Mexico Inspections Go Nuclear on International Aircraft

We have told you in the past about the escalation of ramp inspections in Mexico over the past year. There have been several interesting developments over the past few months that have made this topic go from a nuisance to a full-blown operational concern going forward.

Mexico's Civil Aviation Authority (formerly DGAC) changed its name to AFAC (Civil Aviation Federal Agency) as of October 16th. As part of a broader overhaul, some departments within the agency have changed the way they operate and some procedures are being modified.

Insurance - The criteria for the validation and acceptance of Mexican and Worldwide insurance policies are now more strict. Mexican insurances are being required in original, as policies have been rejected if signatures are blurry, a payment receipt is missing, or a hard color print is noticeable. Worldwide insurance policies are now required to be submitted in full, where coverage, proof of payment, and aircraft details are clearly shown.

Power of Attorney - A POA now requires being in original, notarized, and apostilled. For single landing and next-day / short-notice operations, a digital (still notarized) copy is submitted with a commitment to provide the original with apostille once available.

Aircraft documents - The following must be on board for all flights: Aircraft Registration and Airworthiness (original), Worldwide Insurance (original), AOC, Radio License, Medical certificates for PIC and SIC (original), pilot licenses for PIC and SIC, Mexico Commercial Insurance (original), and the Department of Transportation OpSpec 4507 form (most current).

Single Landing Authorizations - AFAC is moving to limit one-time authorizations. Operators needing to continue flying into Mexico after a single shot should be proactive and begin the process for an Indefinite Blanket Permit. Once the process has started, landing authorizations can be obtained case by case while the permit is pending.

AFAC is conducting random ramp inspections on foreign aircraft visiting Mexico, and has the authority to enforce such inspections. It is very important that operators, Private or Charter, have their original aircraft and pilot documents on board, including the Airworthiness Certificate, Registration Certificate, Worldwide and/or Mexican insurance (stating Private use for FAR Part 91 and Charter use for FAR Part 135), pilot licenses (both sides, with type rating), and valid pilot medical certificates.

For Charter operations, additional documents are required: a valid Air Operator Certificate (AOC) with payment receipt, the FAA OST 4507 form (or the appropriate exemption / Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity), and, if holding a Mexican Indefinite Blanket Permit (IBP), the Mexican AOC and the yearly verification with payment receipt.

Additional recommended items include the maintenance logbook, aircraft radio station license, Flight Manual, Noise Certificate, MEL (when the type certificate indicates it), Mexican AIP (for IBP holders), the preflight checklist, life raft and/or life jackets when overflying the ocean, Weight and Balance Manifest, First Aid Kit, and Jeppesen Manuals (at least electronic). For FAR Part 91 private flights, a letter stating the purpose of the flight and the lead passenger's connection with the aircraft is required (notarization not necessary).

There is no formal checklist, so requirements fall to the criteria of each inspector. Inspections are random on any foreign aircraft, Private or Charter; non-compliance can result in a warning or a fine under the Mexican Civil Aviation Law. Stay in touch with your international service provider or contacts within Mexico, and expect a high number of ramp inspections going forward.