CAN Customs

[GIVSP]

I know this has been hashed over many times, but does anyone have recent FACTS as to clearing Can customs with a DUI? PIC or SIC? Have been through as SIC no problem, first time as PIC. DUI 13 YRS ago. We will be using CANPASS. Thanks for the mature responses.

 

[LJ45]

give them a call first, be upfront and see what they need or if it's a problem. Just went through this with a crew member and it is no fun when the issue comes up with passengers. Just because they didn't say something once, doesn't mean they will do the same next time. Get it straight first with Customs before you go.

 

[guido411]

Just dealt with this for a passenger of mine a couple months ago...

Canada considers a DUI a felony. They do not, as a rule, allow felons into their country. A single time DUI offended is considered rehabilitated after 10 years AFTER the sentence was completed. If the offense was 10 ago or more the offender should be ok. A person can apply to be considered rehabilitated if they petition the government (forget what office). This process usually takes around 6 months and LOTS of supporting documents have to be provided, ie court and police records, sentence imposed, sentence served, as well as letter from upstanding citizens in the offender's community stating that person is a good person.

That all being said there is also a note about being at the discretion of the CBP officer upon arrival. Show up and beg for clemency.

I don't think it matters whether the person is crew or pax, they feel the same way about the person. If you're utilizing CANPASS privelages I would THINK you would be ok if the offender was issued a CANPASS permit AFTER the offense.

FYI-This rule has ALWAYS existed but the Canadian government now has easier access to our records since the Freedom of Information Act passed following 9/11/01

 

[dash_trash]

If you were issued a CANPAS authorization, the government has already looked at your records and has considered you rehabilitated.

Also, keep in mind that each person onboard the plane needs to have their individual CANPAS authorization with them to utilize the service.

 

[GIVSP]

Thanks for the great replys. Dash trash, do they look at the whole crew, or just the PIC?

 

[dash_trash]

EVERYONE, including pax must have their original copy of CANPAS in there posession to utilize the service ... I spent an hour getting the riot act read to me in Montreal because I didn't have the actual document with me. We were utilizing the service, but customs showed up anyway and checked both us pilots and our pax.

Needless to say, they were not happy with no one on the plane having their copy with them. After that, I just folded it up and stuck it in my passport.

The only saving grace was that the agent doing all the talking and informing of our ignorance was smokin.

Here's a link to the who/what/were/when and how ...
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/rc4119-eng.html

Hope it helps.

 

[sleepy]

If you are using Corporate CANPASS they will do a background check on each individual who applies. This is the CANPASS that allows you to get a clearance number before you arrive in Canada. Under this system each pilot can bring in 4 Non-Corporate CANPASS passengers (you are bringing them into Canada, so if they have immigration problems you are responsible).

If you use this system the Canadians will do an extensive background check on you, the pilot or FA. There were situations where crewmembers were denied for things that they had done and forgotten about from way back in college. Someone was also denied for a recent DUI arrest. All of the pilots with the old stuff were able to get it cleared up and fly into Canada (it took a lot of work on their part though). The only one that did not get it cleared up was the recent DUI.

These same pilots regularly flew to Canada under the old CANPASS system, the problems only surfaced when they switched to the new system, with the extensive background check. I don't know, maybe Canada is going back and checking everyone who was on the old CANPASS system (the one where everyone has to be listed on the CANPASS document)?

The situation is that once the problems are discovered those individuals are not allowed back into Canada under either the old or new systems. They do not differentiate between PIC, SIC, FA or passenger. Anyone with a felony arrest is restricted.

 

[dash_trash]

Actually, if you have any convictions which the Canadian Gov. considers to be a felony, they will likely turn you away weather you use CANPASS or go through the regular customs route. They have almost instant access to our criminal records. It's happened to airline crews and pax who were turned away at customs and sent back to the US on the next flight.

Make a call and check ahead for the crew and the pax ... might save you or your pax from an embarassing situation.

 

[sleepy]

Actually, if you have any convictions which the Canadian Gov. considers to be a felony, they will likely turn you away weather you use CANPASS or go through the regular customs route. They have almost instant access to our criminal records. It's happened to airline crews and pax who were turned away at customs and sent back to the US on the next flight.

Make a call and check ahead for the crew and the pax ... might save you or your pax from an embarassing situation.

I didn't realize that they could do this kind of check on anyone, even airline arrivals. I knew they did the check on CANPASS people because they have the form you fax to them ahead of time, and when you call CANPASS they already have everyone entered in their system.

 

[GIVSP]

Just went through Gander two months ago on a canpass quick turn and not a word. Calling might be the best thing.