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How to Start
I look at any international trip with the same questions: 1) What do I need to cross a border outbound; 2) What are country-specific ATC requirements for enroute and terminal procedures, especially for IFR flights; 3) What are the destination’s procedures and re- quirements after landing; 4) How soon after landing can I be enjoying the rest of my trip?
If this is your first time flying to Mexico, I highly recommend joining Baja Bush Pilots (BBP) or CST Flight Services (formerly Caribbean Sky Tours) – or ideally both! BBP has a rich forum, free eAPIS and Mexico
APIS filings for members, and focus- es primarily on Mexico and Central America. CST also covers Mexico, but offers comprehensive services to a variety of destinations, customized to the specific flight. AOPA is another excellent resource. I could write an entire issue solely on flying to Mexico, but if you start with these resources, you will soon be an expert.
I start my planning early for these f lights, gathering all of the required information, including Mexican in- surance coverage either within the existing license or a separate policy (check with your insurance broker), pilot licenses/medicals, aircraft reg- istration, and of course, passports. If
your airplane is owned by a company, even your own, make sure you bring along a letter that authorizes you as an individual permitted to f ly that plane in Mexico. This is very impor- tant, especially if borrowing a friend’s airplane or renting one. Officially, you need an FCC license for your plane and yourself. While I have both, I’ve never been asked to show them. However they are simple to obtain. You will need a CBP aircraft decal, which is an annual permit, for transiting any of our borders, with a current price of $30. Mexico requires specific liability coverage in their country, which is usually included in the coverage area of your aircraft insurance policy. You can also purchase a separate policy for Mexico at $250 if desired. I suggest contacting your insurance broker to determine your best options.
Your favorite flight planning app or website can produce the ICAO flight plan you will need to show upon ar- rival or face a bit of a delay filling one out at your destination. I make a packet of three copies of the flight plan and extra copies of my FAA certificates, aircraft registration and airworthiness, Mexico insurance coverage policy, per- mission letter if applicable, and a form that includes my aviation information as well as the aircraft’s. The latter form facilitates completing the entry per- mit you purchase in Mexico. You can purchase a six-month single-entry or a calendar year multi-entry permit, which is what I always do.
Flying into Mexico
I fly both IFR and VFR in Mexico, and each has its advantages. Of course, in the turboprops and jets I fly, IFR is the norm. I’ll also occasionally fly IFR in my piston aircraft. Again, your favorite aviation app can do the IFR routing and filing for you into Mexico, and you can reach out to Leidos Flight Service as well. VFR flights are simple – just follow the guides. Flight plans within and departing tower airports in Mexico are filed directly at those airports. No flight plans are required departing uncontrolled airports or be- tween them. IFR enroute, instrument procedures and FMS navdata can be obtained through Jeppesen with con- venient trip kits. I also always carry
Aerial view of Puerto Vallarta.
Market in San Francisco, Mexico.
8 • TWIN & TURBINE / March 2022