InterMexico Flying

[cheyflyer]

Anybody have details on flying from point A to B inside of Mexico. Boss wants to go to Cabo soon then take a day trip somewhere up the Baja. Just wondering about getting around inside of Mexico with the plane once you're there.

Thanks,

cf

 

[falconpilot]

Its easy. Just get your handler to set up everythimg.

 

[svcta]

I used to do it in my cargo days. Staying in the country is easy. Just file a flight plan with the people in that office on the airport and launch. The flightplan forms are pretty easy to understand and the guy/gal in the office will enjoy correcting all of your mistakes anyhow, you stupid gringo.

Make sure you have the good old mexican insurance policy with you for the commendancia and just smile at the teenagers with the machine guns. Pay with cash(pesos, man) if you can and don't get recpiepts if you can get away with it. Makes things cheaper(wink wink), though I do understand the percieved risks.

It's been a few years, but I don't remember anything more to it than that.

 

[ableone]

I assume you are a part 91 operation. If you are 135 you may run into problems. I used to do it years ago but everyone at my company had an FM3 (mexican work visa) and even with this I got to visit a jail once. If you have to do it 135 I would use handlers. It can be done without them but with is much easier.

Former freight dog/air ambulance guy.

 

[cheyflyer]

I used to do it years ago but everyone at my company had an FM3 (mexican work visa) and even with this I got to visit a jail once.

Former freight dog/air ambulance guy.

Thats interesting. Yes we are part 91 and I think will be using COLT or someone to set things up. Thanks for the info.

cf

 

[Propnose]

We fly 135 trips into Mexico all the time. We use Colt to set up all the paperwork for clearances & such. We also use handlers everywhere we go, and that makes it that much easier. Once you are in Country, you will get paperwork that allows you to fly throughout the country. Good luck and have fun in Cabo!

 

[AerroMatt]

Flying in Mexico is easy once you know the ropes. It is just time consuming. Helps alot if you habla espaniol also. Baja is great at this time of year (not too hot) and the fishing can be fantastic in places. Just be patient and don't get in an argument with anyone. They love us gringos because we bring lots of $$$ to the local economies. Enjoy!

 

[chingaso]

Haha, yeah, don't let the uniformed teenagers with M-16s scare you, just stay away from them.

Going from area to area is like going from country to country. The former post is right, you have to have an outbound flight plan (plan de vuelo) each leg that "gets approved" on departure and arrival. Landing at an airport within Mexico is just like landing at your first destination from the states, passports, licenses, etc. Everyone is correct: use a handler and you are good to go. We use Pegasus.

Tip like a maniac and life is good. Be carfeul to talk to your pax about medications they have in their bags. I had a uniformed guy with a dog board our plane, the dog alerted on a passenger bag and the formerly nice guy in uniform became all business, and the handlers stopped smiling. It turned out to be diabetes medication in the long run, but it will get you to thinking about cinder-block rooms with no windows real quick. Better to know whats in the bags before you get there.

Learn how to order fuel in liters, how to ask where the banos is, and let your handler hold your hand the rest of the time. Smile and talk to the folks like you would people in the states, and you won't have a problem. Above all else don't repeat yourself slowly and loudly if you don't understand what they are saying. Just smile and say "no habla, por favor" if they are speaking Spanish, and if they are speaking English, just smile and shake your head and indicate "again?" They talk more like us than you might realize. The guys in Cabo are very cool. Again, tip like a maniac.

Otherwise you will be branded a gringo chinga.

 

[ableone]

You don't order fuel in liters you order Turbosina baby.

 

[chingaso]

thats right homey. Turbosina essay! But the turbosina is measured in liters, homes.

 

[pilotviolin]

When we go to Cabo, we don't use a handler. The line guys will be happy to make sure you go get all the right papers stamped, for a tip. I like telling the Boss that I just saved him a $1000 bucks. But hey if you end up in jail, don't blame me. Mexicans are really nice, as long as you have all the paper work passed along with a $50.
Any pilots here get to ride around in the turbosina truck from the 1950's at Cabo? It is awesome!