International Flight Plans

FAR 91.707 — International Flight Plans

FAR 91.707 requires pilots to file an IFR or VFR flight plan when flying between the US and Mexico or Canada, unless ATC authorizes otherwise.

In Plain English

FAR 91.707 is a short but important rule for pilots crossing international borders to or from the United States. It states that no person may operate a civil aircraft between Mexico or Canada and the United States without first filing a flight plan — either IFR or VFR, as appropriate for the operation. The only exception is if ATC specifically authorizes something different.

Key points to remember:

Applies to civil aircraft crossing the US/Mexico or US/Canada border in either direction.
A flight plan is mandatory — VFR is acceptable for VFR flights, IFR for IFR flights.
The only out is an ATC authorization to operate without one.

Why it matters operationally: filing a flight plan supports border security, customs coordination, and search-and-rescue. Note that this regulation works alongside other requirements (customs notification, eAPIS, transponder/ADS-B, passport, etc.), so a flight plan alone does not satisfy every cross-border obligation — but failing to file one is a direct violation of FAR 91.707.

Regulation Text

14 CFR § 91.707

§ 91.707 Flights between Mexico or Canada and the United States. Unless otherwise authorized by ATC, no person may operate a civil aircraft between Mexico or Canada and the United States without filing an IFR or VFR flight plan, as appropriate.

Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1If you're flying VFR from the US to Canada on a clear day, do you need to file a flight plan?

Yes. Per FAR 91.707, no person may operate a civil aircraft between the US and Canada or Mexico without filing an IFR or VFR flight plan, as appropriate, unless ATC authorizes otherwise.

Q2Under FAR 91.707, what type of flight plan is required when crossing the border between the US and Mexico?

FAR 91.707 requires either an IFR or VFR flight plan, as appropriate to the operation — IFR for instrument flights and VFR for visual flights.

Q3Is there any exception to the flight plan requirement in FAR 91.707?

Yes. FAR 91.707 allows the flight to be conducted without a filed flight plan only if ATC specifically authorizes it; otherwise filing is mandatory.

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