Obtaining Canadian approval for flight over US soil?

[tstr14]

As Monty Python said, "And now for something completely different!"

I have relatives that live in the Bay Mills/Brimley area of Michigan's upper peninsula. Even though the area is in the US, it is close enough to an airport in Sault St Marie, CA that it falls within NAV-Canada control. Has anyone ever encountered such a situation and who in Nav-Canada would I contact? The area in question is a family owned cabin and I wanted to take aerial photos/video of the site.

 

[Cafguy]

area is in the US

That is unusual. You are in FAA controlled space. the space is minded by the Canadian Airport. SO you would be flying Under FAA Regs. I would first contact the airport People for clarification OR Nav-canada directly.

 

[tstr14]

NAV Canada says it's not their problem...

 

[Cafguy]

NAV Canada says it's not their problem...

I would fly using the FAA rules for that airport. I would get the appropriate permissions from the FAA. By VERY aware of whats going on around you. A VFR low altitude sectional of the area would be a good thing to check. Maybe give the people at the airport a courtesy call if you are flying that close with permission.

 

[tstr14]

I would fly using the FAA rules for that airport. I would get the appropriate permissions from the FAA. By VERY aware of whats going on around you. A VFR low altitude sectional of the area would be a good thing to check. Maybe give the people at the airport a courtesy call if you are flying that close with permission.

Because the airport is located in Canada, I do not know if they abide by FAA rules. I will most likely be contacting them, but at this point, I'm not warm and fuzzy that the matter will be resolved.

 

[MS Coast]

Your location is in U.S. Class D controlled airspace. LAANC services are not available, so you'll need to apply for authorization through the FAA Drone Zone website.


ArcGIS Web Application. (You'll need to scroll to the location for both websites.)

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[rjwmorrell]

Because the airport is located in Canada, I do not know if they abide by FAA rules. I will most likely be contacting them, but at this point, I'm not warm and fuzzy that the matter will be resolved.

The airport is not regulated by the FAA. The airspace where you want to fly is. Follow whatever the FAA rules are.

 

[tstr14]

The airport is not regulated by the FAA. The airspace where you want to fly is. Follow whatever the FAA rules are.

The FAA said to contact NAV Canada. NAV Canada says it's not their area.

 

[tstr14]

Your location is in U.S. Class D controlled airspace. LAANC services are not available, so you'll need to apply for authorization through the FAA Drone Zone website.

ArcGIS Web Application. (You'll need to scroll to the location for both websites.)

SkyVector: Flight Planning / Aeronautical Charts

Make your Flight Plan at SkyVector.com. SkyVector is a free online flight planner. Flight planning is easy on our large collection of Aeronautical Charts, including Sectional Charts, Approach Plates, IFR Enroute Charts, and Helicopter route charts. Weather data is always current, as are Jet Fuel...

skyvector.com

I did apply. Here's the reply I got:

Good Day,

I am working your UAS submission to fly at Sault Ste. Marie. The airspace you are in is stewarded by Nav-Canada; not the FAA. We cannot help you. I would if I could but I don’t even have a contact or starting point for you. I will cancel this submission. Perhaps the Help Desk can point you in the right direction? I am afraid this is out of my realm. Be well.

Best of days,

 

[Cafguy]

WOW hhmmmm.. Who needs a FRIA when you can just stumble upon airspace no country wants.
Perhaps you can make a claim for it and create your own Aviation Regulations!.
That would be nice: "MY aviation Administration would allow VLOS with tiny whoops". Also any pilot navigating MY Airspace MUST wear a special T-shirt available at my website Just Click "Required equipment for purchase" and under the list select clothing and then T-shirts and add to Cart. Know of any land available under that space? lol.
I wouldnt do it BUT I am sure if you flew without asking You would find out quickly who regulates that space.
I would simply inform the airport that You have found that neither the U.S. Nor Canada wishes to claim their airspace and your letters to Rod Serling to inquire about The rules and Regs regarding Drones within the Twilight Zone have gone unanswered.
Just joking BUT whatever you do make sure to stay well clear of other aircraft, Be aware, and do your very best to communicate with the authorities ( even if they don't want to admit they are the authorities).
Perhaps a letter or E-mail to the FAA about this?

 

[tstr14]

Here is the latest on this matter. Apparently the US and Canada has been "discussing" this topic for years and it doesn't appear either side is interested in settling the question. The area in dispute is not the only place to have this anomaly, so I am not the only person with the issue. Nor does it appear to be each side claiming responsibility but rather the opposite.

The recommendation? To go ahead and fly. In my initial request, I stated the flight would be confined to the area near the property owned and not exceed 120 feet. It was felt by the person responding to my request that the chances of anyone in authority noticing the flight or even caring were remote at best. Copies of all correspondence will however be retained - just in case!