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Enjoying Mexico
There are many wonderful places to enjoy around Puerto Vallarta (PV), including the city itself and just north in Nuevo Puerto Vallarta, where the large Vidanta resort complex is located with every amenity and is great for families. There are multiple resorts, each with its own character.
We also enjoy more traditional beach stays, and one of our favorites is Sayulita north of PV. Along the way to Sayulita is a very popular area, Pun- ta Mita, with great golf courses and luxury resorts and villas. Sayulita is more relaxed, with nice beaches for walking and surfing. It is easy and safe to walk around town at all hours exploring the variety of restaurants, shops and markets. San Pancho to the north was very enjoyable and of- fered great beaches, restaurants, hotels and shopping.
Returning Home
The end of our visits to Mexico always come too early. You have to exit the country from an AOE. In the case of f lights home from Alamos, for example, you need to clear at Ob- regon (MMCN), Guaymas (MMGM) or a comparable airport. At the AOE, you pay departure fees, file the inter- national flight plan and you are set. As we did when departing the U.S., we filed an eAPIS report to return. In the U.S., you need to land at an AOE or Landing Rights Airport (LRA). I have an Overflight Exemption and can proceed further inland than the bor- der to clear customs and immigra- tion, which is useful especially when
returning to an airport that is closer to my final destination. Returning to Montgomery (KMYF), I frequently use Brown Field (KSDM) in San Diego to clear U.S. Customs. It is very impor- tant to also call customs at the air- port where you will arrive to confirm your arrival before departing from Mexico. In some cases, in particular Landing Rights Airports (LRA), KSDM for example, you must contact them for “approval” to be processed through customs at those locations. Check with the appropriate U.S. Customs office to avoid any issues.
Summary
Flying is always an adventure, and piloting an aircraft in Mexico is no exception. I’ve enjoyed flying on many international trips, and I find it inter- esting to explore aviation in different environments. Mexico offers a vari- ety of destinations from the tropics to the deserts, each offering unique character. With some patience and extra planning, Mexico offers pilots and their f lying companions an ex- perience they will definitely want to repeat.
With 12,000 hours piloting more than 110 models of aircraft into nearly 900 airports, Rich Pickett has a passion for f lying. Rich holds an ATP, CFII SME, SES, glider licenses, and type ratings in the L29, L39, Citation 500/510s/525s, Eclipse 500S, Beechcraft RA390S and DA10. His company, Personal Wings, provides training, mentoring and aircraft services. He is also a proud owner of a Cessna 206. You can contact Rich at Rich@personalwings.com.
Short Numbers
March 2022 / TWIN & TURBINE • 11