BBP Office closed - 7/2/2009
The Baja Bush Pilots office will be closed July 3rd in observance of Independence Day. We will be back on Monday, July 6th.
Since we know for many of you the ELT 406 was an issue, now, thanks to the 121.50 ELTs still being currently accepted, we want to see more of you join us for the fishing trip on the 16th. It´s the perfect excuse to get away for a few days and fish, hang out with fello flying friends or just get some lounging time in by the pool.
We wish you all a safe and fun 4th of July!
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121.5 ELT use in Mexico Extended - 6/30/2009
In an email just received from Mexico City, the use of the 121.5 ELT will still be accepted up to October 1, 2009. It was also indicated that this will be the last extension and after that date, all aircraft operating in Mexico must have an atomatic 406 MHz ELT operational in their aircraft.
This extension was made possible by the many flying orginizations, including the BBP and AOPA, who worked with Mexico to make it happen. There have been a lot of changes with the DGAC in the last several months (see alert) and it has been a real challange however, we pulled it off and we are now clear to head South.
However, do not put off getting your 406 installed in your aircraft. October is only three months away and again, Mexico will not pospone this requirement again.
To see letter from Mexcio (in Spanish) that was circulated to all Commanders of all airports in Mexico, click below
Additional 406 Information - 6/25/2009
Still no word from Mexico City or the various airports however, I have been talking to Spruce regarding 406 inventory and Ryan indicates the following:
That Spruce has the following ELTs in stock:
Ameriking 10
Knnad 40
Artex 40
And regarding the ACK, he indicates that they have on order with promise from the manufacture to ship when approved by the FAA enough to fill all the back orders on file which now are more than 200
I must point out that many are waiting for Artex because of the lower price however, it is critical that you look at the installation cost. Depending on what is in the aircraft now, your upfront savings (the cost of the unit) might be offset by the back end cost. (the cost of the install)
If you have any questions, call Aircraft Spruce and talk to Ryan Deck who is the avionics sales manager. His number is 951 372 9555, ext #305
so…. If you want to head across the border after July 1 and be legal, Spruce does have ELTs in stock. And the difference in price for one in stock and one that is still waiting for FAA certification is only about $300.
your call however, I made the change and it is one more thing that I don’t have to worry or think about.
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406 MHz ELT Update - 6/24/2009
There has been a lot of change in Mexico City over the past six months. Director General Lopez Meyer accepted the position of DG of ASA and after a several month search, a new DG was appointed. However, the new DG is not from the Government and although he is from the aviation industry, he seems to be more involved in the regulatory process i.e. rules and procedures. At this time, he is still getting up to speed. So, by default, it looks like there will be no extensions on the 406 issue.
I have talked to several Commanders ....
BBP Fishing Trip - 6/19/2009
We have slashed the trip price to help the people at the Hotel Serenidad....
In talking to Don Johnson yesterday on the phone regarding the fire at the Serenidad, he indicates that the kitchen is back up, meals are being served, and they are almost back to normal.
I asked him what we can do to help out and he indicated:
"Bring people down. The Hotel is fine, the food is great, and the fishing is the best that it has been for the past several years".
That being said, we worked out a special room rate for this trip, have cut all profit and trip overhead, have extended the trip to four days and three nights, and we are going to make it happen.
For less than $180 per person, you can do the BBP´s fishing trip. Scheduled for four days and three nights, be sure to bring a couple of coolers, you will need them.
So.... Join Jack and others on another fun and exciting group trip “South of the Border”.
Scheduled for July 16, we will be going to Mulege for four days and three nights of fishing, lie swapping, beverage indulging, and just “plane” fun….
And for those that are completely confused about eAPIS and are on the trip and want help, the BBP will do eAPIS for you. (Indicate if you wish us to do your eAPIS at least a week before the trip, additional information will be required)
Click on“BBP Fishing Trip” to see more
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Hotel Serenidad Fire Photos - 6/18/2009
Attached are three photos from the fire that destoryed the Kitchen at the Hotel Serenidad yesterday.
Fire destroys kitchen at the Hotel Serenidad - 6/17/2009
June 17, 2009:
Early this morning, a fire of unknown nature broke out in the kitchen in the Hotel Serenidad. The entire kitchen was consumed by the fire, the roof is gone, and it is a complete rebuild.
The lobby, dining room, office, etc. suffered some smoke damage but I am told that it was very light.
The Hotel is in the process of setting up a temporary kitchen and hopes to have the service restored in the next several days.
There were no injuries and I am told that the guests at the hotel are going downtown to eat.
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Concerns about actions of CBP regarding several eAPIS departures from US - 6/4/2009
The BBP has received documented reports of several incidents where pilots preparing to depart the US on a flight plan with eAPIS experienced delays and in one case, a frightening experience.
When reviewing these reports, in every case the pilot was told that the search was a random ramp check however, in reviewing the documentation, it seems that it was a lot more than random.
We have worked well with the DHS in the past in an aggressive and truthful manor. If the reports are true which I have no reason not to believe and they were random ramp checks, then we should have concern regarding our rights. Actions by CBP in these reports do not indicate a random ramp check.
But if the check was because of a problem with a person, pilot, or aircraft, CBP should indicate that this is the case….
You be the judge.
Members, use "click here for the full story" (below)
(Non-members, click on the menu choice "eAPIS FAQ and More" to see the letter to the CBP Port Director in Long Beach)
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DHS clarification, of advance notice…. DHS making changes to help the pilot…. DHS announces penalty structure for eAPIS - 5/21/2009
DHS has responded in a positive manor regarding several issues. Go to the “eAPIS FAQ and More” Menu to see more. As a service to all pilots, this information is being posted in the General Access area for non-members to review
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Stump Jack - 5/12/2009
It looks like you guys are trying to stump me with eAPIS questions.... I cannot walk on water but I am tough and, in most cases, can handle most questions. Either email or post your questions regarding eAPIS and I will attempt to answer every reasonable question on our Bulletin Board. And for the questions that I cannot answer, I will go to DHS. (Eric) Correct information is critical. Let’s do what we can to keep all informed. The days are counting down. Get registered for your eAPIS account now. (end of post)...
eAPIS Alert - 5/11/2009
STARTING NEXT WEEK, MAY 18, 2009
That you will need to have an eAPIS account and file an eAPIS request when crossing any US border
That if you don’t have an account, DHS indicates it takes about a week to get one. Plan ahead, get your account now so that you can go when you want to go.
If you are departing the US on or after May 18, you must have an eAPIS approval before departure.
To return to the US on or after May 18, you must have requested landing rights in the US via an eAPIS request as well as have verbal approval from a CBP Officer at your US Port of Entry.
That CBP will check when you arrive back in the States to confirm that you filed outbound. If you did not file outbound, (if you blew out) you have violated the law and penalty action will be taken against you.
Always carry your eAPIS replies with you. If you don’t and there is a question, you can prove your point that you did what was required i.e. have the required landing rights permission(s)
And that your password must be changed every 6 months. From one of our members, “I use the same password by basically changing the last number every 6 months i.e. xxxxx1, xxxxx2, xxxx3, etc.” Great Idea….
The eAPIS website is:
https://eapis.cbp.dhs.gov/
You can enroll or log in to file both outbound and inbound flights from this site.
(End of Post)
Letter to DHS - 4/21/2009
May 18 is only about four weeks away. At that time, all border crossing will require an eAPIS filing with response from DHS giving permission to cross the border both ways.
We have been talking to DHS at the management level and have provided a short list of major concerns that we have regarding the eAPIS software and procedures.
We have posted this letter so that both Members and non-members have access....
And we only have three aircraft for our Catorce de Mayo trip. (May 14) we need a couple of more if we are to do the trip.
Interested, click on "Group Trips" just to the left of this Alert.
If you are not a current member and wish to read letter, click on the side bar menu "Letters & More".
... Click Here for more BBP Alerts ...
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