BAe 146-200
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 164; Flight Crew Total 5836; Flight Crew Type 775
Situational Awareness
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Airspace Structure; Human Factors
Research done about Canadian airspace did not catch that an IFR or Controlled VFR clearance is required to fly between 12;500 feet and 18;000 feet. To check the pressurization system we climbed to around 16;000 feet and then descended for an approach into [destination airport]. When we contacted Tower they informed us that Moncton Approach was attempting to contact us. We contacted them and they asked if we knew we needed a clearance to fly above 12;500 feet. I told them that our research of Canadian airspace did not reveal that. I asked them if they wanted me to call them when we landed and the answer was they would have [Tower] give us the number if they wanted us to call. We didn't receive any phone numbers.Future flight in Canadian airspace will have more diligent review of the airspace rules and all flights will be conducted with some form of flight following.
[Report narrative contained no additional information.]
BAe 146 flight crew reported they improperly operated in Canadian airspace between 12;500 feet and 18;000 feet without a clearance because they were unaware of the policy; which differs from U.S. procedures.