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We are going to Serenidad with a group of people in Feb. Some are concerned about the requirement of a radio license. Is this ever checked and is it an issue? It hasn't ever been checked when I've gone down to Baja but I don't want to steer them wrong. Although it is listed as a requirement by Mexico, in all the years I have flown in Mexico, I have never been asked for one. Almost all take the position that this license is not required. Jack
Seeking new career as a pilot. What are the qualifications in becoming a bush pilot and do you have any job openings? Please respond to: SumrallBuck@cs.com Any information greatly appreciated.
Going thru & back thru Ensenada this weekend enroute to San Quintin. Does anyone have recent experience at Ensenada with the VISA issuance and payment? Does TJ International issue and accept payment for the VISA?
To Tim R. Haddox
Bush pilots are currently accepting all applicants. Unlimited openings, excellent benefits, salary is more or less nonexistant. Send resume and check for $39.00 to 1255 W. Baseline Road, #138, Mesa, Az 85202
On a hot July evening this year, I was soundly asleep at the Serenidad Hotel. I was awakened by shouts from my grown son as he told me that a new Cessna 182 had just landed on Los Gallitos and just missed my Bonanza parked near the entry walkway. It was about 10:30 p.m....no moon. I dashed out to the strip where a dozen or so other from the hotel had come to see where this pilot had landed from the north (the wrong way at this airport) almost taking out the palm trees and fence that separate the dirt strip from the hotel grounds. He had turned around and taxied back to the north end, right inline with about 5 planes, and turned on his landing light. There was another idiot on the way in! The outlaw on the ground was talking with the pilot on approach with a handi talki, and here he came from the north, way too low over the hills, looking like he was going to take out the mast of the trimaran moored in the estuary. We all yelled pull left! pull left ... This one too came down almost wingtip to the hotel wall. Someone said the first pilot said he was a Baja Bush Pilot. I don't believe this, because everyone knows single engine VFR at night is not legal in Baja. (if you dispute this, I know a pilot who had his plane impounded) Regardless of the legality, these two idiots were almost guilty of taking out a line of airplanes, including my beautiful Bonanza. UNFORGIVABLE! If anyone knows these two Cessna driving cowboys, wise them up, or let them stay the hell out of Dodge!
Hey Jack,
I'm already buying the BBP Mexican Insurance, so when can I buy my U.S. Insurance from the BBP? My policy runs out in November.
Interesting... Don't think that will happen, I am wearing too many hats
now. Jack @ BBP
Larry,
Why didn't you take care of those two idiots once they landed?
These war stories regarding the night landings at Serenidad sound a bit exagerated. If it was "wing tip to the wall and almost took out the fence" how did it miss the aircraft mentioned parked long there.
Granted NIGHT VFR IN MEXICO IS ILLEGAL, however, who can truthfully say they have never committed an illegal act in flying.
Would like to hear from the "offenders" as to their reasons.
Finding a lighted airport might have met going all the way to La Paz or across to Guaymas.
From my own experience landing at "El Gallito" after dark IF YOU ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE AREA is not the problem you think of it being.
First the alignment of the strip is obvious from the home lights nearby and the highway to the south and knowing of the mountains on the west and the hill on the east.
Second would land to the North as once you pick up the approach end in your lights the terrain is no longer a factor and you are rolling out in a more well defined area.
If not familiar with the area then landing from the North would be your only clue as to where the airport was.
Anyway this happened to me about 20 years ago and that was the option I made. Mulege was my destination and the airport authorities at the border had released me for the flight (they would not do this unless they considered there was time to arrive before dark}.
Anyway, it got dark and that was my option at the time.
I will probably hear plenty on this, however, ?????
Hello Baja Pilots, Found your interesting website and thought you might be able to tell me if there are any commercial and/or charter flights that fly into Guerro Negro. I am trying to hook up with a friend who will be in Baja at the end of November. Would anyone be flying there who would like to share gas/flight expenses? Thanks!
Have been flying in Baja for 25 years, and live in Baja 8 months of the year. I have flown many, many hours at night with no problems. Many of the night flights have been for medical reasons, the rest for my own reasons. The pilot has to be prepared. Those of you who say night flying in a single is illegal are wrong. The "pilots" at Serenida were not prepared and where were the military when they got on the ground?
I will be flying from Tucson to Bahia Tortuga October 18th-22nd. Bob Jones will be flying to Tortuga from L.A. and meeting us there. More than likely we will make a day trip to San Francisquito or Isla Cedros or both. Maybe we will see someone from this list while we are there. That would be cool!
Todd Tucson, Arizona
Did southbound customs at MMML Oct 5. $46 for declaration, $19 per visa, $7 for landing, and $3.21 per gal. Next stop Los Frailes, strip in very good shape. Wayne has passed away recently and I heard family will take over operation of bungalows. Treatment at MMLP good as usual.
OK, this is the real deal. Night single engine VFR is allowed if flying between a Mexican "controled and open" airport to another Mexican "controled and open" Mexican airport or from a Mexican "controled and open airport" to the USA. How do I know, I am in Mexico City right now working with the director of the SCT. (Trust me on this one)
Hello, BPP Jack.. Thanks for the correction on night VFR flying. My information came word of mouth and the story about the impounded plane comes from George Werner, a longtime Bonanza dealer, who had to fly down and bail out his plane and the pilot who and flown this slower Musketeer to Baja while his faster Bonanza was in George's shop. Slow bird, after dark landing, military present... pokey for the pilot. George swears by the story, I believe him. The "from controlled airport" (presumably with lights) to controlled airport.. ditto on lights seems correct, logical, legal etc. As for the comment from one member about exaggeration on how close the planes were to the right fence... well, they missed it, but scared the holy hell out of me. I will wait for daylight, unless flying back home to the good ole USA. Tailwinds, guys!
Does anyone know what airports on the Baja fall under the category "controlled and open" all night long? Or even for what hours after dark?
Just got back from a great trip to Hotel Serenadad. While preparing for the trip, I pulled the battery out of the 182, and guess what? There was some "green leafy matter" in the bottom of the battery box. Although nothing was taken, the plane was broken into while parked at El Fuerte in July, and the stuff must have been "planted" at that time. There are several reasons why the plant might have been made, but no bad things happened. I turned the stuff over to the local police and have a Case Number in case a Customs dog sniffs it out. It pays to search EVERYWHERE if your plane is opened up while parked.
My wife and I took the Copper Canyon train ride (on
our own) nine years ago. At that time, one way
train fare from LMM to CUU was about $US26.00. I've
just been quoted $US85.00 for the same fare by
Viajes Flamingo. Can this be right? Also, I'm
finding hotel rates to be staggeringly high compared
to 1991. Also quoted $US352.00 for a six hour trip
down the canyon from Cerocahui to Urique & back for
4 people. Has the Copper Canyon become that popular?
Or am I just guilty of living in the past? I'm old
enough to remember when this was quite a bit of
money. One can travel in Europe quite comfortably
for this kind of money. Is there anybody out there
who has made this trip recently? Thanks,
Don, You got off cheap. On April 24, I was quoted US$100 per
person for the train trip from el Fuerte to Creel and back. Regarding rooms, the charge is
now US$200 for two per night at the Mirador which includes three meals. I have all
but stopped putting together trips up the Canyon because, as most remember what
the costs used to be, feel I am now charging way to much. It is still a
beautiful trip, too bad it has gotten so expensive. Jack
Went to LA Bay & San Francisquito last week. Fishing wasn't great, but got reports from flyers that in the East Cape, fish were jumping in the boats. Gas is San Felipe was 8.60 pesos/liter ($3.60/gal) Airspace fees are $46.00 and $19 for visa's. They're issuing 180 day visa's and not collecting them on exit. San Francisquito had no gas.
Curt,
Been to Baja 4x's this year (thru San Felipe) and they check A/C registration & insurance. I've never had a radio license check.
Tim Haddox Baja Air Adventures has a listing on the bulletin board at Gibbs Air at MYF in San Diego, looking for commercial pilots.
I saw a newscast last night about the crash of a Cessna 320 in Mexico that killed four doctors or other medical personnel on a volunteer medical mission. Anyone have more info on this?
I have been able to find out the following. According to Mexican
sources, the aircraft was a Cessna 320 from Oakland California and was associated
with the Flying Doctors. It entered
through San Felipe, went to Francisquito, San Ignacio, and was returning to
Ensenada for clearing back to the States. There were two men and four
women aboard the aircraft, N269WP, which was piloted by Marvin Weinreb.
The FAA database indicates that N269WP is a 320E-0096 Cessna and the owners name
is JOHN LINFORD of PIEDMONT, CA. Neither the pilot or the owner were
members of the BBP. The
aircraft went down one-half mile east of the airport and was destroyed on impact.
All were lost. Jack
A quick note to indicate that I just got back from Mexico City and Mexico’s second “National Meeting of Administrative Simplification for the Private Aviation”. I have been appointed a member of this commission and two of my requests have been acted on and approved. I have been assured that ten more of my requests will be acted on prior to January 1, 2001. I will announce the two changes at AOPA in Long Beach next week and will be back in Mexico City in two weeks to continue working with the Mexcan government. I wish to thank all for their letters that have been written over the past two years regarding your concerns. We are making a change.
Regarding hours of operations for International Airports in Baja.... (from Mexico City and not confirmed from each airport) Ensenada; 8 to 20, Guymas, 8 to 20; La Paz, 8 to 22; Loreto, 8 to 20; Mexicali, 8 to 20; Nogales, 7 to 19; Penasco, 8 to 17; San Felipe, 8 to 18 (starting October 29, 7 to 17); Los Cabos, 8 to 19; Tijuana, 7 to 24.... There is still confusion in the airports regarding night VFR in singles, there should be a letter to all Camandancias from Mexico City in the near future confirming that this is an approved procedure....
Sunday Oct 15 no fuel at San Felipe
Thanks, Jack, re the C320 accident near Ensenada. Here's some info from http://www.avsig.com:
A Cessna 320E crashed Saturday while trying to land at a military base near Ensenada, Mexico, killing six members of the Flying Doctors, a volunteer organization that provides free medical care to Mexican villages. Early reports indicate that the pilot of the twin Cessna could not confirm the condition of the plane's landing gear and lost control while attempting a control tower fly-by. All six aboard the plane were either medical professionals or volunteer pilots from California.
I've got a friend who's got a race team doing the Baja 2000 this year. He needs to be able to move about 16 people all around Baja for the week of the race (Nov 10 thru 18). He's offering food, lodging, gas and other expenses to anyone who's got a six seat or larger aircraft to help him out. Anybody interested can email me at << carshooter@aol.com >>.
Thanks,
Dean Siracusa
I've gone through customs at Ensenada and they've always been very nice to me. They even charged me less than they should have!
When I come back I've gone through Brown without any hassles as well.
I am looking at becoming a bush pilot, what are the qualifications please send them to michealwalsh1@mail.com
No gas in san felipe on friday 13,cleared out of mexicali and found they charge $15 per passenger for some sort of tax plus usual $8 landing fee.Paved runway at san Francisquito broken up but useable, new dirt strip is soft and due to 90 deg provided some marginal takeoffs on sun. To the north one guy cleared the hill by maybe 40ft and a twin cleared the electricity wires to the south by 20 ft.
Jack; I have been following your dealings with the Mexican authorities with considerable interest. Keep up the good work! Good that you are comparing the hassles re flying in Mexico vs. the various Central American Republics. Even if I wasn't a Canadian,I would suggest that you broaden your comparisons to include the remarkable ease with which we are all able to cross the Canada-US border in either direction. The Canadians don't even have a Customs sticker program. (Perhaps because they know it costs way more than $25.00 to sell it to you.) And explain the ZERO paperwork whenever flying within either of our countries. If you REALLY want to expand their imaginations, explain how you can clear Canadian Customs over the phone without even getting out of your plane. Some of us haven't seen a Canadian Customs officer in years! It isn't completely by accident that the US and Canada have the two largest General Aviation fleets in the world.
I just called Guerrero Negro, using the phone number on the "Baja Alerts" page. The lady said that this was a house and that I was to call 011-52-115-70132. I called to check, as we are going down there tomorrow, 10-18. He said that he only had a little, but enough for my 172. I suggest calling before you go, at least for the next few days. I spoke with Mauro.011-52-115-70132
There were two operators at Guerrero Negro, one operating from the tanks
and the other from a truck. Thanks for the help. Jack
I'm planning a trip down to Baja during the Baja 2000 this November. I heard a rumor that the new San Ignacio airport was closed. Anybody know if this is true?
Thanks
The airport for the town of San Ignacio has a permit however, is only
opened by prior permission. Method of closure is tires on the
runway. Jack
I'm leaving for Punta Chivato Tuesday, Oct 24 and have been reading that there is no fuel at San Felipe. If anyone passes through there in the next couple of days to find this situation changed, please post it. Also, I have never gotten the "red light" there but have heard of those who have, having to carry the entire contents of their plane to customs, from the fuel area, item by item. Is this true?
Thanks all, for this great Baja resource.
Bill Waggener
Regarding Customs, it depends on the time of the day, the fullness of the
moon the previous night, etc. Most complaints regarding taking luggage in
is from Loreto and Hermosillo. Jack
Regarding the 10/14 crash in Ensenada: The pilot was a member of Los Medicos Voladores, which translates to "Flying Doctors." Many details about the organization and crash can be found on our website at www.flyingdocs.org
Regarding San Ignacio airport: My understanding is that this airport is closed, and that tires are strewn across the runway to prevent landings. Los Medicos Voladores lands here only by invitation, when they temporarily remove the tires for our flights. Unfortunately, our primary contact there, Deborah Wayne, died in the crash, along with 5 people from the SF Bay area.
We are going down to Alamos in December and have been there many times. We have stayed in the Tesoros and La Mansion (which is now at least temporarily closed). We wanted to try the new Casa de los Santos, but they won't take a child. Does anyone know anything about Casa Encantada? We are then going further to San Miguel de Allende but have never been there. I guess we will have to land in Guanajuato and rent a car or take a taxi. Does anyone have any experience or advice? Thanks.
Casa Encantada along with La Mansion were leased by the same person and both are closed at this time. With a child, your best bet is the Tesoros.... Jack
Jack, my name if Monty Finefrock, President, South Bay Chapter, Los Medicos Voladores. I am working with the FAA on the investigation of the crash of one of our aircraft in Ensenada, Saturday, 10/14. Can you tell me where you heard that N269WP, a Cessna 320E was sighted at San Franciscuito? When, how many passengers arrived, how many departed? We need to trace the aircraft's route for fuel calculations.
Thank you very much.
mfinefrock@pacbell.net
650 851 5304
Dear Jack,
This week we had guests at Hacienda de Los Santos
in Alamos, Sonora who brought very good news from
the Commandante in Queretero which you may be aware
of and already posted on the site. The President of
Mexico did sign a bill eliminating the need to clear
through a Mexican International airport when leaving
the country. The Commandante has also provided a list of Commandantes for most of Mexico with their
personal office numbers and home telephone numbers.
Your work has paid-off!
We have a Citation, King
Air 200 and Bonanza departing in the morning and
I have asked all to contact MMCN when leaving Alamos
for verification that they need not stop. I would
guess that it will take time for the official notices to filter down through the system. Alamos
is the prettiest we have seen it in 12 years and very tropical. Eleven inches of rain in the past two weeks and 30 for the summer. For those wanting
to visit we recommend early flights until the rainy
season ends, which should be most anytime. I also
highly recommend using Ciudad Obregon International
Airport. Not only is the service friendly but it is fast. Everything is close together. Tips they
appreciate, but not necessary and no unnecessary delays. The controllers, Mario & Emiliano are very
helpful and friendly. The time to fuel and process
papers is usually half that of Guaymas or Hermosillo. Alamos is only 20-25 minutes @108 degrees from Ciudad Obregon.
By the way for those who don't know the Alamos airport was resurfaced last year (4,000') and is fully fenced so there is no longer a pedestrian problem. Unicom is 122.8 and sometimes we answer from the Hacienda. If you want Hacienda pick-up ask Customs in MMCN to let you call us at 01-642-80222 (give them a dollar) and then we will be at the airport and put your aircraft in our hangar. The overnight city fee is $2.50 and we do not charge for the hangar space. Check us @www.haciendadelossantos.com......yes we give the BBP discount and welcome all of our flying friends. Jim Swickard, T-206H, N7277P, Associate Member
P.S. On the board I noticed someone wanting information on the 330 Baja crash. The doctors were part of a group that works in our region as well as the Baja. Six doctors died in the crash. One was Dr. Edith Loewenstein of Walnut Creek, California, Dr. Marvin Weinreb the pilot, Debora Wayne and I do not have names of the others. The pilot reported a problem with the landing gear, requested permission to land at the military strip near Ensenada prior to a stall near the field. The flying doctors and dentists from the U.S. do a great service to the poor people of Mexico in the outback. According to our information the Flying Doctor organization was founded 26 years ago and has about 300 members.
To all. The requirement not to check out is one of my top requests
and I have been assured that it will happen. I have not been given an
official letter from the director of SCT at this point and, until it is official,
all should check out as we have in the past. As soon as I have this
letter, I will let all know....
For the
press release that I delivered at AOPA, go to "Editorial" off of the
home page.
Jim, thanks
for the great report, your property is a delight.... Jack.
Here's a silly rookie question : Where might I find a resource of traffic control phrases translated from Spanish? I live in Tijuana and listen to the control tower there. As one might expect, the controllers speak just as fast as in the US. My Spanish is pretty good, but aparently not good enough (heck, the controllers in Long Beach talk too fast for me to understand- in English!) Thanks, alex in TJ
If you have limited Spanish, do not even attempt to speak in Spanish in Mexico as all controllers must be able to use English as well as their native language. Jack
I am going to be making my first trip to Cabl San Lucus in Jan and would like to know it anyone has stayed at the Cabo San Lucas airport #254 right outside cabo. We will be there for 7 days and then flying to puerto vallarta #459 for 14 days. Would like to know what the fuel prices might be in P.V. and what the tie down prices would be there also. I am flying a twin skymaster. thanks wayne in montana
There is nothing at the airport at Cabo San Lucis. You will need to go into town. Regarding fuel, figure on around US$3.50 at most controlled airports. Jack
I'm planning on heading down to Cabo the first part of November for the Baja 2000 race. I'll let you know when I get back if there's fuel there and how much it was. In fact, since I'll be flying to a bunch of Baja airports during this event I'll do a complete update on all of these places for everyone.
Does anyone have any info on the new airport at COLIMA (MMIA)? It's about 50nm NE of Manzanillo (page 501 in THE BOOK). I'd like to know if they have fuel and the name/number of the FBO or Commendante. Input appreciated!
Colima is a paved strip and is open however that is all the current
information that I have.... Jack
I have just returned to Tucson from Punta San Francisquito. The weather sucked! Vicious winds and driving rain at PSF! The 2 days of rain turned the dirt airstrip into a sticky mud hole. The black top runway was broken but, usable.
I was very saddened to learn that Debra was on the Cessna 320 that crashed in Ensenada. Debra was married to "Beto" (Alberto), a fisherman who lives (and owns) Puerto San Francisquito. Beto was not at home while I was at his place. He was busy with the funeral and transporting Debra's remains to, I believe, San Ignacio. Beto used to smoke yellowtail for myself and for Bob Jones whenever we would fly into Punta San
Francisquito.
Very, very sad.
Due to the EXTREME numbers of people at Punta San Francisquito and the fact that I did not have a reservation, I stayed with a friend named Bill at Puerto San Francisquito. Bill's house is right next to Beto's, so I got the whole story about the plane wreck and also where Beto was. It seems that Debra had "bummed a ride" back to the States with the Flying Doctors.
There were SO MANY people at Punta San Francisquito. On Friday night there were 54 people eating dinner and many more where camped on the beach. There probably was close to 70 people there, maybe 9 planes. I highly suggest you get a reservation. It isn't the quite place it was just 6 years ago.
The yellowtail were just coming in and they were big ones. Boats were coming back with a load of fish in one hour. One of the pangas has a burnt up motor so many people, including me, got shut out of the fishing. Water temperature was about 76 but falling rapidly. Due to the cold front, the water temp was significantly greater than the air temp when I departed this morning. The air temp was about 55.
Guerro Negro is low on gas. When I fueled up on Friday, they had only about 250 gallons left!
Todd Gatesh
Tucson, Arizona
Just got back from AOPA where I made a major press release. Go to “Editorials” off the Home Page. (Mexico has granted four of my requests and is working on nine more)
Jack, just read your editorial. Just what does the acronym TUA (not to be confused..............etc.) represent. Have tried to think of all the fees they have been charging and nothing rings a bell.
The TUA is a 17 page fee document that was designed for the collection of
fees for commercial aircraft, scheduled and non-scheduled, in Mexico. It
was put into effect on May 1, 1999. When passed, private aircraft were not
excluded which in hindsight, was a mistake. This document primarily
effected Mexican private pilots and has now been corrected.
I am a new member and VFR only pilot. Are most trips made VFR or IFR. IF IFR, is this because of IMC or other reasons? I would love to do a trip this winter, but IFR ticket won't be done until spring '01. Pat Murphy.
We plan on VFR and if we have really ugly weather in front of us, we divert
to another destination or go back and wait. About 1/2 of our pilots on
our CenAm trips are IFR rated. Jack
Dear Jack McCormick,
I just finished your press release... Terrific! I
especially like the $50.00 yearly multi-entry declaration. Will Mexico be looking to add other taxes to those lost from exit fees and airspace use
fees? Everything you listed is essential, and will
increase USA pilotage into Mexico.
I have been assured that these lost fees will be made up by more coming in
to Mexico as well as the collection of taxes from the purchase of rooms,
meals, etc. (less is quite often more) Jack
Trip to Alomos: We departed El Paso for Cuidad Obregon ( now an Airport of Entry) to clear Customs and fly on to Alomos. The Commandate and all were very helpful and paperwork was complete in 15 minutes. Emeliano in the tower described our hotel, the Hacienda de los Santos, to us as we flew to Alamos. The hacienda is owned by Jim and Nancy Swickard and have spent much effort to turn the 300 year old ruin into a beautiful hotel. Much attention has been given to the furnishings and gardens. Jim, Nancy, and their daughter Jamie are perfect hosts. The restaurant offers some of the best food you'll find. Extensive Spa services are offered and are excellent with workout equipment and pools. Each evening the diners are treated to a group of musicians with guitars and song. The Swickards make everyone feel special and attend to your every need. The staff is eager to please and all are special. The return to Obregon found the paperwork smooth and we were off in a few minutes. Customs at El Paso was quick and friendly with only 10 minutes to complete everything. A great trip.
Hey Jack, thanks for the QUICK response on my VFR/IFR question. Now I am really planning on the feb. whale trip. I will need to rent, probably out of Long Beach. How much flying time is involved so I can start my budget?
Help! I'm running out of seats and useful load for New Years! I have a group going to Punta Pescadero for New Years and Christmas and, well, it looks like the idea has become a little too popular for my useful load. I'm able to handle the bunch going for Christmas but I have 4 other non-pilot friends who would like to share a ride for New Years. They would be looking to leave the U.S. anytime between 12/26 and 12/29 (the 27th or 28th is preferable) and return on the 1st or 2nd. They're based in San Francisco but could meet you anywhere in California. Would gladly share gas and fees and they could go 2/2 or all 4 for those of you flying heavy iron. 3 women of 120 lbs each (don't tell them I told you!) and one guy of 160 lbs. All are fun, adventure travel pros and know how to travel light. Let me know if anybody has space. Brad Willmore 415-835-1347 in San Francisco.
Pat, I only know of one place in southern California that rents airplanes that you can take into Mexico. All others don't allow it. In any case, any aircraft that you fly down there that is not your own must have a typed letter
that's also notarized from the owner saying that it's okay for you to take their plane down there. You also need to make sure you've got Mexican liability insurance for the airplane as well.
The following rent aircraft for travel into Mexico.
Double Eagle Aviation
Tucson AZ
502 /294-8214
They list 18 aircraft for rent ranging from Cessna 150’s to Pipers and
Mooneys
Flight Works
Van Nuys CA
818/782-0523
They list 8 aircraft including three Mooneys and one Twin Comanche
Rainbow Air
Long Beach CA
310/424-0119
They list 16 aircraft from Cessna 152’s up to a Cessna 310
Rainbow is active in the BBP, has been on several BBP trips over the past
several years, and is very knowledgeable about flying in Mexico.
Jack
Jack:
Thanks for your great work on getting things changed for pilots in Mexico. Eliminating the TUA tax, I hope, is just a warm up; it never effected most of us and the steps you have recommended that are yet to be acted upon are the most important ones.
We came back from a week at Alfonsina's yesterday and the need for more change was evident in the trip: we couldn't land at San Filipe to clear our exit because the runway was "contaminated with sand" from a flash flood that happened two days before...no word on why it took that long to clear the field....no word on why the "contamintation" was any different from the beaches we normally land on. We went to Mexicali to clear before going to Calexico. Mexicali, as always, treated us pleasantly but they charged us $15 per passenger "departure tax." San Filipe doesn't do that. We told the tax collector that one of the people in the airplane was a copilot so he didn't get charged...but it still cost us $30 for the privilege of leaving Mexico after paying $99 for the privilege of entering it five days previously. I wonder if you have discussed the "departure" tax in Mexico City and if there is anyone there who can place a telephone call to the Commandante at MMML to make sure he understands what and what is not to be taxed....and maybe give us all a document that explains it all as an attachment to our tax receipts and general declarations and visa fees and landing fees and.....
Keep up the good work. We need it.
I also heard that the Mexican legislature now has an elected representative from CALIFORONIA!!!...the dual citizenship of Mexicans in our state apparently has implications beyond what we had thought. If this continues maybe we should all expect eventual voting for a member of the Callifornia Assembly from Baja and maybe a member or two in the Mexican legislature from the Gringo community in the country. WOW! I heard Vincente Fox was an "internationalist" but this is maybe a little much.
Jack,
FYI.
Tucson Aeroservice Center located at Marana Northwest Regional airport just northwest of Tucson also rents planes to pilots flying in Mexico. TAC is where I rent. They have 172's, a 182, a Baron and a Bonanza, among others. They do not have any larger Cessnas such as the 210.
Todd Gatesh
Tucson, Arizona.
I stand corrected.
Thanks all for the rental info. I have been looking for a 6 passenger single to rent for Mexico and I thought I'd called everybody in Southern California. I think I was asking people about the 6 seater first, then when I found a place that had one I'd ask them about Mexico. If I asked the Mexico question first I probably would've discovered more places that allowed flights to Mexico.
I never did find a 6 seater that is allowed to go to Mexico though. Anybody have any suggestions?
Thanks,
Dean Siracusa
Do you have a telephone number for reservations at Punta San Francisquito? I tried the San Diego number (619-428-6552) and it was a wrong number.
Brad, The reservation number for Punta Sanfrancisquito is 619-690-1000 Julie
Will be flying to SAN JOSE DEL CABO in December.
Have been there some years back -- any pointers, heads-up advice, etc. will be greatly appreciated.
I'll be flying non-stop from Phoenix Sky Harbor.
Thanks,
David Press dhpress@aol.com
Message for T-Mitchell BBP #2204
I flew my Cessna T-210 down to San Miguel De Allende last year. I went with another BBP member who flew his T-210 and we had a great time. To answer your question, we flew into Queretero and took a taxi into San
Miguelle.
Our general itinerary was Alamos, Zacatecas, Queretero (San Miguel), Cuernavaca (Taxco), Puerta Vallarto (fuel), Las
Alamandas (private resort strip north of Manzanillo), Guaymas, Los Angles.
If you want any information about the places we stayed, ate, toured etc. send me an e-mail at randy@prideautobody.com. The place we stayed at in San Miguelle was absolutely fabulous and was worth every pesos.
I'd just like to let the Mexican government know how happy I am with their recent changes to their charges for pilots and their airplanes flying into Mexico.
Flying in the US is a relitively inexpensive thing to do. Because of this many US pilots are not multi-millionaires or even considered rich. We fly because we love the freedom.
Flying to Mexico has always been fun and adventerous for us. It's a beautiful country with great people. When Mexico raised their prices for pilots we ended our flights there because we couldn't afford the fees. Instead we decided to explore more of the US where there are no pricey fees for flying around and exploring.
Now that Mexico is reversing many of it's fees and tarifs we will again fly there and explore it's great and diverse country.
Thanks,
Dean Siracusa
BBP 2264b
Manhattan Beach, CA
Happy Halloween to my fellow Bush Pilots.
To T. Mitchell: We are sorry you cannot stay at the Hacienda de Los Santos Hotel & Spa with children, however it has been a policy since opening. We do have off premises 1st class lodging available only one block from the Plaza. Also, the Casa Encantada and Casa de Los Tesoros Hotels are both an option and are now owned by the same company. The Mansion is still closed and probably will not reopen until later next year. Regarding your question on a flight to San Miguel de Allende. I have flown to Queretero and the airport and personel are excellent. A rental car could be reserved there or if you are staying at the Casa Sierra Nevada (one of our sister hotels in the "Small Luxury Hotels of the World" group) they will send a car to meet you at the airport for a fee. They also will send a car to the Leon, Guanajuato airport. The San Miguel strip is privately owned, however if you wish to use it please contact me by E-Mail and I can give you additional information (jnswick@aol.com). Jim Swickard
To T. Mitchell I would not land my airplane at the San Miguel airstrip. I have been there. Casa Sierra Nevada is very nice, however expensive. Martin Potter
Have heard that the airport at Baja Kino (Bay) is or is closing for whatever. Does anyone have any additonal information.
Any alternative contact numbers for Punta San Francisquito reservations? I've been trying the 619-690-1000 number and it is inop.
Greetings! I am contemplating my first trip into Mexico to visit some friends in Alamos. My aircraft a Cessna 182 is presently in Chandler AZ, but I base out of Seattle. Any suggestions that anyone has would be appreciated such as is Nogales a good place to clear going South?
If I was going to Alamos, I would clear in through Ciudad Obregon. It
is fast, friendly, has fuel, and is only about 100 nautical from
Alamos. Jack
Apparently the airport in Kino Bay has just started construction to be resurfaced. I have heard it is closed for the time being.