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NEWS - Updated November 17, 2008 To remain up to date on aviation News regarding flying to Mexico, flying to the Bahamas or flying to Central America, and on upcoming fully escorted FLY-IN's, visit our contact us page and send us your e-mail address.
18-Nov-08 Implementation dates for the final rule have been published. The rule goes into effect December 18, 2008 and compliance becomes mandatory on May 18, 2008. 17-Nov-08 The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the final rules today affecting private aircraft on international flights into, and out of, the U.S.A. Although the rule remains generally very similar to the original rule, a number of modifications have been made to address many of the concerns raised by pilots during the comment period. Overall, the rule will require: Any private aircraft returning to the US from a foreign destination must provide (1) an arrival notification and (2) a manifest of crew and passengers. This information must be submitted via e-APIS no later than 60 minutes prior to departure from the foreign airport and the pilot must receive electronic approval and instructions prior to departure. The most significant modifications to the final rule are: (2) You can modify the place of departure and estimated time of departure on your outbound flight information via telephone, radio or other currently existing means. You can also modify your intended airport of arrival in the USA and your estimated time of arrival via telephone, radio or other currently existing means on your inbound flight. Recommendations and observations: In addition to estimated time of departure or arrival, departure date inbound and outbound should be allowed to be changed via telephone or radio as well. Just as in the outbound portion of a flight, the foreign place of departure on an inbound flight should be allowed to be changed via radio or telephone. Many times an aircraft may have to change its departure point when returning to the US due to fuel, mechanical or other reasons. When an estimated time of deparure or estimated time of arrival is changed, the "border or coastline crossing" time (a required data element in e-APIS) has to change as well. It should be clarified that the "border or coastline crossing" information can be changed via telephone as well as it is not expressly called out in the new rule. Clarification of the rule. If someone who is on an outbound or inbound manifest does not make the flight and is not physically on the aircaft, does this necessitate a new filing of the manifest. Clarification of the rule. If a notification or manifest is denied, what recourse does the pilot have, especially when they are outside the US. The DHSTRIP system and explanation accompanying the changes to the rule did not appear to provide clear solutions. We have recommended that e-APIS be made "intelligent" by storing aircraft information; type, decal number, owner/lessee name and address, operator name and address etc. for future flights. We have also recommended that crew and passenger information on an outbound flight be the "default for the manifest on an inbound flight as usually these do not change. These steps should help to reduce the workload for the user. We have made a number of additional observations, call Caribbean Sky Tours if you would like additional detail. To get the details, click here to download the new rule.
17-Nov-08 The Playa del Carmen municipal government has re-surfaced the runway at this quaint airport located in the middle of town. Conveniently located to the beach, shopping, taxis and the bus station, the airport is in an ideal location. For a number of years, the runway surface had been deteriorating with small holes and loose gravel. The recent invenstment helps improve the runway surface to good condition. There have also been minor reonovations to the terminal building and to the fence and secutiry staff at the airport.
17-Nov-08 Caribbean Sky Tours was at this year's AOPA Expoin Palm Springs. We attended the AOPA Regional Representatives meeting and supported fellow regional representatives by manning the Government Affairs booth at the Expo. We also distributed information on products and services as well. It was a great peasure seeing many of our friends at the show and catching up. There was a lot of excitement with the new Mexican WAC charts as well as on upcoming trips.
NEW !! Kohunlich airport temporarily closed for runway renovation:
13-Oct-08 The Kohunlich airport continues to be closed while the airstrip undergoes repairs. We will be making formal inquiries shortly to pressure the operator. We will continue to monitor this project and advise once the airstrip is once again open. For questions about flying to Mexico, flying to Central America or flying to the Bahamas, in a private general aviation aircraft, contact Caribbean Sky Tours. 14-Oct-08 Today, we spoke with the Director General of the government agency that is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Mahahual airport and were given a November 21, 2008 date for reopening the airport. We will provide updates as they become available. NEW !! Mahahual airport temporarily closed for runway renovation:
13-Oct-08 The Mahahual airport is temporarily closed for renovation and repairs. This airport suffered heavy damage during hurricane Dean in 2007 and has been in need of work for some time. In addition to major repairs to the airport building, the runway is being resurfaced and is almost complete. For questions about flying to Mexico, flying to Central America or flying to the Bahamas, in a private general aviation aircraft, contact Caribbean Sky Tours. 14-Oct-08 Today, we spoke with the Director General of the government agency that is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Mahahual airport and were given a November 21, 2008 date for reopening the airport. We will provide updates as they become available. Website pages showing aeronautical charts by geographic region
13-Oct-08 To make it easier for pilots to select the necessary charts for a trip, Caribbean Sky Tours has added 3 additional pages to its website showing aeronautical charts available for Mexico, Central America and the Bahamas & Caribbean. Each individual web page show the VFR and IFR charts available for that region and the respective coverage map to help pilots select the correct charts for their trip. The "Charts for Mexico" page also shows the coverage territory for the new Mexican VFR WAC charts from the Mexican government along with FAA WAC charts, ONC charts and DOD IFR enroute charts. In addition, to these three new pages, Caribbean Sky Tours has an "Aeronautical Charts Overview" page that discusses the characteristics of FAA WAC, Mexican WAC, ONC and DOD IFR enroute charts.
Clarification on EXPERIMENTAL aircraft flying to Mexico:
There is no restriction on Experimental Aircaft with US registry operating in Mexican airpace provided that they observe the operational specifications and limitations set forth by the FAA as well as the operating instructions and performance established in the POH/AFM. However, if the Airworthiness Certificate of the aircraft limits the operation of the aircraft only to the country of registry, then that aircraft cannot operate in Mexico.
Special production run of VFR WAC charts for Caribbean Sky Tours: 17-Nov-08: The Mexican Government has completed an additional print production run of VFR WAC charts for Caribbean Sky Tours in order to meet the tremendous demand that we have received from the aviation community. We want to thank INEGI for supporting us in the distribution of charts to pilots in Mexico and the USA. The charts have been received and shipped to the USA for distribution. 07-Aug-08: Caribbean sky Tours is happy to announce that the ALL NEW VFR WAC charts for ALL OF Mexico are finally available to the General Aviation community. Caribbean Sky Tours has signed a contract with the Mexican government and is now an authorized distributor for INEGI. To purchase these charts for $ 12.99 each, visit our on-line Pilot Shop. Mexico is divided into 12 WAC chart regions and each region is named after a city within the region. There are 2 chart regions printed on each chart for a total of 6 charts. We have also added information on our “Aeronautical charts” page with a coverage area chart that shows the 12 regions. In addition, we have created 6 separate web pages for each WAC chart where you can see the Airports Of Entry (AOE) on each chart as well as "unofficial" information on PRIVATE and CLOSED airports on the chart. To access these web pages, "click" on the appropriate area of the map or on the name of the chart. We have also prepared a comparative analysis between FAA WAC, DOD ONC and Mexican WAC charts that you can download from the Aeronautical Charts page and read.
Comparative analysis of VFR charts for Mexico:
The comparative analysis can be downloaded from the Caribbean Sky Tours website.
Meetings with Mexico's DGAC (Civil Aviation Department) in Mexico City
Improvements to Entry Procedures: Caribbean Sky Tours has identified a number of issues with the current entry procedures for US registered aircraft and made a formal request for improvements to these procedures in 2008. A draft of the revised procedures was reviewed with the DGAC and continues to be refined. All of our requests in this area have been reviewed at length by the Directors of the areas involved as well as by the legal department of the DGAC with favorable results. However, we must wait for an official signed procedure. The major items are:
Experimental Aircraft: We have received many calls regarding Experimental aircraft. The DGAC has indicated that their position is that any Experimental aircraft that does not have a geographic limitation on its airworthiness certificate can enter Mexico freely. Aircraft that do have a geographical restriction will need to get prior approval from the DGAC. This clarification will be written into the new procedures outlined above. Light Sport Aircraft (LSA): Caribbean Sky Tours has formally requested that Light Sport Aircraft and Light Sport Pilot's licenses be recognized and regulations drafted to allow LSA aircraft and pilots into Mexico. The DGAC is very receptive to this concept and will be analyzing these new rules. However, the Director General indicated in light of the fact that changes would have to be made to laws and regulations in order to allow LSA aircraft to operate, approval of LSA aircraft and pilots will not happen short-term. 60 month Airman Medical Certificates: We have received many calls regarding the new time period for 3'rd class medical certificates by the FAA. We have asked the DGAC to formally states their position. During the meeting it was indicated that the DGAC will recognize and accept the time period set by the FAA on a medical certificate. Text to that effect will also be written into the procedures outlined above. Other topics: Caribbean Sky Tours is working on a number of other suggestions and recommendations to facilitate the arrival of foreign aircraft into Mexico with the DGAC and other federal departments. As these develop we will keep readers informed. However, one topic that greatly concerns the DGAC is that they have knowledge of US registered aircraft providing charter services within Mexico that do not have a US Part 135 authorization or have not properly registered their Part 135 operation with the DGAC. We have been working closely with the DGAC to ensure that steps to identify and stop these aircraft do not impact nor hinder the arrival of Part 91 aircraft into Mexico. We cannot stress enough the importance of respecting rules and rgulations of foreign countries to avoid the implementation of stricter and less flexible rules in the future.
Update on 406 MHz ELT requirements for Mexico
The Mexican Regulation; NOM-012-SCT3-2000 stipulates that after July 1, 2008, aircraft operating within Mexican airspace must have a TSO'd AUTOMATIC 406 MHz ELT aboard. The DGAC has also indicated that they would accept a TSO'd AUTOMATIC portable ELT (ELT(AP)). On June 2, 2008, Caribbean Sky Tours formally requested an exemption for US regustered aircraft from this regulaiton. Subsequently, the DGAC issued a “Letter of Policy” CP AV-10/08, which extends the implementation of the 406 MHz ELT requirement for 1 year (July 1, 2009) unless during that year an aircraft has replaced it’s ELT or ELT battery at which time the ELT must be upgraded to a 406/121.5 MHz ELT in order to fly to Mexico. Caribbean Sky Tours also drafted a letter on behalf of AOPA in Spanish to present to the DGAC suppoprting Caribbean Sky Tours' position. On September 3, 2008, The Caribbean Sky Tours 406 MHz PLB proposal was reviewed at length with the Director General of the DGAC and his Directors along with the heads of the technical departments of the DGAC. Caribbean Sky Tours has provided the DGAC with a detailed comparison of ELT and PLB options along with updated pricing to demonstrate the options available and economic impact. The DGAC is looking for a way to facilitate the arrival of US registered aircraft while complying with the already issued regulation. We are monitoring this topic with them closely and will publish their decision as soon as it is available. Pilot’s who have specific questions can contact Caribbean Sky Tours for more details
Clarification of Mexican Aviation Insurance Requirements 21-Jul-08 Unfortunately, there continues to be a lot of misinformation regarding Mexican liability insurance. In order to orient pilots who may be confused as to what the current requirements are for Mexican insurance, we have would like to share the current Mexican liability insurance requirements with pilots. In 2003, Mexico changed their regulations so that U.S. issued liability insurance that meets Mexican requirements was valid in Mexico and pilots would no longer have to purchase separate liability coverage from a Mexican insurance company for flights to Mexico. These requirements are: that you have at least US$ 280,000 of liabtility coverage, that the policy clearly states that you are covered inside Mexico and that you bring photocopies of the applicable pages of the policy that demonstrate this. Caribbean Sky Tours has been working closely with the DGAC to identify and address any DGAC offices at airports that have not been made aware of the policy thus saving U.S. pilots from purchasing unnecessary insurance. Caribbean Sky Tours works closely with the Mexican Government to facilitate and simplify the entry process for pilots visiting Mexico. Pilots with doubts or concerns should contact Caribbean Sky Tours. Mexican International NOTAM Effective February 1, 2008, any general aviation aircraft that plans to land in Mexico on a flight that originated in the Caribbean, Central America or South America, must make their first landing in either Cozumel MMCZ or in Tapachula MMTP. Both airports are operating on a 24 hour schedule. Pilots flying to Mexico from Central America or the Caribbean can expect a more thorough inspection by the Mexican military upon landing, once the inspection is complete, you will then proceed through the normal entry procedures.. In Tapachula you will be instructed to taxi to a special ramp area for inspection. The inspection normally takes about 10-15 minutes. For questions about flying to Mexico, flying to Central America or flying to the Bahamas, in a private general aviation aircraft, contact Caribbean Sky Tours.
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NEW !! 
NEW !! 
18-Nov-08 The airport continues to undergo renovations and is closed.
18-Nov-08 The airport continues to undergo renovations and is closed.
13-Oct-08 During the "Amigos de la Aviación" meeting in March of this year, the question of Experimental aircraft flying to Mexico came up and there was some discussion as to the status of Experimental aircarft entering Mexico. In September of this year, Caribbean Sky Tours made a formal request to Mexico's Civil Aviation Authority, the DGAC, requesting clarification on Experimental aircraft with US registry flying to Mexico. The DGAC has responded to our request and the following summarizes their response:
13-Oct-08: Pilot Getaways magazine has printed the comparative analysis of VFR charts for Mexico completed by Caribbean Sky Tours. In order to aid pilots in determining what charts best suits their needs, Caribbean Sky Tours analyzed the different VFR charts for Mexico available to pilots. As part of the analysis, we contacted the Mexico specialists in the charting departments of the FAA and the DOD to determine their sources of data and the frequency that this data is updated. In addition, we used our experience and contacts within the Mexican government to complete the analysis. 
03-Sep-08 Caribbean Sky Tours met with the Director General of Mexico's DGAC and his direct reports in Mexico City last Wednesday, Sept. 3. In two separate meetings that lasted until 9:30 pm, we review a number of topics affecting general aviation flights from the USA into Mexico.
