Flying to MEXICO-who's got the know-ho

[Rick1128]

We used to use iccs for our annual permit renewal, until they screwed it up. It didn't get renewed. It very difficult to get any satisfaction on those sort of issues with a company outside the country. At least with Universal, if there is a problem, it is either fixed or you get some or all of your money back.

While the one time permit is done through the Commandate, the annual permits are done through DGSC and while individual Commandate's may try to say they are not valid, showing them a copy of the receipt tends to stop that problem.

I mentioned the rafts and vests, as they are easliy overlooked items especially if they are not used a lot. And Customs, who has absolutely no training in this area, has picked up on it and is starting to check.

We have all heard of aircraft being held for paperwork problems. We are also now starting to hear stories of airport officials being arrested for pulling paperwork scams in order to receive bribes. And based on what I have seen in Mexico, there is some basis in fact.

 

[Otter]

go figure

It is funny how some people have opposite experiences with companies. We had a HUGE snaffu with universal and ICCS has been great for us the last two years. I am beginning to feel like aviation and all things flying are just luck of the draw.

 

[ratings:all]

rafts

and remember, theres a difference between 135 and 91 rafts

 

[English]

Please tell...what is the difference?

I've been asked to cross the Gulf in a CJ...not real happy about that, and it might not happen. The aircraft owner said he has a liferaft. What is the requirement for part 91?

 

[ratings:all]

rafts

91 life rafts (called type 1) are basically just a raft-single hulled, and very basic survival kit. 135 rafts (called type 2) are double hulled, have a radio beacon, and a more complete survival kit. you also have to make sure you have enough raft capacity for crew/pax. rafts are listed as 4/6, 6/9, 10/12, etc. the first number is the ONLY number that can be used for planning purposes-if you have a 4/6 raft, and try to have 3 pax and 2 crew, thats not a big enough raft-you have to have a 6/9, or larger.

there are several raft providers you can rent from if your owner's raft is type 1 and you're doing charter and need a type 2

 

[English]

Thanks! I learned something new.