Flying to Mexico

[falconpilot]

mexico flight

Pay the extra money and get a handler... We always use Air Routing Intl... The take care of everything.... It makes it so much easier... Mexico is very easy to get in and out of, but I have had some hassels in the past. Good luck...

 

[Cowboypilot]

just got back

Just got back from MMPR. Used a handler chosen from the list under MMPR in Ackuquik. Appears to be a waste of money. The "handler" contracted the FBO to do everything and then charged me 15% on the charges. The FBO was great and said just to contact them directly in the future, which I will.
I took lots of advice from this fourm like seals, and passport info.

Im flying to MMQT and MMAN in two weeks...any info?

Thanks for all the advice.

 

[XLDaddy]

Aerotron does a pretty good job getting things done for you. I used a handler once the first time as well, after that just have always contacted them direct. Never had a problem, but it is a bit expensive like all big mexican airports. MMQT is straightforward. Been in there a few times and fees have been reasonable, no handler. Make sure the pax know the airport curfew, commandante threatens big money to stay late and keep the controllers there(used to be after 7:00PM). Watch the winds getting in and out as it sits on a bit of a plateau and you may get a bit of shear, especially landing east. No food at the airport unless the cafe is open, which it never has been when I was there. I've never been to MMAM, have a good trip.

 

[pilotviolin]

just did mexico twice in the last two weeks. Pay only a handler if you whant to save maybe only a half an hour. I don't use handler because mexicans are flriendly and the fbo staff can do the same thing! Just make sure you have mexian insurance and just show up. Mexicans are awesome.

 

[HMR]

Thanks for the help everyone. We just got back from Puerto Vallarta today. We skipped the handler and used Aerotron directly. From the time we opened the door until our pax were on their way to the Four Seasons took all of 10 minutes. Even quicker on the way back. I don't see how a handler could've saved any time. The line guys were some of the most helpful I've dealt with.

We stayed at the Sheraton Buganvilias- $135/night USD for oceanview. Nice place within walking distance to a lot of stuff. We rented a car through the FBO but didn't need it. Cab from FBO to hotel was $15USD, same cab from hotel to FBO is $6USD.



Here's the price list straight from Aerotron:
About your request for parking in our place for three days, I so glad to present You the parking and ground handling services fees for Gulfstream Astra:


CATEGORY “B”.



LANDING FEE.- $ 66.97 USD

RAMP OVERNIGHT-. $ 100.00 USD ( PER NIGHT )

INMIGRATION & AIRPORT PASSENGER FEES-. $ 52.00 USD ( EACH ONE )

INTERNATIONAL ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURES FEES.- $ 180.00 USD

EXTRAORDINARY INMIGRATION FEES.- $ 134.00 USD

AIRPORT SERVICES TAX.- $ 147.20 USD ( 15% OF ALL SERVICES )

GOVERNMENT TAX.- $ 179.37 USD ( 15% OF TOTAL AMOUNT )



NOTE: PRICES SUBJECTS TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.



My girlfriend never got her passport. She just used her birth certificate and driver's license. No problem at all.


BTW- My boss' only concern when he arrived at the FBO today was whether or not we'd had enough time to relax by the pool with our significant others. I think we've had exactly 8 RON's since Jan.1st. 7 of those nights have been spent on the beach in MX. If there's a better flying gig out there, I'll be happy to treat the crew to dinner next time you're in town.

 

[Clutch_Cargo]

If there's a better flying gig out there, I'll be happy to treat the crew to dinner next time you're in town.

Glad to hear it went well, HMR! You said it... you're a lucky guy and I'm jealous!

cc

 

[501261]

If there's a better flying gig out there, I'll be happy to treat the crew to dinner next time you're in town.

That's great to hear! I just got back from 5 days in this dump http://www.suttonbay.com . With all the crap going on in this industry it's nice to know some people still like their job .

Thanks for the update on PV I haven't been back there in about 10 years. 10 years ago I got to take my then girlfriend along on a 5 day overnight to PV. Some dumba$$ asked for her hand in marriage at the top of El Faro. I don't think it was me, but somehow I got married a couple of months later .

 

[Tommy Boy]

Also carry some $20's and $5's. The 20's are for the handler and the 5's are for the line service etc.. The job market down there sucks so they hire lots of people for line, fueling, baggage handling etc. and a few dollars here and there goes a long way towards helping things go smoothly.

If you need prist then try to bring your own. Handler will tell you they have it, but sometimes you may end up "buying" some when you get there or they won't have it at all.

If you don't like Universal you can try ICCS. We always had good luck with them. It can all get expensive but also realize that everything else in Mexico is very cheap. Negra Modello for a buck!!

 

[kilroy]

Be carefull using Universal they drop the ball alot and they over charge. They got us a 5000$$ fine by not flight tracking and notifying customs.

Now Mexico charges a senteam fee which is for navigation fees. This is payed only if you buy fuel. They charge by wing span. I'm not sure if you are 91 or 135 but there is alot different requierments for each. Part-91 is easier to do. We always goes as parft-91 regardless of our status. Pegasus flight support does a great job and is 40 % cheapier then UV or Colt.

 

[Learjetter]

Is Cowboy Pilot named Scott by chance?