NOTICE
8/10/02
I have taken over the updateing of our Mexico piloting faq and plan to keep it
much more timely. Although all the information is correct, there are some minor
details that will be updated. I will note the updates with the tag
-updated-
in front of each.
I was going to put some links to new photos but was advised to just keep this
section a pure FAQ so it would print easily and always provide a quick and easy
way to check needed information. Also, I am in the process of hyper-linking all
the main heading so you can navigate more easily to the parts of the document
but still keep the printing easy.
Any ideas please email: kp1@mail.com
International Flight into Mexico
From Baja to Cozumel, from sea level on both coasts to the 18,700-foot mountain
peaks, and from desert to rain forest, Mexico offers the flying tourist a wide
range of environment, activities, scenery, and culture.
This briefing is designed to be advisory in nature for a private pilot
conducting a recreational flight and is not intended to be a substitute for
thorough and adequate preparation.
The following topics will be covered:
1. Proof of Citizenship9.1 Mexican Flight Plans10. updated- Posted Friday, December 10, 2001 12:56:15 PM
Here is a brief set of operating tips to help you get started.
Each person on board must have current passport or birth certificate. The birth
certificate must be the original or a certified copy. Certified copies have a
raised or embossed seal on them. Birth certificates require accompanying photo
identification. Tourist visas are required and may be obtained at the first
airport of entry in Mexico or in advance through a travel agent.
Any minor children on the flight accompanied by only one parent must have a
notarized letter from the absent parent authorizing the trip. Specific dates,
places, and names should be included. For single parent households.
You will need your Pilot Certificate, Medical Certificate, and Radio Telephone
Operators permit. All certificates must be original and current.
Normally, private flights do not pre-clear with US customs; however, if the
pilot and/or passengers are taking expensive items abroad, it is a good idea to
declare those items with US Customs before you leave. US Customs is serious
about declaring items purchased aboard and by declaring expensive items before
you leave the U.S it is less likely that you would face a duty or a tax issue
on your own belongings when you return. Monetary amounts over $10,000.00 must
be declared with customs before you leave and when you return to the U.S. Non-
U.S. citizens may have pre-clearance requirements and the pilot should confirm
those prior to departing the U.S. with the appropriate customís offices.
You are required to provide at least one (1) hour advance notice to Mexican
customs. This can be done by noting advise customs or ADCUS in the remarks
block of your flight plan. You must be on an activated IFR or Defense VFR
flight plan for border crossing. Aircraft entering Mexico must make their first
landing at a designated airport of entry along their route for their type of
aircraft. In Mexico airports of entry are designated separately for use by jet
or turbine aircraft and for piston engine singles and twins.
Commercial operators, helicopters, and privately owned aircraft with more than
16 passenger seats or rental aircraft with more than 8 passenger seats require
advance permits. The permission must be requested in writing, at least 5
working days before the scheduled date of the trip.
Experimental Airworthiness Certificates are not valid for international flight
and require advance permission from Mexico, as in most foreign countries.
Flight Operations in Mexico
You must always be on a flight plan while you are in Mexico and be sure to keep
hard copies of it with you. When practical, overfly landing strips for
inspection. It ís important to keep a laid back attitude, smile and express
your thanks frequently. If your flight entails over-water, desert, or mountain
flying, consider carrying appropriate survival gear. It is wise to take along
your own oil, tie-down equipment, and security devices. For any IFR night
operation, the pilot should call ahead to insure the destination airport will
be open. VFR night operations are not permitted with the exception of certain
authorized border airports for approved direct U.S. return flights. Overtime
fees may accrue for late arrivals. Overnight parking fees nd landing fees are
charged at towered airports and are weight based. Air traffic control fees are
included in the price of fuel for piston aircraft. Jet and turbine aircraft are
billed separately for ATC services. Fuel is payable in cash with pesos or U.S.
dollars. Bring plenty of small bills along to meet the exact amount. Fuel is
available at airports of entry and towered fields in Mexico.
Importation of firearms is prohibited in Mexico. An aircraft may not leave
Mexico unless the same crew and passengers are on board. Only the airport
commandant can grant permission to deviate from this requirement.
You will be required to clear out of Mexico. You must depart from an airport of
exit. It is required that you return your tourist visa when you clear out of
Mexico. In addition, a passenger departure tax may be charged.
U.S. Customs requires advanced notice of arrival. These requirements may vary.
Be sure to check the requirements for the specific airport used. These can be
found in the U.S. Customs Guide for Private Flyers. Most Airports of
Entry
will require no less than one hour but no more than 23 hours advance
notification.
You must be on an activated Defense VFR or IFR flight plan with ADCUS or Advise
Customs listed in the remarks section. We strongly suggest that you use a
telephone and not rely on the ADCUS message in your flight plan. We recommend a
phone call to Customs due to violations reported to us by pilots when Customs
has not received the ADCUS message in a timely fashion. Typically, customs
violations will start at $5,000 for the first offense. When calling customs, we
suggest that you also get a badge number of the customs official that took your
information and if you have a telephone credit card, use it so that you will
have a statement that shows the date and time you made the call.
Keep in mind that it is important to be on time. It ís always better to be a
little late than too early. Pilots should update their estimated time
of
arrival by contacting U.S. Air Traffic Control or a flight service station and
requesting them to advise Customs of the new arrival time in the U.S. Unless
you have obtained an overflight permit in advance, your first point of landing
in the U.S. must be at the first designated Airports of Entry after
border or
coastline crossing point.
Because you are returning through the Air Defense Identification Zone, ensure
that you comply with the ADIZ equipment and notification requirements as noted
earlier. Your flight plan should include the estimated time of ADIZ penetration.
We recommend continuous radio communications with U.S. Air Traffic Control to
ensure that your flight plan information is received at least 15 minutes in
advance of the ADIZ penetration.
Aliens who are permanent residents of the U.S. must have their registration
cards with them in order to re-enter the U.S. The pilot must report the
nationality of any passenger on board to Customs and Immigrations. Pilot and
passengers should remain inside the aircraft until the Customs officer motions
you to come out.
Departure from the United States
The primary requirement for private (non-commercial) aircraft leaving the
United States for Mexico is to file a flight plan. Unless otherwise authorized
by ATC, no person may operate an aircraft into, within, or across the
contiguous U.S. Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) unless he has filed a
DVFR or IFR flight plan.
You do not have to clear U.S. Customs outbound unless you are carrying cargo or
passengers for hire. We recommend, however, if you are carrying expensive or
foreign manufactured cameras, fishing equipment, scuba gear, etc., that you go
to a Customs office and declare these items on a Special Customs Service Form.
This can save considerable time and trouble on re-entry. Also, non-U.S.
citizens may have additional requirements.
ADIZ Requirements
Because flights to and from Mexico involve crossing the ADIZ, make sure you
comply with recent changes in the Federal Aviation Regulations. Any aircraft
penetrating the ADIZ must display 12-inch-high-nationality and registration
marks on the airplane (These can be temporary; i.e., tape, but be sure the N
numbers are a full 12 inches high and 2 inches wide and the color contrasts).
Also, pilots must provide a copy of FAA Form 337 on board if the aircraft has
been fitted with fuel tanks within the baggage or passenger compartments.
Another recent requirement is that if the aircraft has a transponder installed,
including Mode C, the pilot must use it.
Position reporting for IFR flights will be the same as normal IFR position
reports. Generally, pilots on DVFR flights will need to provide ATC with the
estimated time of ADIZ penetration 15 minutes in advance. Both IFR and DVFR
aircraft position tolerances are 10 nm from the centerline for an intended
track over an estimated reporting point or penetration point and 20 nm over
water. An air-filed VFR flight plan makes an aircraft subject to interception
for positive identification when entering an ADIZ. Pilots are therefore urged
to file the required DVFR flight plan, either in person or by telephone, prior
to departure.
Additional operational requirements for aircraft operations associated with an
ADIZ are covered in the Airman's Information Manual (AIM) in the National
Security and Interception Procedures section.
Outward Declaration
Aircraft operating commercially anywhere outside the United States must file an
outward declaration with U.S. Customs prior to departure. This requirement
applies whenever you carry for compensation or hire either cargo or passengers.
Landing Permission
Prior notification is required to the airport of arrival (ADCUS-ADvise CUStoms;
see below), and a DVFR or IFR flight plan must be on file.
Private flights in fixed-wing aircraft with not more than 16-seat
configuration, providing transportation entirely free of charge, do not need
prior written permission to enter or overfly Mexico.
Aircraft rented without pilots (not chartered) will be permitted to enter the
country provided they are single or twin-engine with a maximum of eight seats.
If they are multiengine and have a greater seating capacity, they require
previous written permission. (See below.)
Nonscheduled commercial flights and all helicopters overflying or landing for
commercial or noncommercial purposes must obtain a written permit at least five
working days in advance from:
Departmento de Transporte Aero Internacional
Direccion General De Aeronautica Civil
Providencia 807, Piso 2
Col. Del Valle,
03200 Mexico City
Mexico D.F.
Telephone: 011-525-523-2815
Fax: 011-525-523-3419 or 011-525-523-7207
All requests must include:
Planning Your Arrival in Mexico
Your first landing in Mexico must be at an Airport of Entry. The Mexican
government has established Airports of Entry (AOEs) for piston-engine aircraft
that differ from the AOEs available to jet or turbine aircraft.
No enroute landings are permitted, and the pilot must follow the airways
previously established by the Secretaria de Communicaciones y Transportes.
Pilots are required to inform the aviation authorities in Mexico of their
presence at the international airport closest to the point at which they expect
to cross the Mexican border.
In the event this airport is overflown, contact must be made as soon as
possible with that airport's control tower in order to furnish a position
report and estimated time of arrival to the international airport of
destination.
A written flight plan must be filed with the Aeronautics Authority of the
Secretaria de Communicaciones y Transportes at the nearest AOE to the point of
crossing the Mexican border. In the case of jet aircraft that overfly the
border airports, pilots must make contact with the control center for air
transit.
Customs
Customs inspections are provided free of charge to noncommercial private
aircraft during regular Customs business hours, which normally are 0900 to 1700
local time, Monday through Friday, unless specified otherwise. After- hours
service, when and if available, may entail considerable overtime charges. We
recommend planning your flight early in the day to avoid possible extraordinary
service fees.
ADCUS - Forms and Arrival Procedures
By using the notation "ADCUS" in the remarks section of your flight plan, the
Mexican Customs and Immigrations officials at your AOE should be notified of
your ETA. Keep in mind, however, that flight plans incorporating the ADCUS
message are not forwarded to your destination for Customs notification until
your flight plan is activated.
Before you depart your airplane, We recommend that you gather all your
documents together in a folder and that you keep hard copies of all documents,
including your U.S. border crossing flight plan for your required stops with
the Mexican officials. Upon arrival at the AOE, pilots are required to close
their border crossing flight plans with the dispatch office, which is typically
located near the base of the tower. This office is similar to an U.S. flight
service station and is referred to as "dispatch" or "SENEAM."
Pilots are required to fill out and sign Form G.H.C.-001, the aircraft entrance
form, commonly referred to as a "green sheet." After filling out the form,
submit it to the Airport Commandant for approval. The original copy is returned
to the pilot and must be kept aboard the aircraft at all times and shown to
Mexican authorities upon request. (You will surrender the green sheet to the
Airport Commandant at the airport of departure from Mexico.)
You will need to go through Customs, Immigration, and Health inspections after
filling out the "green sheet," and the officials in these Departments
will
require you to have the following original documentation in addition to your
"green sheet":
Pilot Documentation
Personal Documentation
Visas and Mexican Immigrations
A visa is required. U.S. citizens traveling as tourists may obtain tourist
cards at the airport of entry in Mexico. Proof of U.S. citizenship will be
required. All persons staying in Mexico over 72 hours must have a tourist visa
card. The charge for this card is US$15.00 (N$150.00) and can be good for 180
days. You may also get a tourist visa in lieu of visas in advance from the
nearest Mexican Consulate or Mexican Tourism Office. Business travelers will
require visas in advance and have additional requirements in order to obtain
visas. Refer to the Mexico IFIM pages and contact the nearest Mexican Consulate
for assistance.
Typically, Customs and Immigration will review personal and aircraft documents
and apply appropriate stamps to Mexican documents. You may be required to have
your aircraft and luggage inspected.
Immunizations
Proof of immunization (for yellow fever, for example) is required only when the
traveler is arriving from an infected area. The U.S. Public Health Service
reports that a malaria risk exists south of 22 degrees north latitude in areas
where the elevation is less than 1,000 meters (3,280 feet). This does not
include Mexico City and most coastal resort areas. You may wish to check with
the U.S. National Centers for Disease Control, telephone (404) 639-3311, for
additional information.
Parking and Security
Before you depart the airport, your aircraft will need to be secured and
parking arrangements made. We recommend that you bring along your own tiedown
equipment and confirm parking arrangements.
Fees
Air navigation services in Mexico are not free. The information listed below is
our best understanding of the current Mexican fee structure. You can expect to
pay:
Weather Services
Mexico does not have flight service stations like those of the United States.
We recommend that you obtain a thorough weather briefing from a U.S.
international FSS or U.S./Mexico-border FSS prior to departing for Mexico.
After crossing the border, it is a good practice to obtain current weather
conditions from a Mexican ATS facility (center or enroute tower), or visit the
flight planning office or weather station at the first airport you land at in
Mexico.
When flying in Mexican airspace, monitor that country's ATC frequencies for
weather information and exchange pilot reports with other transient pilots. If
your hotel in Mexico has cable television, a good tip is to watch the Weather
Channel (CNN) before departure. Although this does not provide "official"
aviation weather information for filing requirements, it offers a good general
outlook.
The lack of timely and accurate weather forecasts poses one of general
aviation's biggest problems in Mexico. In Mexico, aviation weather reports are
made according to the same code in the United States. Many weather stations
operate on a 24-hour basis; some close down about 2130 or later and open again
at 0630 or earlier.
Do not take these reports as completely valid, because the weather changes
frequently and fast over Mexican terrain. At most of the larger airports
(particularly where there is airline service), weather facilities are available
to the private pilot.
Because of the varied geography, Mexico also has a variety of climates, but
fortunately for pilot-visitors, they are fairly constant throughout the year.
The high central plateau on which Mexico City, Guadalajara, and many of the
country's colonial cities are located is spring like year-round a bit cooler in
the winter, a little warmer in summer. When a low-pressure area moves into the
Mexico City valley, it causes low visibility with fog, haze, and smoke. Low
ceilings are prevalent during the rainy season in Mexico City. The low-lying
areas, mostly along Mexico's coastline, have a tropical climate, which makes
its coastal resorts particularly popular with U.S. and Canadian pilots when the
weather's cold really grips the northern areas. In between the two extremes of
altitude (and altitude is the key to climate in Mexico) are the semi-tropical
areas. Throughout the country, there is a rainy season from May to October,
which causes little inconvenience to the flying tourist, because in most places
it consists of a brief afternoon shower followed immediately by clear skies. It
is important to point out that in Mexico, it rains usually in the late afternoon.
Serious thunderstorms develop after 1300 in the mountainous areas during
July, August, and September. Fly in the morning. Good weather prevails
during March, April, May, June, October, and November. Almost perfect weather
occurs during December, January, and February.
The most densely populated section of Mexico, the Central plateau, is
pleasantly cool year-round. Although it is just south of the Tropic of Cancer,
the 5,000- to 8,000-foot altitude gives it a climate much cooler than the
tropical latitude would suggest. Mexico City and most of the other cities
commonly visited by tourists have an ideal vacation climate-warm summer days,
only slightly cooler winter days, and cool nights always. There is a wide
variation between day and night temperatures.
To the north, the plateau slopes gradually to a low altitude, becoming warmer
and more arid. It is bounded on the east and west by mountain ranges, which
slope down to the narrow coastal plains. The climate in the coastal cities,
such as Acapulco and Mazatlan on the Pacific and Veracruz and Tampico on the
Caribbean, although hot and humid, is made comfortable by the sea breezes.
From Tampico southward, or at slightly above sea level, the climate is
generally tropical; north of this point, at about the same elevation, it is
semitropical; this is true southward at elevations from 11000 to 6,000 feet.
The plateau has four seasons in the north and a wet and dry season in the
south. The dry season is from November to April-the shade is cool, and the
nights are cold. During the rainy season on the plateau, mornings are pleasant,
noon is hot, and heavy rain falls in the afternoon or early evening.
This mountain region falls away on the east to the low-lying and flat Yucatan
Peninsula. This is "tierra caliente," or hot land. Here the climate is warm and
humid throughout the year, with a variation of only 7 to 12 in average
temperature between winter and summer. Veteran pilots agree that flights in
Mexico during the rainy season (June through September) should be completed if
possible by midday, after which there is usually a buildup of severe thunder-
storm activity. During the dry season, there is turbulence below 12,000 feet
from 1200 to 1400, particularly over the desert country.
Borrowed, Leased, or Rented U.S. Aircraft in Mexico
If you do not own the aircraft you are flying in Mexico, carry a notarized
letter of authorization that gives you permission to use it in that country.
Tourist pilots utilizing aircraft that are registered in a corporation should
certify to the Mexican officials the nature and type of operation in which the
aircraft is involved, for example, personal use not for profit.
A simple authorization from the owner could state:
"This authorizes [name] to fly aircraft [N number], [model], in Mexico
between the dates of _____and ______."
It should be signed, dated, and notarized.
On any Mexican forms that request the name of the owner/operator, pilots flying
rented or borrowed aircraft should fill in their names, rather than the names
of the owners, to avoid the possibility of Customs officials considering the
flights as commercial or business.
Experimental and Modified Military Aircraft
Pilots who are operating modified military aircraft must obtain a license for
temporary export from the Office of Munitions Control, PM/MC, Room 800, SA-6,
Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520 (703-875-6644) and file it at least
10 days prior to the departure date.
All pilots proposing flights into Mexico should be aware of the fact that
aflight into Mexico differs materially from that into the United States
infactors such as flight plan filing requirements, limited communications,
and weather service availability. Pilots accustomed to the U.S. system and
facilities are warned not to expect the same reliability and service in Mexico.
You'll have to rely more on pilotage and dead reckoning, because you won't have
as much going for you as you do at home in the weather and navaids departments.
It is always wise to operate on the assumption that your flight plan might not
have been transmitted. It is always wise to carry a carbon copy of your flight
plan with you to prove that you did file it in conformance with Mexican
regulations. The authority responsible for civil aviation in Mexico is the
Director General of Civil Aviation.
Cruising Levels
Cruising levels in Mexico are the same as in the United States: VFR-odd
thousands plus 500 feet for 0-179 degrees, and even thousands plus 500 for 180-
359 degrees; IFR-odd thousands between 0-179 degrees and even thousands for 180-
359 degrees.
Flight levels in Mexican airspace begin at FL160. (Note: FL190 is not an
assigned flight level.)
Except as provided in the following paragraph, VFR flights in level cruising
flight, when operated above 3,000 feet (300 meters) from the ground or water,
or a higher datum as specified by the appropriate ATS authority, shall be
conducted at a flight level appropriate to the track as specified in the table
of cruising altitudes.
Altimeter Settings
At or below FL180, over land or coastal areas, use QNH (altitude above mean sea
level based on local station pressure). Use the latest official altimeter
setting at your departure airport until you are able to obtain the setting for
your destination. If you are departing an airport that does not offer an
altimeter setting, initially set your altimeter to the airport elevation.
At FL200 or above 2,000 feet over oceanic areas more than 100 nm from the
coast, use QNE (altimeter setting 29.92 inches of mercury).
Airport Traffic Procedures
Traffic pattern procedures in Mexico are the same as those in the United
States.
However, We suggest pilots circle all non-controlled airports in Mexico prior
to landing to check that the runway is clear of airplanes, livestock, and other
traffic. Often, an overhead entry also serves to announce your arrival to those
on the ground such as resort owners and taxi drivers.
TMA Control Areas
TMA control areas in Mexico are not Class B airspace per se, but airspace of a
predetermined dimension in which all aircraft are subject to control (usually
50nm). Check enroute radio and terminal charts. Each control area is set off by
latitude and longitude coordinates. Every aircraft will be assigned a discrete
frequency to monitor while in controlled airspace. Aircraft must be equipped
with two-way radios and transponders. The altitude of the control area is not
defined.
Mexico City Airport
The Benito Juarez (Mexico City) International Airport currently has a NOTAM
that restricts take off and landings for piston and turboprop aircraft. Slot
reservations are required and will only be issued between 23:00 and 05:00 local
time for repair services. There is also a notice that restricts local flights
out of Mexico City Airport within a 100 NM radius of the Mexico City VOR. There
is also a Special Notice for peak landing fees for Mexico City airport of
approximately $1,256.
We recommend pilots planning to visit Mexico City land at Toluca, about 25
minutes from Mexico City by freeway, or Puebla, about the same distance away.
Communications Requirement
An operating two-way radio is required for all aircraft entering Mexico.
While in Mexico, pilots are required to maintain radio contact with the
controlling facility for the airspace in which they are operating. Position
reporting is mandatory, both for IFR and VFR flights. All enroute and terminal
controllers in Mexico are required to have a working knowledge of the English
language.
It is recommended that pilots use correct radio phraseology and speak clearly
and concisely, without the use of slang.
General Guide to Mexico's Air Navigation and Air Traffic
Procedures
Although pilots should refer to the latest available Aeronautical charts and
the Publication Information Aeronautical for information concerning the specifics
of Mexican airspace and ATC services, the following generalized statements are
presented here to help establish a clear basic understanding of Mexico's
current air navigation and ATC system.
Mexican airspace is encompassed by FIRs (Flight Information Regions), which
extend from the surface to FL200. Flights above FL200 must be on IFR flight
plans and are controlled by the respective area control center UIRs/UTAs (Upper
FIRs/Upper Control Areas).
The country is served by many miles of airways, Victor airways, jet routes, and
few low frequency airways. Jet routes begin at 20,000 feet, and Victor airways
are below 20,000 feet.
Large segments of the airways below 20,000 feet are not yet served by air
traffic control (radar) and thus are "non-radar controlled."
Currently that portion of the airspace of Mexico that is a "Control Area" is
serviced by four Area Control Centers (Mexico City, Monterrey, Mazatlan, and
Merida) and by 23 terminal control areas. There are also a sizable number of
non-approach-control units, together with the necessary subsidiary equipment
such as VHF communications.
Air traffic rules in the Mexico area are basically similar to the U.S. FARs and
follow the Rules of the Air, Annex 1, of the International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO) except for differences in flight plans, arrival reports,
visual flight rules, and altimeter area transitions.
Operational Procedures for Flying Outside Controlled Airspace in
Mexico
As mentioned earlier in the section titled "General Guide to Mexico's Air
Navigation and Air Traffic Procedures," large segments of the airspace are not
yet served by air traffic control (radar), and areas are therefore "non-radar
controlled." This fact presents certain problems to pilots operating within the
non-controlled portions of the airspace system, especially during periods of
IFR weather conditions.
As a means of improving this situation until such time as air traffic control
can be provided throughout Mexico, the following operational hints are
recommended for use. They have been in use now for several years.
Operational Hints
VFR and IFR flights operating outside controlled airspace (non-radar), but
within or into areas or along routes designated by the appropriate ATS
authority, shall maintain continuous listening watch on the appropriate radio
frequency and report position, as necessary, to the air traffic services unit
providing flight information service.
Note: For VFR and IFR aircraft when communication is not possible with Air
Traffic Services, transmit your position report in the blind and monitor your
assigned frequency.
The position reports must contain the following information:
NIGHT FLIGHTS
Between sunrise and sunset, VFR or IFR flight plans are required for all
flights into, within, and out of Mexico. Between sunset and sunrise, IFR flight plans
are required. There is no VFR night flying allowed within Mexican airspace-
with one exception. VFR night flights are allowed only when the aircraft is heading
back to the United States when departing from these border airports:
Ciudad Juarez, Matamoros, Nuevo Laredo, Reynosa, Tijuana, and Mexicali.
Even these flights are subject to the following requirements:
Deviation from the flight plan itinerary is not permitted except in an
emergency. While flying to a designated airport of entry in the interior of
Mexico, enroute landings are not permitted. Such landings are considered
illegal entries and may result in severe penalties. Flight plans are filed in person
with the flight planning station, located usually at the base of the ATC tower.
After filling out the flight plan, the pilot must have it stamped for approval
with Customs, Immigration, and the Airport Commandant. The pilot then returns
to the flight planning station where the copies are removed, and the pilot
receives the original copy. It is very important for the pilot to keep his original
copy
with him at all times during the flight.
Upon arrival at the destination airport, the pilot fills out an arrival report
in the flight planning office. When operating an aircraft to and from
non-towered airports, pilots must include these transient stops on the original
flight plan and close them when they eventually land at an airport with
communications (an airport with a tower, flight planning office, or an Airport
Commandant).
Filing a flight plan does not constitute a request for Customs notification.
Customs requirements are explained in a separate section.
Have the officers at your Airport of Entry assist you with filing the original
flight plan for your flights inside Mexico to avoid flying illegally in the country.
VFR/IFR Flight Plan
Pilots operating aircraft in accordance with the visual flight rules who wish
to change to compliance with the instrument flight rules shall:
PLAN DE VUELO
(Mexican Flight Plan)
Start from the very top of the form.
| 01. | Lugar | Indicate the place you are taking off from (three letter identifier) |
| 02. | Fecha | Indicate the current date |
| 03. | Block A | check VFR or IFR |
| 04. | Block B | state your aircraft type |
| 05. | Block C | state your tail number - N number |
| 06. | Block D | state your call sign if it is different from your tail number |
| 07. | Block E | state the three letter identifier or where you plan to land |
| 08. | Block F | state your proposed takeoff time (in Zulu) |
| 09. | Block G | list your cruising altitude or flight level and then put in the route of flight |
| 10. | Block H | state your planned flight time |
| 11. | Block I | state your cruising airspeed |
| 12. | Block J | state the three letter identifier for your alternate |
| 13. | Block K | state VHF |
| 14. | Block L | state the total time you can fly with the fuel load on board |
| 15. | Block M | state the pilot's and copilot's last name |
| 16. | Block N | state your FAA certificate number |
| 17. | Block 0 | state your address |
| 18. | Block P | state the basic color of your aircraft |
| 19. | Block Q | state the total number of passengers and crew |
| 20. | Observaciones | List the passengers' names |
Sign the form in the lower left (Pilot's Signature).
REPORTE DE LLEGADA EN VUELO DE RUTA
(Mexican form for closing flight plan)
(DGAC Forma 116)
Start from the top.
| 01. | Aeropuerto en | indicate where you just landed (the three letter identifier is okay) |
| 02. | Avion | state your tail number (N number) |
| 03. | Tipo | state your aircraft type |
| 04. | Matricula | state you tail number again |
| 05. | Piloto | state your last name |
| 06. | Lic. nurn | state your FAA certificate number |
| 07. | Clase de Vuelo | indicate IFR or VFR, as applicable |
| 08. | Procedencia | provide the three letter identifier of from where you came |
| 09. | Hora | note your takeoff time (in Zulu) |
| 10. | Pasajeros | list the names of your passengers |
| 11. | Observaciones | leave blank |
Date the form and sign it.
Navigation Aids
Navigational aids may be shut down without prior notice.
Aircraft Accident Notifications
In the event of an accident, the owner/operator of the aircraft is responsible
to notify the nearest airport Commandant.
In addition to notifying the Commandant, you are also compelled to contact the
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in the United States. Your Mexican
insurance company will also require notification. Due to the many governmental
agencies and complex reporting requirements, covering all aspects of an
aircraft accident would not be practical in this manual. For additional assistance,
contact the American Consulate at the U.S. Embassy.
Flying seriously injured or deceased persons from Mexico to the United States
must be cleared with Mexican authorities. Aid should be requested from the U.S.
Consulate and the Mexican Tourist Bureau.
Search and Rescue
Search and rescue services are provided by local jurisdictions. There is no
national (federal) authority that coordinates or provides search and rescue
capability. Specific questions on the subject may be addressed to the nearest
U.S. agency:
Commander (OSR)
Eighth Coast Guard District
Hale Boggs Federal Building
501 Magazine Street
New Orleans, LA 70130-3399
Telephone: (504) 589-6225
We recommend that pilots leave a copy of their itinerary with friends or family
(see "Emergencies" and 'Travel Tips" in Chapter 5.
Restricted Areas
Watch for restricted areas around Guadalajara, Mexico City, Tuxla Guterrez,
Veracruz, and Villahermosa. Airspace dimensions and hours of operation may be
obtained from current Aeronautical charts and NOTAM publications.
Forms to Carry
Keep with you the green sheet (aircraft entrance form), tourist card, and a hard
copy of your flight plan. Visitors should remember to carry their visa/tourist
card, which must be produced upon request from any Customs officer.
Flying Mexican-Registered Aircraft
A Mexican private pilot certificate will be issued on the basis of a valid
certificate issued by any member state of the ICAO. However, civil aviation is
on a small scale in Mexico, and aircraft available for rent will be difficult
to find.
Aviation Fuel
Fuel is available at tower-controlled airports only. Keep this in mind and
flight plan carefully. Plan on paying cash for fuel, which is sold by the
government; credit cards are rarely accepted. Fuel is sold in liters, not
gallons.
At the majority of airports that offer fuel, service is provided by trucks.
When you are refueled from tank trucks or underground tanks, there usually is little
chance of contamination. However, should you have to refuel from drums, strain
the fuel through a fine Teflon mesh strainer or a chamois.
The best practice is to avoid potential problems and refuel at major airports.
Jet, 80/87-, and 100/130-octane avgas are readily available; however, 100LL is
scarce. Always request fuel immediately upon landing and monitor the refueling
process. Oil is expensive-when it is available-and it is good practice to bring
a few quarts of your own, keeping weight and balance considerations in mind.
The FAA has been advised by the State Department that in Baja California,
Mexico, private pilots may purchase fuel only at Tijuana, Mexicali, Loreto, Los
Cabos, and Guerro Negro.
REPAIRS
Generally, mechanical assistance facilities in Mexico are few and far between.
It is good practice to check with your aircraft manufacturer for a list of
international dealers and repair shops before departing the United States.
Prior to repairing any aircraft, the pilot should ask the Commandant for
assistance with Mexican regulations.
Repairs in foreign countries typically will require a U.S. FAA certificated
mechanic and a certified resident mechanic.
Any repairs done to the aircraft outside the USA must be reported to U.S.
Customs and may require duty to be paid upon arrival. The FAA produces a list
of certified maintenance agencies for Mexico and othe foreign countries. Pilots
can obtain a current copy of this advisory circular from the U.S. Government
Printing Office, which is listed in the Appendix. However, an excerpt from AC
140-7J, dated 7/13/99, is provided as a general planning reference in the
Appendix.
The Mexican pilots association,
FEDERACION MEXICANA DE PILOTOS Y PROPIETARIOS DE AERONAVES (FEMPPA),
has posted a letter to the Mexican authorities opposing the TUA. Here are a few
excerpts from FEMPPA's web site located at: http://www.femppa.com.
FEMPPA arguments against the TUA: