Annual in Mexico

Discussion in 'Flight Following' started by Bill Jeffreys, Jan 16, 2022.

  1. Bill Jeffreys

    Bill Jeffreys Filing Flight Plan

    Joined:
    Jan 16, 2022
    Messages:
    17

    Display name:
    breezyD77
    '69 Cessna 172K old school panel all needle gauge

    First annual as an owner. Runs strong in the ~80 hours I've put on it. I live in Mexico. I don't want to leave. I don't have a "guy" back in Utah. I just have the guy that did the previous annual that I've never met.

    Anyone ever done this? If so, recommendations? I'm due in March.
     
  2. Bell206

    Bell206 Final Approach

    Joined:
    Oct 6, 2017
    Messages:
    7,273

    Display name:
    Bell206
    FYI: Start networking and you should find someone to either travel or there in Mexico. I've seen many people work that route with no issues.
     
  3. Bill Jeffreys

    Bill Jeffreys Filing Flight Plan

    Joined:
    Jan 16, 2022
    Messages:
    17

    Display name:
    breezyD77
    How to go about vetting an IA? And is part availability an issue down here? I'm worried that parts that might get replaced (we're talking little stuff here - cowling bolts etc, but maybe bigger stuff?) in the US would get overlooked here if parts are harder to come by.
     
  4. Bell206

    Bell206 Final Approach

    Joined:
    Oct 6, 2017
    Messages:
    7,273

    Display name:
    Bell206
    No different than vetting anyone you want to trust. There are several people on PoA that fly to MX on a regular that may give you some more updated info. But did anyone perform a pre-buy on your aircraft? Perhaps contact them? Or why not "vett" the APIA from the last annual?
    Pre-covid no issues on any parts south of the border from my experience. Now, I dont know. I used to travel to MX and CA to work N reg helicopters a number of years ago but never really had a problem with sourcing the small parts. Some items yes but usually there was a workable system. I believe there are a number of facebook pages, websites, on expat aircraft in MX that can direct you in the right direction. Just dont over think it too much.
     
  5. rene86mx

    rene86mx Pre-takeoff checklist

    Joined:
    Mar 13, 2015
    Messages:
    184

    Display name:
    rene86mx
    Where are you based?
    MMJC and MMAN have IAs

    I've heard the airfield near Cozumel also has IAs
     
  6. Bill Jeffreys

    Bill Jeffreys Filing Flight Plan

    Joined:
    Jan 16, 2022
    Messages:
    17

    Display name:
    breezyD77
    Yes but he was not an IA, something I wouldn't do again. I can vet the IA from the last annual but he is 1200 miles away right now. Is that a "normal" thing asking someone to travel to perform an annual?
     
  7. Bell206

    Bell206 Final Approach

    Joined:
    Oct 6, 2017
    Messages:
    7,273

    Display name:
    Bell206
    Not necessarily the "norm" but as I mentioned I did it to perform mx but no annuals. I did know several APIAs that used to travel to the EU for annuals though. But Mexico is a bit different. As indicated above there are a number of APIAs in MX already. Get a few recommendations and go see one or all until you find a guy that works for you.
     
  8. Jeff767

    Jeff767 Line Up and Wait

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2018
    Messages:
    691

    Display name:
    Jeff767
    You are going to find it hard to get someone to travel for the inspection. He is going to need tools ect.. It would also be illegal unless he can get a work permit for Mexico. Local mechanics might dime him out. Ask around and find the best local guy you can or fly the aircraft back to the US for the inspection.
     
    Scott_M likes this.
  9. Rgbeard

    Rgbeard En-Route

    Joined:
    Aug 26, 2017
    Messages:
    4,179
    Location:
    Phoenix, AZ and Ensenada, Mexico

    Display name:
    rgbeard
    You’re going to have an expensive ownership experience if you feel you need to import A&P help in a country with perfectly competent mechanics.
     
  10. SkyDog58

    SkyDog58 Ejection Handle Pulled

    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2015
    Messages:
    14,601
    Location:
    My own special place.

    Display name:
    Canis Non Grata
    Just curious what your maintenance and inspection plans were for the aircraft when you decided to buy or base it in Mexico, or did your location plans change afterwards?
     
    Cykoguy likes this.
  11. Bill Jeffreys

    Bill Jeffreys Filing Flight Plan

    Joined:
    Jan 16, 2022
    Messages:
    17

    Display name:
    breezyD77
    Do you know anything more about the IA in MMJC? I have made calls to dozens of shops in Mexico inquiring about an IA, but only been able to snag one so far (and that didn't come from a cold call). I'm in touch with an IA from MMAN but hoping to find one closer to me. If not, I'll go to MMAN.

    Yeah that's what I figured. Thanks I'm continuing my search.

    I definitely looking for a Mexican IA. Thanks.

    Plan was to fly back to the US, which is still on the table. Just trying to avoid it if possible. Thanks.
     
  12. SkyDog58

    SkyDog58 Ejection Handle Pulled

    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2015
    Messages:
    14,601
    Location:
    My own special place.

    Display name:
    Canis Non Grata
    You can try emailing the DFW IFO. They should have oversight for IAs in Mexico.

    9-avs-dfw-ifo@faa.gov
     
  13. Bill Jeffreys

    Bill Jeffreys Filing Flight Plan

    Joined:
    Jan 16, 2022
    Messages:
    17

    Display name:
    breezyD77
    Brilliant thank you sir
     
    SkyDog58 likes this.
  14. Bill Jeffreys

    Bill Jeffreys Filing Flight Plan

    Joined:
    Jan 16, 2022
    Messages:
    17

    Display name:
    breezyD77
    I'm not looking to do that
     
  15. rene86mx

    rene86mx Pre-takeoff checklist

    Joined:
    Mar 13, 2015
    Messages:
    184

    Display name:
    rene86mx
    PM Sent
     
  16. Sac Arrow

    Sac Arrow Touchdown! Greaser!

    Joined:
    May 11, 2010
    Messages:
    19,668
    Location:
    Charlotte, NC

    Display name:
    Snorting his way across the USA
    What a concept. Performing MX in MX.
     
    murphey, rsleeds and Deelee like this.
  17. Bill Jeffreys

    Bill Jeffreys Filing Flight Plan

    Joined:
    Jan 16, 2022
    Messages:
    17

    Display name:
    breezyD77
    Talk about a missed opportunity for me
     
  18. Deelee

    Deelee Pattern Altitude

    Joined:
    Feb 12, 2019
    Messages:
    1,757

    Display name:
    Deelee