How to Fly GA to Mexico Course
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Chapter 1: Preparing to Fly to Mexico
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Course Introduction
Get a complete overview of the course and what to expect. Learn how to build your “Fly to Mexico” folder, use the downloadable checklist and supplement, and set yourself up for confident, organized cross-border flying.
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Lesson 1: Why We Fly to Mexico
Discover why general aviation flying in Mexico is so special. From hidden destinations to relaxed VFR flying and rich cultural experiences, this lesson shows what makes the journey so rewarding.
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Lesson 2: What It's Like to Fly in Mexico
Get a realistic sense of operations in Mexico, from ATC differences and local variations to the importance of flexibility and patience. Learn how a pilot’s mindset and preparation create smooth, confident experiences anywhere you land.
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Lesson 3: Flight Planning for Mexico
Plan your route with confidence—selecting Airports of Entry, understanding restricted airspace, and ensuring smart fuel planning. Learn how to combine WAC and IFR charts in ForeFlight for clear situational awareness across Mexico.
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Lesson 4: Weather Planning for Mexico
Use multiple forecasting tools to compensate for Mexico’s limited reports. Develop a conservative strategy for long legs, terrain gaps, and minimal alternates so your weather prep stays safe and stress-free.
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Lesson 5: Aircraft Documents and Requirements
Assemble all required aircraft paperwork—registration, airworthiness, insurance, and CBP decal—and organize it into a permanent folder. You’ll finish with a ready-to-present document kit that satisfies every official.
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Lesson 6: Pilot and Passenger Documents
Learn how to prepare the complete personal documentation for everyone on board—passports, certificates, medicals, and notarized letters for minors or non-owners. Keep multiple copies in your folder so customs and immigration go smoothly.
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Chapter 2: Outbound USA to Mexico Procedures and Flight
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Lesson 7: Outbound Process Overview
See how each filing fits together—AIU, eAPIS, and ICAO flight plans—and learn which agencies to notify and when. This overview simplifies the outbound timeline so you can depart fully compliant and calm.
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Lesson 8: Filing EAPIS Manifests
Use Flashpass to file your eAPIS manifests accurately and on time, with automatic submissions to both governments. Understand timing rules, how to handle changes, and how to save manifests for future flights. A step by step tutorial on EAPIS awaits
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Lesson 9: The (new) AIU Entry Permit
Learn how the 180-day AIU permit works, what documents to include, and when to apply. You’ll avoid long delays at your first stop and have an entry permit ready for future trips.
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Lesson 10: ICAO DVFR Flight Plan
Learn how to enter proper aircraft codes, remarks, and border-crossing details in your DVFR or IFR plan. Learn how to activate, coordinate with ATC, and align filing timing with your eAPIS submission for a flawless process.
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Lesson 11a: USA to MEX Border Crossing Requirements
Put your preparation into action as you depart for Mexico. Learn how to activate and amend your DVFR flight plan, obtain and use your border-crossing squawk code, and understand how Flight Service and ATC coordinate during your transition.
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Lesson 11b: Border Crossing Squawk Code Examples - IN FLIGHT
Watch two real flights—Imperial to San Felipe and second crossing west of Calexico—and see how squawk codes, Flight Service activations, and ATC terminations work in practice. You’ll learn when to switch to the Flight Service code, how to handle being dropped from Flight Following, and what to do if ATC doesn’t coordinate a handoff. Includes specific guidance for crossings near San Diego and the 1260 code procedure for Tijuana.
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Lesson 11c: Mexico ATC Comms - IN FLIGHT VIDEO
Learn how to handle initial communication as you enter Mexican airspace. This lesson covers when to call, what to say, and how to respond to new squawk codes or reporting instructions. You’ll understand how to manage areas with no radio coverage, use pilot-to-pilot frequencies effectively, and maintain proper monitoring throughout your first minutes in Mexico.
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Lesson 11d: MEX Towered Airport Comms and Landing AOE - IN FLIGHT
Learn how to contact Mexico tower on approach, use the correct radio format, and understand the difference between advisory-only and fully controlled towers. This lesson walks through real examples from San Felipe and Loreto so you know exactly what to expect during arrival, landing, and taxi—making your first touchdown in Mexico effortless and professional.
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Chapter 3: Mexico Arrival Procedures and Flights Within Mexico
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Lesson 12: Mexican Airport of Entry Procedures
Follow a self-guided process through immigration, customs, and the AFAC office. Understand forms, fees, and document checks so you can process efficiently and save hundreds in unnecessary charges.
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Lesson 13: Mexican Secondary Airport Status Checks
Learn how to verify AFAC classifications, identify “Private with Third-Party Services” airports, and avoid closed or restricted strips. Keep your plans compliant and your destinations accessible.
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Lesson 14: Flying Within Mexico
Understand when and how to file and close paper flight plans, communicate at towered and non-towered fields, and manage local fees.
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Chapter 4: Inbound MEXICO to USA Procedures and Flight
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Lesson 15: Returning to the USA Overview
Review the four key requirements for reentry—filings, flight plans, customs coordination, and airport selection—so your return process feels as organized as your departure.
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Lesson 16: Return to USA: eAPIS & Landing Rights
Learn how to file your return eAPIS with Flashpass, confirm CBP landing rights, and manage timing windows that avoid fines or delays. You’ll return smoothly with everything properly coordinated.
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Lesson 17: Return to USA - ICAO Flight Plan
Understand how to file, activate, and maintain your DVFR or IFR flight plan on long legs. You’ll manage ADIZ timing, communication, and amendments with total confidence.
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Lesson 18: Border Crossing Flight - MEXICO to USA
Submit your final Mexican flight plan, complete departure clearances, and coordinate with ATC/FSS for the border crossing. Keep timing accurate and communication clear for a smooth transition home. Come along in the cockpit on our flight back to the USA.
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Lesson 19: Landing back in the USA
Arrive on time, taxi straight to customs, and present your prepared folder. You’ll know exactly what to show, what not to bring, and how to avoid the most common reentry mistakes.
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Chapter 5: Crucial Tips
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Lesson 20: Safety and Security
Learn practical precautions for operating in Mexico—tie-downs, prop locks, communication tools, and emergency gear. You’ll gain strategies for personal security and remote-area preparedness.
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Lesson 21: Course Conclusion
Wrap up the full process with your ready-to-use checklist and course supplement. Join the SoCal Flying Monkey community, plan your first trip, and start flying south with total confidence.
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Document Generator
Use our document generator to help create documents for authorizing non-owned aircraft, authorizing minors without both parents traveling, and AIU application cover letters.
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Course Supplement Access
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