I was wondering if anybody could provide info on pitfalls or ease of flying to Mexico. I am interested in going to Los Cabos from Scottsdale and would not be stopping enroute.
I would be interested as well.
I know about the radio license, passport - I called AOPA insurance and they say my plane is covered in Mexico. I understand you must have Mexican ins also.
would like to know about gas stops or other thoughts about taking the trip or any other things that folks have experienced that needed to be avoided. I havnt planned it out but will be topping off at San Diego, CA.
I plan on my trip in April (weather permitting) will be leaving from Vancouver, WA.
I just traded into this airplane and am waiting to get the actual policy. I have heard clean fuel can be a problem in Mexico, not to mention the maintainence issues. Wouldn't it be nice if it was easier and safer to travel to Mexico. They sure would get alot more of our dollars if that was the case.
The "Baja Bush Pilots" association is a big help with those of us who fly below the border. I live on the Oregon coast and have only made 3 trips down the baja from Oregon and bought Mexican insurance from BBP each time. I have never had a problem with fuel. Again, the BBP has a forum that seems to be very active with pilots that report thier finding and experinces with fuel etc.
If you are ina GA plane then I wouldn't land at the large airport at San Jose de los Cabos...rather, I'd check into Mexico through San Felipe or Ensenada....very quick and friendly....then land at the airport which is just 5 miles north of Cabo San Lucas....MM15. Qucik taxi ride to town...very secure airport with Military there.
If your US policy names Mexico in coverage, then you do not need Mexico policy. You also can get an annual permit at airport of entry for around $50...allows you to enter Mexico for entire calender year without paying $50 each time....we can thank Baja Bush Pilots Association for these changes....join that group if you plan on going to Mexico/South America more than once per year.
Fuel in mexico is very reliable...been flying there for 10+ years....never an issue. It's 100/130(green) which works very well in GA piston planes No bribes are needed...EVER!!!!! Enjoy flying to Mexico....by the way...there are numerous great stops along the way...pristine spots on the water.....no crowds likke in Cabo.
Called AOPA today - went to their website and got some info.
Applied for Radio License 110.00. Tried to apply on line for the Customs decal --not sure I got that one right - will call them Monday.
Going to update my GPS database for N. America -
Been to the Bush pilots site - very good.
Read the rules on the AOPA web site regarding flying in Mexico. Seems a lot of places do not have radar coverage.
I plan on going to CABO to meet some friends that have a Condo.
I wish someone would publish a list of all of the Mexican airports that have landed at with the call signs and observations.
I will publish all of the info if I go. If I go will be determined by weather. I plan on going during the spring break as my friends are both Teachers.
Bajabushpilots have their book...lists all the info on all the mexico/central american airports. You don't need a radio lic....the regs may say so, but ask any pilot that's ever flown to mexico...they NEVER ask for it...don't waste your $$$$ go by what bush pilots say...not AOPA. For customs sticker...the web site is great...don't worry...if you don't get a sticker, when you return to the US through Calexico or Brown field...you can buy on ethere on the spot for $25....but it's nice to have one ahead of time.
Also...US customs loves when a pilot lands and has the form 178 all filled out, sticker on the airplane....usually it's a matter of minutes and you are done. have a great trip....don't land at San Jose del Cabo airport( MMSD)...land at the cabo san lucas airport( M15)...about 5 miles north of town...they have fuel, military presents so aircraft is watched....soon to be an airport of entry
If you are flying to Mexico, keep this in mind:
"Bribes are a way of life". Don't be surprised if the customs officials ask for paperwork you don't have, all they want is some extra cash to supplement their meager income.
