Flying from Canada into Washington State

randall g wrote:
I am based in Boundary Bay BC and am thinking of flying south into the
US for the first time. For a flight to BFI what is the best plan? Who do
you talk to and where? What is a good route?


Hi Randall,
I'm based at Boeing Field, so I can give you a few tips, for what it's
worth

As mentioned above, make sure you don't flyinto Seatac's Class B
airspace without a clearance. If you haven't flown into Boeing Field
before, one of the first things you notice is that when approaches are
being flown to the south, the heavies going into Seatac are right over
the west side of Boeing Fields pattern. The traffic pattern altitude
for the west side of the field (13R/31L) is 800ft MSL, while on the
east side (13L/31R) it is 1000 MSL. This is because the class B goes
down to 1100 ft on the west side. Let the tower know you are unfamiliar
with the area, and they will helpyou out. If you want to get ATIS
before you leave, you can Dial 206-767-4113 and listen to the recording
on the ground to get an idea of what runway is in use, taxiway
closures, etc.

I'm sure everyone has their prefences about the best altitude or
method for dealing with the Class C at Whidbey. It is easy to overfly
the 4000msl ceiling, but when VFR I usually like to get flight
following in that area because of all the water as a bonus safety
procedure. They can also give you the frequency/hand off to seattle
approach to make getting into KBFI easier if you need extra help. BTW,
you probably know this, but in the U.S. you need a Mode C transpoder
squaking 1200 to enter within 30NM of a class B airport (Seatac)or when
overflying Class C airspace, up to 10000MSL

A common VFR reporting point for coming straight in from the north
"westpoint- hopefully you have the seattle terminal chart. Once you
land, taxi to customs and enjoy Seattle! Feel free to let me know if
you have any specific questions about KBFI. Good luck, should be a
great trip!

Hi Randall,

You can also fly into Renton, which is a much easier airport to fly into
than Boeing Field, because it is further removed from SeaTac (SEA). You can
request customs at Renton with one hour advance notice, but I would give
them more lead time. The site I found for this is
http://rentonwa.gov/living/default.aspx?id=224

When you fly in, if going VFR, you can pick up the V495 airway from the
Seattle VORTAC on 116.8 and follow it straight in from Victoria. If VFR,
make sure you file a DVFR flight plane (Defense VFR) and make the
appropriate calls 10 minutes before crossing the border. If IFR, I believe
you are covered.

You will be in touch with Whidbey Approach on your way through, ask them if
the Chinook MOA's are cold, so you can fly through them.

Finally, When you hit West Point, you can request a scenic flyby of the
Seattle waterfront at 1,000 feet from Boeing Field Tower, telling them you
are then heading to Renton. They will give you clearance, and watch out for
other aircraft in the area for you. It is a really nice way to end your trip
here.

"Cirrus" wrote in message
ups.com...
randall g wrote:
I am based in Boundary Bay BC and am thinking of flying south into the
US for the first time. For a flight to BFI what is the best plan? Who do
you talk to and where? What is a good route?


Hi Randall,
I'm based at Boeing Field, so I can give you a few tips, for what it's
worth

As mentioned above, make sure you don't flyinto Seatac's Class B
airspace without a clearance. If you haven't flown into Boeing Field
before, one of the first things you notice is that when approaches are
being flown to the south, the heavies going into Seatac are right over
the west side of Boeing Fields pattern. The traffic pattern altitude
for the west side of the field (13R/31L) is 800ft MSL, while on the
east side (13L/31R) it is 1000 MSL. This is because the class B goes
down to 1100 ft on the west side. Let the tower know you are unfamiliar
with the area, and they will helpyou out. If you want to get ATIS
before you leave, you can Dial 206-767-4113 and listen to the recording
on the ground to get an idea of what runway is in use, taxiway
closures, etc.

I'm sure everyone has their prefences about the best altitude or
method for dealing with the Class C at Whidbey. It is easy to overfly
the 4000msl ceiling, but when VFR I usually like to get flight
following in that area because of all the water as a bonus safety
procedure. They can also give you the frequency/hand off to seattle
approach to make getting into KBFI easier if you need extra help. BTW,
you probably know this, but in the U.S. you need a Mode C transpoder
squaking 1200 to enter within 30NM of a class B airport (Seatac)or when
overflying Class C airspace, up to 10000MSL

A common VFR reporting point for coming straight in from the north
"westpoint- hopefully you have the seattle terminal chart. Once you
land, taxi to customs and enjoy Seattle! Feel free to let me know if
you have any specific questions about KBFI. Good luck, should be a
great trip!