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The US State Department has a couple of useful services for international travel:
US State Department - Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international- travel/before-you-go/step.html
https://step.state.gov/
US State Department - Safety and Security Messaging App
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international- travel/before-you-go/about-our-new-products.html
really know who they are. Avoid border towns. For many years they held the allure of being places where “anything goes,” and you can get away with almost anything. Border towns are also magnets for the type of people who flourish in these environments.
Another issue pertains to using app services like Uber. While Uber is a legally protected service in Cancun, there have been major conflicts between the taxi drivers in Cancun and Uber drivers. These conflicts have spiraled into violent encounters between taxi drivers, Uber drivers and passengers. Until the authorities get a handle on this simmering problem, be very careful with what ground transportation service you use while in Cancun.
Planning for the worst is usually the mantra of pilots. We recommend fueling on arrival in a foreign country and leaving enough fuel on board to at least get back to the US border or to another country known to be a safe haven. We also recommend having two satellite-based communications devices, one for the crew and one for the passengers. While satellite phones are ideal, they are also terribly expensive. Devices like the Garmin InReach bring satellite connectiv- ity to a more reasonable level using text messaging. If you are dependent on cellphone or landline technology, you are exposed to getting cut off from the rest of the world and from each other if there is a natural or manmade disaster that interrupts those services.
Summary
Mexico continues to be a very attractive and popular destination for the owners and pilots of GA aircraft. With so many new personnel entering these Mexican government agencies, some inconveniences are to be expected as they become proficient at the new tasks they are being assigned to do. In the meantime, the best strategy is to pack an extra case of patience and a large bottle of good humor. After all, it could be worse; you could have flown on the airlines.
Rick Gardner is the Director of CST Flight Services, which has been providing International Trip Support services for the past 19 years to owner pilots and professional pilots alike. Rick is also the authorized representative for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) in The Bahamas, the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. You can contact Rick at rick@ cstflightservices.com.
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12 • TWIN & TURBINE / August 2023