Mexico’s DGAC has modified the procedures for issuing and maintaining a
Single-Entry or
Multiple-Entry permit which went into effect on Saturday, 26-APR-2014. While overall there is not a significant change to the procedures, there are some new requirements and steps being taken by the DGAC that are worrisome. The changes are clearly aimed at operators conducting illegal cabotage using US registered aircraft and also demonstrates greater collaboration between Mexico’s DGAC and Mexican Immigration and Mexican Customs. However, under these new guidelines there are potential situations for law-abiding operators of US registered aircraft to have issues flying to/within/from Mexico. Those especially at risk are:
• Pilot changes. Operations where any change to pilots may be involved will void an Entry Permit.
• Passenger manifest changes. Anyone who was not on board an aircraft when it entered the country must go through a new authorization procedure to fly on the aircraft.
• Aircraft that are part of a Charter Certificate even if the aircraft is being flown under Part 91 could face legal action
• Mexico APIS. Those not aware of the new Mexico APIS rules. The new procedures includes text regarding "electronic means" of information transfer to Mexico Immigration
FOR A DETAILED REVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF THE NEW PROCEDURES, VISIT THE
MEXICO SECTION OF THE PROCEDURES AND FORMS PAGE ON THE MEMBER WEBSITE. On this page you will find an overview of Entry Procedures as well as the analysis of how the new procedures could impact you. Here is a partial list of what is involved in the new procedures and is covered in the analysis:
• Checking tail numbers against the FAA Registration database
• Checking tail numbers against an FAA Charter database
• Laws and Jurisdiction
• Use of Legal airports
• Quarantine areas
• Entry Permit payment receipts
• Use of General Declarations for arrivals and departures
• Electronic means for submitting information to Mexico Immigration (Mexico APIS)
• Passenger and crew lists
• Changes to crew and the voiding of Entry Permits
• New form being used for tracking aircraft movements
• Greater collaboration between DGAC, Immigration and Customs
SUMMARY
There are a number of scenarios where operators may find themselves incurring additional expenses or being grounded for no legal reason. We are reaching out to others in the General Aviation industry in Mexico and will meet with the Civil Aviation officials of Mexico’s DGAC to discuss these new procedures and determine if there are ways to address the potential issues raised and avoid any unnecessary situations that would affect General Aviation operations.
