Going to Mexico!

[GravityHater]

For advance planning, I am looking for online-available info such as:

-obtaining metars, tafs, winds aloft like we have with ADDS etc.

-any published IAPs online?

-airport diagrams

-fbo contacts

 

[cheyflyer]

You may be able to get some of the info you desire from www.fltplan.com and also try acukwik online for FBO and airport info.

COLT and Universal are 2 of the contract services that will have everything you are looking for and will make all the arrangements and do all your planning.... for a fee of course.

 

[Gulfstream 200]

Where are you going?

Likely many people here have been there and can give you specific info.

Usually you can do everything yourself by working with the local handler ($$$)

Be sure you have documented mexican insurance on the airplane.

 

[spxdriver]

For advance planning, I am looking for online-available info such as:

-obtaining metars, tafs, winds aloft like we have with ADDS etc.

-any published IAPs online?

-airport diagrams

-fbo contacts

TAFs and METARs are available on ADDS.
I don't know of any published IAPs online.
Acu Kwik online will have FBO contacts and some airport diagrams.

 

[flying_gringo]

there is also a wealth of information for the DIY pilot headed to mexico at www.bajabushpilots.com.

Good folks there and a ton of into on the message boards.

 

[ksu_aviator]

Also look up the CBP Private Flyers Guide....you really need to read it...all of it.

 

[GravityHater]

Does anyone have the IAP for Loreto, BCS Mexico?
That is the first stop, but charts haven't arrived yet.
Thanks

 

[gear_guy]

I am unfamiliar with that airport. It has been a few years, but I will tell you that you will need to clear customs at an "airport of entry" before proceeding to your destinations (unless your airport is one). You will also need to stop again when leaving. Also, don't forget to plan on stopping at the US border when coming back as well. Unless you list the dept. airport on your "Southern border overflight permit." I forgot what a pain it is to oerate there. I prefer Canada.

Hope it helps

 

[satpak77]

http://www.ivaomxeventos.net/ivaomex/charts/aip.html

Don't know if they are "legal" but....

Use a Handler if your first time !!!

 

[Rough67]

this may be handy also:

http://www.the-airport-guide.com/index.php

 

[GravityHater]

Thanks, that got it.
No ATIS at MMLT?

 

[satpak77]

Unk on ATIS. Many rural Mexican airports tower freq works approach, ground, ATIS, etc etc.

 

[solpilot]

If you're going to overnight, stay at The Inn at Loretto Bay. Great place! Free kayaks and cheap beer. Also, there's a good restaurant in town owned by a Texan, he's a great guy...can't remember the name but the food was good. There aren't too many options so it should be easy to find. Not much going on at the airport in Loretto, pretty simple stuff, but I'd still recommend using a handler.

 

[GravityHater]

How much should a handler cost?
20% tip?

-small jet
-arrange fuel, overnight parking, customs, taxi, fees, 1pax
what else?

 

[hiflyer731]

You shouldn't really need a handler at Loreto. Everyone you need to talk to is within 50 feet of each other and they are pretty good at telling you who to talk to. Your passenger should be on his way 15-20 min after landing but allow yourself up to an hour after you land to take care of everything. On departure it can take a while for all the paperwork too, but they will help you through it. It is an airport of entry so you can fly there and clear in or out of Mexico. It's a small airport with a very small GA terminal on the far south side of the ramp. They do have airline service on Alaska 3 or 4 days a week so you might want to time your arrival and departure to avoid the flight or you will be waiting for customs and immigration until they are done with the flight. I think they accept AMEX for airport fees and UvAir for fuel, but it is always a good idea to bring a fair amount of cash ($1000-$2000) because it really all depends what form of payment they want to accept that day. I've been in and out of there about 6 times in the last year so if you have any more questions let me know.