Experts Provide Updated Guidance for Operators Flying to Mexico

Business aircraft operators planning trips to Mexico should be aware that all aircraft flying into the country require landing permits, but specific permit requirements differ for general aviation (GA) flights and charter/non-scheduled commercial operations.

“Landing permits for these two types of operations have different lead times, document requirements and processes,” said Juan Muniz, lead global regulatory specialist at Universal Weather and Aviation, Inc.

Now, instead of the typical single-entry or multiple entry permits that many operators have used in the past, the nation’s chief civil aviation authority, the Agencia Federal de Aviación Civil (AFAC), is issuing an Autorización de Internación Única (AIU). When obtaining these types of authorizations, it’s recommended to provide AFAC 24 hours of lead time.

Bring These Documents to Mexico

Charter/non-scheduled commercial operators may arrive in Mexico utilizing a one-time permit or a blanket permit. Documents for a one-time charter or non-scheduled commercial flights include, but are not limited to:

• Registration certificate
• Airworthiness certificate
• Insurance policies
• Air carrier certificate
• Air operator certificate
• Air taxi operator registration and amendments under 14 CFR Part 298 Subpart B (a U.S. Department of Transportation form, more commonly known as OST Form 4570)

A note to keep in mind about Mexico landing permits: Both the AIU and the one-time charter permits will not be issued until the aircraft arrives in the country. “The lead times are notifications to the local authorities in order to begin the permit process,” Muniz said. “However, the permit is not issued until the aircraft is physically present.”

For GA flight operations to Mexico, required documents include – but are not limited to:

• Registration certificate
• Airworthiness certificate
• Insurance policies
• LOPA (layout of passenger accommodations)

However, additional rules may also apply. “Recently, in some ports of entry, Mexico has added a requirement for an FCC Radio permit,” Muniz said.

Have a Copy of the Charter Contract

Occasionally, AFAC will also require a copy of the charter contract. “One thing to note is that the number of one-time charter permits allowed for each operator is very limited,” said Muniz. “Therefore, a blanket permit is strongly recommended, although the process for obtaining a blanket permit is extensive and requires a vast list of documents.

Submit Mexico APIS Data

Another requirement for operation into Mexico is submission of information through the country’s Advance Passenger Information System (APIS). Mexico APIS is required for aircraft arriving and departing the country. Operators are required to submit APIS prior to the aircraft’s departure and they can submit APIS reports by various methods.

Consider Additional Insurance Rider

Eric Barfield, president of Aerospace at Assured Partners, said flights to Mexico require an additional insurance rider that’s “issued by an insurance company licensed directly as a Mexican company. The extra policy says you have at least minimal coverage that they can count on from a company that’s been vetted and is domiciled in Mexico.”

In addition, for operators traveling anywhere outside the U.S., Barfield suggested including specific coverage for “war and related perils.” The key provisions for international travel, he said, are contained within those “related perils.”

Business aviation operators who are new to flying to Mexico shouldn’t wait until the last minute to wrestle with insurance concerns, Barfield said.