The Preflight
MarcRomero.com
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!
_________________________________________________________________
people have visited marcromero.com!
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.
Central American Countries Landing/Overflight Permission
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!
Charts
Insurance
We had some issues with our insurance approving flight into Central
America. I won't say who the underwriter was, but I will tell you that
their requirement to add the Central American rider was that we
hangar the airplane everywhere we stop. Yeah, right! I'll just run
down there and build hangars at every airport first! We switched
underwriters and problem solved in one fairly stressful afternoon.
Thanks, Tim!
For Jerry: The Checklist
- All VFR, IFR and Airport Info Charts
- All Overflight/Landing Permissions
- Oil, Window Cleaner, Etc.
- Portable O2 Bottle
- Small Set of Tools
- All Regional Maintenance Contacts
- Prop Lock
- Netbook PC with Wi-Fi
- Satellite Phone
- iPad with Jepp Charts