(Video courtesy of Skycam Productions © 1996)

Back by popular demand! See how easy it is to Fly Baja. Learn about U.S. and Mexican customs requirements; also, valuable tips on avgas and autogas. View the beautiful Pacific coastline, soar through the nooks and valleys of the Gulf side.

The mountainous, desert Baja peninsula stretches for over 800 miles south from the temperate zone of California into the tropics at the tip. The Pacific Ocean washes its western shore and on the east, the Sea of Cortez separates Baja from mainland Mexico.

The central portion of the spectacular peninsula is dominated by a series of mountain ranges. Granite peaks in the north rise to over 10,000 ft. in the San Pedro Martir range and the mostly volcanic mountains of the south average 3,000 ft.

Most of the mountain ranges have very steep eastern sides and gradually slope to the west. A series of broad plains dominate the landscape of the central and southern half of the peninsula along the Pacific. Where these plains intersect the coast, extensive lagoon systems have formed. Lagoons like San Ignacio and Scammons, are the breeding and birthing grounds for the California Grey whales.

Various islands are prominent jewels along both coast with the majority in the Sea of Cortez. Over 20 pristine islands make up the Midriff island region, with Angel de Guardia, the second largest island in the Sea of Cortez just off shore from La Unica Wilderness Retreat.

The Sea of Cortez is home to more than 800 species of marine vertebrates and 2000 invertebrates ranging in size from tiny gobies to giant manta rays and docile whale sharks. Mostly tropical in origin, many colorful reef fish you'll see snorkeling the clear waters, look similar to what you'd find in the Caribbean.

The Midriff Island region is one of the "greatest fishing holes in the world". People who have had little or no fishing experience, delight in the "almost guaranteed catching" near La Unica.

Some of the fish in these abundant waters include: white sea bass, giant squid, cabrilla, spotted bay bass, leopard grouper, grouper, yellowtail, lingcod, corvina, sierra, halibut, barracuda, even dorado, rooster fish, sailfish and marlin in the summer.

Flying into Baja is not difficult as many may think. This writer has flown numerous flights to lower California and have enjoyed every one. The best advice concerning taking on this adventure is PLAN, PLAN, PLAN. Fortunately, there are many commercial publications available to read and study regarding Baja. Be sure to obtain one. Additionally, the International Aeronautical Information Manual, available to read at the FSDO, is another great resource. Be aware that many of the "off-the-beaten-path" airstrips have no fuel available, no maintenance, no runway lighting, etc. Still, many resorts have excellently maintained hard-packed sand runways, with minimal obstructions and/or landing difficulties. Also remember there are NO night VFR flights allowed in Mexico.

PARTIAL PERTINENT INFORMATION
from the Intl. Aeronautical Information Manual

AIRCRAFT ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

1. A flight plan must be on file for all flights in Mexican territory. All private aircraft transiting Mexico via coastal cities (both Pacific and Gulf) must give at least 24 hours advance notice to Mexican authorities.

2. Payment for all services including avgas, must be made in cash, in Mexican currency(pesos).

3. To enter Mexican territory, foreign civil aircraft for private use destined exclusively for recreation or private use, must fulfill the following requirements:

a. Jet or turbine aircraft must use the entry and departure of Mexico any of the following airports: [edited for brevity]Acapulco,GR.; Cancun, OR; Guadalajara, JAL; Culiacan, SIN;Hermosillo, SON; Guaymas, SON; La Paz, B.C.S.; Mazatlan, SIN; Mexicali, B.C.N.; Mexico City; 'Loreto, B.C.S.; Nogales, SON; Puerto Vallarta,

JAL; San Jose Del Cabo, B.C.S.; San Felipe, BCN; Tijuana, B.C.N

b. Single engine or twin engine aircraft can only use (for entry or departure from Mexico) one of the following international airports: [edited for brevity] Northern Zone (for flights to or from the northern border of Mexico): Tijuana, B.C.N.; Mexicali, B.C.N.; Nogales, SON; Hermosillo, SON; Ciudad Juarez, CHIH; Ciudad Acuna, COAH; Piedras Negras, COAH; Nuevo Laredo, TAMPS; Reynosa, TAMPS; Matamoros, TAMPS; Ensenada, B.C.N.; San Jose Del Cabo, B.C.S.; San Felipe, B.C.N.; Loreto, B.C.S.; …..and Guaymas, SON.

4. The crews and passengers who fly in these aircraft must:

a. Fulfill the requirements of custom, immigration and health in the international airports where they enter and depart from Mexico.

b. Fulfill the requirements of the law of the general ways of communication, as well as the requirements of the aviation authorities of the owners country in regard to the type, nationality and registration, weight, instruments and accessories for security and first aid.

c.. The aircraft pilots must, employing a communications system, advise the aeronautical authorities of the international airport closest to the point they plan to cross the Mexican border.

d. In the case of jet aircraft which will overfly the border airports, the pilots must make contact with the control center for air transit.

Checklist of Necessary Documents:

• Original Airworthiness Certificate
• Original Aircraft Registration
• Proof of Mexican Aviation Insurance
• Proof of U.S Citizenship of Pilot(s) & all passengers
• Original Pilot(s) certificate & medical(s)

Airshow Season
Airshow season is again upon us!

Next show:
Castle--- Sept. 10-11-12

New FAA Web Sites

A new way to find out about Safety Seminars, and much more, is available on the FAA Western-Pacific Flight Standards Internet WEB Site. You may view a complete listing of meetings available in California, Arizona, Nevada and Hawaii. There are options to search for meetings sponsored by SAC FSDO and for meetings at a particular airport. You may also register for the meetings on-line which will allow us to notify you via e-mail if the meeting is changed or canceled. Check it out at the following address:

www.awp.faa.gov/flightstandards

Also, check out Fresno's new home page at
http://www.awp.faa.gov/fsdo/fresno

Home-Built Dreams

If you would like a presentation on amateur-built aircraft for your local flying organization or EAA chapter call Gordon Campbell (Safety Program Manager, Airworthiness) at (916) 422-0272 ext. 258.

Operations Corner

It’s been a strange year for weather. Gusty winds, rain showers, snow late in the year. Is it any wonder that weather has played a roll in several accidents this year already.

Please take the time to continually educate yourself in all areas of flying. We’ll also help the best we can.

Thanks for all the support. See you at a meeting!
Dan Abdon and Gordon Campbell