Advice on flying into Tijuana.

NotarPilot

NotarPilot

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NotarPilot
Hello everyone. I'm looking to get some advice on flying into Mexico, specifically Tijuana International airport, to pick up a passenger flying in commercially. The plan would be land there, park at the General Aviation FBO, pick up my friend at the terminal and fly back to the U.S. side landing at Brown Field for the customs and immigration process. Crossing on foot or by car can be painfully slow because my friend doesn't have SENTRI yet. I've actually been planning and preparing to fly to Mexico for a while I just never pulled the trigger yet. I have my radio station and radio operator license, the CBP decal on order, copies of my certificates, registration and I have insurance coverage in Mexico. I'm asking my insurance provider to send me a copy in Spanish to provide to the Mexican authorities.

My question is for anyone with experience flying into Tijuana. What does the FBO charge for a single engine plane (Mooney), what fees will I have to pay to the authorities, how long should I plan for the whole process to take before I can leave to go to the terminal, then come back and depart. Also, what are the thoughts on getting insurance through a Mexican insurance provider? Does my coverage in Mexico meet the requirements? Thanks in advance for the advice.
 
The person can use the CBX. From Baggage Claim, cross to the US via a dedicated bridge. 10 minutes and welcome to the US
The CBX is exclusive for passengers

I'm based in Mexico and would avoid the hassle.
Just customs, entry permit, etc. will take you at least 60-90 minutes.

Save that money and use it for 100LL
 
rene86mx said:
The person can use the CBX. From Baggage Claim, cross to the US via a dedicated bridge. 10 minutes and welcome to the US
The CBX is exclusive for passengers
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Yeah, if you've already convinced yourself that Tijuana is part of the picture - CBX is an amazing cheat code.
 
An Uber from CBX to KSDM/Brown Field is $28 as I write this. Getting from the Tijuana commercial terminal to wherever you could load your passenger into the Mooney will likely be harder for the passenger than getting to KSDM across the bridge and via Uber. And meanwhile your effort and costs in dealing with cross border flying will be zero.

If you want to be exceptionally helpful and polite meet your passenger at the US side of the CBX bridge, taking an Uber both ways between CBX and your plane at (free) SDM transient parking.

(I learned to fly at KSDM and have used the CBX bridge several times)

IMG_4581.jpeg
 
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I have not flown in Mexico since the 90's.

I would research:
Mexican authorities (AFAC)
U.S. eAPIS
If the passenger is not US, there may be more requirements.
Mexico fees, there should be some airway fees, probably small.
Advise US customs by phone and get the agent's name, keep them updated with arrival times.
 
Tusayan said:
An Uber from CBX to KSDM/Brown Field is $28 as I write this. Getting from the Tijuana commercial terminal to wherever you could load your passenger into the Mooney will likely be harder for the passenger than getting to KSDM across the bridge and via Uber. And meanwhile your effort and costs in dealing with cross border flying will be zero.

If you want to be exceptionally helpful and polite meet your passenger at the US side of the CBX bridge, taking an Uber both ways between CBX and your plane at (free) SDM transient parking.

(I learned to fly at KSDM and have used the CBX bridge several times)

View attachment 153398
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^^^^^THIS^^^^^^
 
The info that the OP may not have understood is that Tijuana airport functions as a binational airport with a terminal in the US, and there is another GA airport (KSDM) on the US side so close that the two airports could almost be one. It’s a 5-10 minute taxi ride from one airport’s terminal to the other, both on the US side. There is no practical reason to fly or drive into Mexico.
 
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Thank you all for the input. Sounds like flying to TJ is not the best option. I think CBX is.
 
If flying into Mexico is on your bucket list consider joining the Baja Bush pilots. They have all the information and procedures for flying into Mexico. I have flown into San Felipe many times with their assistance and guidance.

Baja Bush Pilots: Bush Pilots Home Page

Bush Pilots International
www.bajabushpilots.com www.bajabushpilots.com
 
Don't do this. PM me. This is NOT worth it. Nothing is.
I'm not going to post it because certain parties in this story involve people who are still working.
 
bbchien said:
Don't do this. PM me. This is NOT worth it. Nothing is.
I'm not going to post it because certain parties in this story involve people who are still working.
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Please let me know if there is a reason not to be flying into Mexico. I have an upcoming trip in fall and if the environment is not currently safe I would def want to cancel. Thank you!
 
Scotty66 said:
Please let me know if there is a reason not to be flying into Mexico. I have an upcoming trip in fall and if the environment is not currently safe I would def want to cancel. Thank you!
Click to expand...
Turn on "signature lines" in the POA software and send me a message through the link in my sigline.....
 
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