Mexico has postponed its requirement for 406 MHz ELT's in aircraft lying in Mexican airspace. For private aircraft, the new deadline is December 31, 2011 and for commercial aircraft the new deadline is December 31, 2010.

For over 2 years Caribbean Sky Tours has been meeting with the Director General of the DGAC (past and present) as well as the department directors and sub-directors of the DGAC to explain the impact this regulation would have on visiting aircraft and on tourism. We also presented a myriad of information developed and compiled by our staff as well as information shared by the Canadian Owners and Pilot's Association (COPA) who were also facing the same challenge. Caribbean Sky Tours was also put in the unique position of representing US general aviation by being granted an authorization letter from AOPA as well as Mexican general aviation by the president of the Mexican federation of Pilots (FEMPPA). Caribbean Sky Tours was the only organization invited to present to the Norms and Regulations committee for Mexican civil aviation where in representation of our customers, AOPA members and FEMPPA members, we presented our case for exempting aircraft visiting Mexico that are registered in countries that do not require 406 MHz ELT's.

We continue looking for precedents to present to the DGAC to continue deferring this requirement.

Rick Gardner
Caribbean Sky Tours