Pilots should be advised of a change in procedure at MGGT which can have a significant financial impact on your trip to MGGT. About three years ago the Guatemala DGAC (Civil Aviation Authority) forced the local Aeroclub to close a ramp that had been used in the past for transient overnight parking by visiting light General Aviation aircraft. The new parking alternative was to use a remote ramp on the north side of the commercial aviation ramp with moderate parking fees of approximately $25 per day for a Cessna 182.

The Guatemala DGAC has now introduced a new requirement whereby anyone using this remote parking ramp will now have to hire a private security firm to place a security guard next to each airplane that parks on the ramp. The DGAC will dictate what private security firm you have to use. The approximate cost for this service is about US$ 200 per day in addition to the parking fee and all other airport fees. The only other alternative is to use one of the FBO's on the field which may charge significant fees for overnight parking which could rival the cost of using the remote ramp with the private security.

Therefore, if you plan to fly to MGGT in a private aircraft, you should quote with one of the FBO's in MGGT before committing to your trip so that you have an estimate of what the total cost for flying to MGGT will be. Make sure that they quote all fees as they may also have other fees in addition to parking that you may have to pay to use their ramp. Trying to negotiate paring rates will be much more difficult once you are already on the ground in MGGT.

CST Flight Services (Formerly: Caribbean Sky Tours)
www.cstflightservices.com