Anybody been to Cancun?

[Edward Rognerud]

We are considering flying our PA39 from Minnesota to Cancun this October. Looking for any available information.

Ed Rognerud
Rosemount MN

[Hank Spellman]

Join the Baja Bush Pilots. They have everything you will need for Mexico and Central America. It is well worth the membership fee.

Hank
Henry A. Spellman

[N3322G]

Ed,

Hi from another 39er. Should be a fun trip.

Might consider getting sun shields to keep the avionics a touch cooler and a touch less visible. We use the very lightweight fabric ones that weigh less than a pound and fold to 'nothing'. Shiny on one side and white on the other. attach with velcro. Wish I could recall the name for you but they come custom fit for the Twin.

When we lived in Chicago never worried about this heat stuff but now that we're in TX, never go anywhere without them.

Also might consider checking AOPA for info.

Be sure to check your insurance coverage. Mine covers us for Mexico this year but didn't last year.

[Edward Rognerud]

Thanks Hank and Pat

I have looked at quite a bit of Baja information online. They do have a lot of good stuff.

The sun shield idea sounds like a great idea for multiple reasons. I am looking at possibly a canvas type cover that straps over the entire cockpit.

I have surfed until my typing fingers became numb, but have not been able to find out anything about fuel prices or landing fees. I did find that they are going to charge an ATC fee which is paid at the time of fueling. It also sounds like Cancun is more GA friendly than Cozumel.

Mexico does require proof of insurance and after June 2013 will require a 406 ELT.


Ed Rognerud
Rosemount MN

[JIMICS2452]

Check with Rick Gardner at
http://www.caribbeanskytours.com

He seems to have the best info on the gulf coast of mexico.

Jim

[Edward Rognerud]

Thanks Jim, I have seen his name on some of the online info that I have come across. I will contact him.

Ed Rognerud
Rosemount MN

[Don Ostergard]

Hi, Ed-
Nice to hear that you're still planning your trip to the Yucatan. Never been to Cancun and only flown into Cozumel once - 28 years ago! But we just spent several days in Merida. Great city and great airport. Several FBO's at Merida and the airport is very GA oriented. Had a couple of small glitches that needed fixing on the Sturdy Bird which were looked after very well and economically. And if you are going to go to the Yucatan you'll probably want a rental car anyway. Merida is a great base for exploring the area. We met up in Merida with fellow ICS'ers Rich & Barb Beil who arrived via Cozumel. They can probably fill you in better on procedures etc. there.
This latest trip (which took us into Guatemala for a couple of weeks) constitutes something like 18 Comanche trips to Mexico over the past 30 years. I have set foot in 31 of Mexico's 32 States in the course of 54 years (I drove down a few times, too) and have never been shaken down for a bribe, never found lizards in the gasoline and in fact have never been treated with anything less than the utmost courtesy wherever I have gone in that very friendly country.

We expect to be home in a few days and I will send you some more info (for what it's worth!)

Don Ostergard, ICS 3263
Drumheller AB
c-flhv@magtech.ca

[Edward Rognerud]

Thanks Don, I look forward to hearing from you.

Ed Rognerud
Rosemount MN

[Andres Darvasi]

Hi Ed,

I have been to Cancun a couple of times, also, there is a new private airport in Cozumel (CEQ, "Cap. Eduardo Toledo") very friendly, but you need to land at any international airport in Mexico before landing there.

Rick Gardner (Caribbean Sky Tours) is THE man, he used to live in Cancun.

Cancun does not have hangars for short stays and the FBO is very expensive (unless it has changed in the last year), they will induce you to deal with them when you land because the general ramp is mixed with theirs. Insist, unless you want to pay a lot, to stay in the General Aviation Ramp and not the FBO.
I live in Mexico City, therefore I am familiar with the local regulations.
If you need more info you can email me at adarvasi at gmail dot com.

[Edward Rognerud]

Thanks Andres,

That is good to know! I will probably have some questions for you as the planning progresses.

Ed Rognerud
Rosemount MN

[tomburke1]

Does Mexico still reuire a "Mexican" insurance policy?

[N3322G]

Thomas, I don't know about Mexico but I do know my current policy requires Insurance company approval for that travel, in order for them to cover the Twin there. It used to be free - don't know about lately.

[tomburke1]

The Mexican Governmwentr use to require a Policy issued by a Mexican insurance company.

[JIMICS2452]

Your US policy will be acceptable as long as it declares the minimum required coverage an includes Mexico in the areas covered. Be sure to take a copy with you.

[Andres Darvasi]

Jim, is absolutely right.

Mexican regulations allow foreign aircraft to use their foreign issued insurance policies while flying in Mexico, provided that:

1. The insurance policy clearly states that the aircraft will be covered within Mexico during the time that you will be in Mexico, and

2. The policy provides liability coverage to third parties in the event of damage caused during the operation of the aircraft. The liability coverage needs to be equivalent to approximately US$300,000