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.

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