Member's Home Forums General Discussion Mexico 406 MHz ELT Extension - June 30, 2018

Good morning and thanks for your post.

We had a meeting on March 27 with Mexico's DGAC, Mexican Immigration, Mexican ATC and other agencies where a number of issues were discussed. Among them was the 406 MHz ELT deadline. We were told verbally that another 3-year extension was in the works but we do not have confirmation. Until we do, we do not want to create false expectations in case there are any last minute changes. Therefore, Officially, the deadline has ended but another extension is in the works. We have not rushed out to put a 406 MHz ETL in our aircraft yet.

We have another meeting in Mexico City scheduled for next week and we hope to have more information,

We received official confirmation today from Mexico's DGAC that a three year extension for the implementation of the 406 MHz in Mexico is under final review by the Judicial Department of the Secretary of Communications and Transportation. A final response should be given before the end of July, 2015 extending the deadline until 2018. As soon as the new regulation is available we will advise. In the meantime, General Aviation aircraft may freely travel to Mexico without a 406 MHz ELT.

There are a number of other issues related to General Aviation aircraft flying to Mexico being addressed with more meetings in Mexico City planned in the coming weeks and we will advise as confirmation of changes become available

That's great news. Thank you so much for staying on top of this!

We received official notification today from the Mexican Federal Government that the requirement for 406 MHz ELT's has once again been extended to June 30, 2018. Caribbean Sky Tours Pilots Association Members wanting additional information should contact Caribbean Sky Tours.

Hello Rick!
I notice that the current extension will expire in 11 days. Are there any plans for any new extensions? Should I start shopping around for a new ELT or hold off for a couple of weeks?

At this time there is no plan for a new extension. We will advise if anything changes but based on the current trends, we would not be anticipating a further extension.

We have been advised by Mexico's DGAC that there will NOT BE any further extensions to the date for 406 MHz ELT compliance. Therefore, starting Sunday, July 01, 2018 all visiting US or Canadian registered aircraft must have a 406 MHz ELT installed to travel to Mexico. Failing to have a 406 MHz ELT can result in an enforcement action. Recent experience has led us to believe that it is entirely possible that enforcement action may be taken on pilots of aircraft that do not comply. We have been advised they WILL NOT accept a SPOT, Garmin Inreach, Spidertracks, 406 MHz PLB or any other tracking device as a substitute.


NOTIFICATION OF THIS REQUIREMENT AND THE DATE OF ENFORCEMENT HAS BEEN SENT BY DGAC HEADQUARTERS TO ALL THE DGAC OFFICES AT MEXICAN AIRPORTS.


It is very possible that the DGAC at certain airports in Mexico may inspect visiting US or Canadian aircraft for these ELTs. Anyone planning a trip to Mexico who does not have a 406 MHz ELT should take this into consideration.

CST Members with aircraft that do not have 406 MHz ELTs and are evaluating their options should consider that The Bahamas, Belize, Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, USVI DO NOT require 406 MHz ELTs.

Starting July 01, 2018 piston powered aircraft with an MTOW below 12,500 lbs will be required to have a 406 MHz ELT. This requirement has been zealously communicated by Mexico s DGAC headquarters to their regional and airport Comandantes. As we have called around to DGAC offices at airports around the country, we have found that the interpretation and planned enforcement of the new regulations vary greatly. At some airports, they plan to focus on Mexican registered aircraft while at others they will inspect everybody. Some airports plan to inspect aircraft when they renew their Airworthiness Certificate (Mexican registered aircraft) whereas others plan instant ramp checks of all aircraft. Proof of compliance ranges from presenting logbook entries (original logbooks) to accepting copies of logbook entries. Some DGAC inspectors are planning to make a physical inspection of the ELT (yes, really). The planned consequences for failing to comply range from a warning, to a full blown enforcement action with aircraft grounding and fine. In short, it will be a dynamic situation until things die down.

Therefore, we strongly recommend that if you DO have a 406 MHz ELT installed in your aircraft and you plan to fly to Mexico, that you at least bring photocopies of your logbook entries that document the installation of the 406 MHz ELT. It would be best to bring the original logbook as well, if possible. Any additional documentation such as NOAA registration documents (showing tail number), ELT invoice, etc. would be advisable. If you DO NOT have a 406 MHz ELT, we urge you to avoid flights to Mexico until you have one installed.

As AOPA's authorized representative in Mexico, we are the ones who have been making the requests over the years for extensions to the 406 MHz ELT deadline on AOPA s behalf. We also set up the meeting between AOPA's Mark Baker and the DGAC here in Mexico City where this matter was discussed in depth. Based on our experience lately assisting AOPA members who have run into trouble with the DGAC in Mexico, and after seeing how their matters have been resolved, we believe that you should take this matter very seriously.

While we are always happy to assist pilots who have problems down here, we would prefer to help them avoid getting into trouble in the first place.