Change In Policies Have Grounded Many Amateur-Built Flights To Mexico

A number of aviaion associations, including EAA, have sent a joint letter to the AFAC, the civil aviation authority of Mexico, asking it to correct a regulatory snag that has prevented many US-registered amateur-built aircraft from crossing the border in recent months.

Unlike other neighboring countries like Canada and The Bahamas, Mexico does not use a standardized blanket flight authorization to validate the airworthiness certificates of homebuilts based in the United States. This makes permission for flights from the U.S. susceptible to changes in policy, interpretation, and/or enforcement.

Since late last year, such a change in policy has grounded many amateur-built flights to Mexico, and EAA has heard from many members who have had issues. Working with international partners, EAA hopes that this latest communication will help bring an expedient end to the problem. The joint letter explains the current policy snag, the safety and importance of experimental aircraft to the general aviation economy, and a proposed solution. The letter asks the AFAC to adopt a blanket authorization similar to the aforementioned Canadian and Bahamian examples.

EAA also worked with Baja Bush Pilots to gain background and points of contact on the subject and CST Flight Services for translation and liaison with the AFAC. EAA notes that this project, 'has been an excellent example of the GA community working together to solve a problem, and we value the contributions of all involved.'

FMI: www.eaa.org