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With a customs agent at Puerto Vallarta Airport.
doesn’t have an ICAO code, however, Foreflight lists it as XAL. There is a small hill on the approach end of Run- way 13, but with a 5,000-foot runway in good condition, it isn’t much of an issue for most aircraft. If you are stay- ing at the resort and let them know your arrival time, they will pick you up after landing.
The airport has a large ramp space on both sides of the airport office, which can accommodate pistons, tur- boprops and small jets. We’ve seen a Citation Sovereign parked there on the north ramp, and it took up a substantial amount of space in that area. Daniel Aragon, the resident airport manager, and his family are very helpful when determining the best place to park. Jim Swickard, along with his family, owns the Hacienda de los Santos and also has a large hangar that can hold sev- eral smaller aircraft, even our Eclipse during another recent visit. If you are staying at the resort, and there is room, the hangar (complete with art on the walls) is sometimes available for use.
As mentioned, Alamos is definitely one of our top places to visit. Working with Jim, we helped organize a few efforts this past year to provide shoes and dental supplies to hundreds of individuals in the community and sur- rounding areas, especially children. Many pilots attending last year’s Haci- enda de los Santos’ spring Club Pilotos gathering helped significantly with this effort. The Club Pilotos event,
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I rode mountain bikes along some of those trails and also explored the area by air. On one recent visit, we departed and explored the Copper Canyon, then landed at Los Mochis (MMLM) for fuel before returning to Alamos. It is straightforward to fly within Mexico when you’re there. While it involves paperwork at the controlled airports, none of it is difficult. In Los Mochis, we were fueled, paperwork completed, and on our way in 20 minutes.
Puerto Vallarta
At larger airports, such as Puerto Vallarta (MMPR), you have the option of using the General Aviation ramp or FBO. The advantage of the FBO is con- cierge service, with virtually all of the
scheduled in the spring and fall, is a great opportunity for aviation-minded people to get together in a wonderful setting, attend a few presentations, enjoy amazing food, partake in activi- ties from tequila tasting to hiking, and simply enjoy the environment and community.
Jim and Nancy Swickard founded the resort by purchasing a residence built in the 1600s, then expanding the property. It now offers 34 individual- ized suites, with the overall capacity to also host very large events, including weddings. Centrally located, within easy walking distance to the town square and businesses, it is a great base to explore the area. Hiking trails in the nearby Parque Colorado offer amazing views of the area. Jane and
Rich and Jane Pickett
services you need, including customs and immigration, are coordinated for you. If you are more of a self-service pilot, then parking on the GA ramp (if there is room) will result in substantial savings but can take more time. I’ve used both, but at Puerto Vallarta, I always use the GA ramp and it works well. At other airports, when I have a lot of folks with me, I use an FBO. It is best to contact them before your flight to learn their fees and make your decision. If you want to store your airplane in a hangar, there are few options in Mexico, and I’ve found the rates to be reasonable when available. Rental cars and taxis are available at the MMPR airport. Rideshares such as Lyft and Uber cannot access the airport directly.