to the US I'd have to go through Niagara Falls anyway,
pay some landing/parking fee's and then play with customs, so not worth it
probably.
Flying direct saves me a few gallons, about 20mins, and avoids the whole
Cleveland Class B and curving around the south side of Lake Erie.
Any opinions?
Thanks, Chris