MarcRomero.com - Central America 2010

On this page I will be describing some of the critical items encountered in the preflight phase of this trip, including a general overview of information I have collected on obtaining landing/overflight permission from Central American countries. If you are planning a trip like this on your own and would like specific details; working phone/fax numbers, emails, etc. please email me.

Let me first begin by saying that this trip would certainly not be possible without Jerry's membership benefits in Baja Pilots International. The information contained within their website on Mexico and Central America private flying and the products and charts they sell are priceless. A membership in this group is essential for anyone wanting to fly south of the US border (And no, I am not being paid to say that!). Specifically, I want to thank Jack and Claudia for answering all of my multiple questions, even if it was the fifth time I had called that day!

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Northern Mexico VFR charts, WAC CH-22 and CH-23, are fairly easy to come by. It is the southern Mexico and Central America VFR and IFR charts that are more difficult to find. Mostly you will not be able to get them at your local pilot shop, but can find them online. These are comprised of the ONC J-24, J-25 and K-25 VFR Charts, and L-1 and L-2 Enroute Low Altitude Caribbean and South America IFR Chart (NOS). Once again Baja Pilots International makes these all very easy to find as they are sold in their online store.

Additionally, we purchased a Latin America and Caribbean trip pack from Jeppesen for IFR Enroute and Terminal charting. This trip kit also contains the data and charting for the Cirrus Perspective and will be available to us inflight.

I cannot state enough how valuable the information on Baja Pilots International's website is; so, just as I did, I highly recommend starting there if you are planning a trip like this. The following is to highlight EXACTLY what my experience has been in dealing with each the Central American countries we plan to visit or overfly:

Guatemala - I followed the instructions on Baja Pilots International's website exactly and have found that the information contained therein is very accurate with regards to email correspondence. I have been in email contact with the DGAC since the date of my first submission and have found the Guatemalan authorities to be excellent and easy to deal with.

edit: In the eleventh hour here, I received an email from the DGAC stating that we were not approved for overflight because of some confusion with our insurance policy. However, a few emails and a quick phone call the Guatemalan authorities and the problem has been solved, complete with an approval number received via email!

El Salvador - Once again, I followed the instructions on Baja Pilots International's website exactly and believe the information to be correct. I have not received any return email correspondence, but have been told that is normal. I guess we will find out when (if?) we land!

Honduras - After much turmoil trying to figure out a working fax number, I was able to submit our documentation. In order to secure a working fax number, I had to call the Honduran DGAC office, but found that the person there spoke perfect English and was extremely helpful. Approximately 2 hours after sending our documents, I received an email from Honduran authorities issuing overflight authorization complete with an actual permit number.

Nicaragua - Oh, Nicaragua. I was unable to email our documentation and additionally, was unable to get a fax to send initially. I called the Nicaraguan DGAC office only to find out that nobody spoke English. After securing a translator, I called back and received a 'working' fax line. Long story short, after approximately 8 attempts, the fax went through. At least as far as I know. I have not received any type of return correspondence and frankly, do not expect to. I hope they let us fly through!

Costa Rica - I have heard that Costa Rica does not require prior notice before arrival, however, it is always good to do it anyway. I sent emails to two email addresses and have not had them returned. I guess that's the best I'm going to get.

Belize - Does not require any prior notice.

So, as you can see we will be landing in four different countries and overflying an additional three. Two (possibly three) of the landing countries do not require prior permission (at least officially from DGAC's), Mexico and Belize (and possibly Costa Rica), and we have not received anything official from El Salvador.

For overflight, both Honduras and Guatemala have given us a permit number (Yay!). And finally, Nicaragua, well...Nicaragua...

...I guess you will just have to read The Journey to find out how it all goes!