Civil Aviation Authority in Mexico (fka DGAC) has changed its name to AFAC (Civil Aviation Federal Agency) as of October 16, 2019.
As part of its change, which is part of a broader overhaul that authorities are undergoing, some departments within the agency have changed the way they operate.
Unfortunately, it is too soon to brief you accurately on specific changes. Moreover, some changes might be overturned in the interim due to a lack of practical application. What we can share with you so far is the following:
Insurances
The department in charge of Insurances and Bonds is under new management. The criteria for the validation and acceptance of Mexican insurance policies, as well as Worldwide insurance polices, is now more strict.
Mexican insurance policies require original forms as most policies have been rejected if signatures are blurry, payment receipts are missing, or a color hard print is noticeable.
Worldwide insurance policies are now required to be submitted in full so that coverage, proofs of payment, as well as aircraft details are clearly shown. Please note that certificates of insurance are being rejected mostly when they make clear reference to a policy number, thus making AFAC ask for the Insurance Policy referenced rather than the certificate.
Power of Attorney
In the past and given the frequency of unscheduled aviation, a simple copy of a signed power of attorney was sufficient to prove legal representation of an operator and gain the ability to submit applications as well as start and follow up on processes like landing authorizations/etc. on each company's behalf.
Now, POA requires proof from original documentation that is notarized with an apostille. Please note that this has not yet been made an official policy but something, which is suggested for ease of operation. Furthermore, for single landing and next day/short notice operations, a digital copy must be submitted beforehand and the original notarized document including apostle must be submitted to the central office when available.
Insurances & Power of Attorney are Protected by Law
The points above are considered, based, and protected by the law. There are instances where they may or may not be enforced in part due to keeping planes from coming therefore avoiding further delays. Yes, it is still the same playbook, just different interpretations of the rules.
Documents You Must Have for All Flights
- Aircraft Registration and Airworthiness *Original needed*
- WW Insurance *Original needed*
- AOC Radio License Medical certs for PIC and SIC *Original needed*
- PL for PIC and SIC Mexico Insurance (Commercial) *Original needed*
- Department of Transport Ops Specs 4507 form (PLEASE always make sure it's the most up to date)
Single Landing Authorizations
AFAC seems to be aiming to reduce or eliminate one-time authorizations. In the past, an operator could obtain as many as 5 authorizations before CAA deemed necessary or mandatory to start the process for an Indefinite Blanket Permit should the operator need to continue flying into Mexico. The number was then reduced to 3, back to 5, and all of this with no change, update or executive order whatsoever. It just became a common practice.
Now, we have been notified about the need to start and obtain an Indefinite Blanket Permit should the operator need to continue flying into Mexico after that Single Shot. A "single shot" will soon be just that. It is imperative to be proactive and start due process in all instances it becomes necessary. As a reminder, once the process has been started, landing authorizations could be obtained on a case-by-case basis while the permit is undergoing and until it is issued.
Although this message isn't brief, it only contains what has been transpiring for the last couple weeks. We expect more changes to come and of course we will keep you informed accordingly. We hope that these lines can shed some light on the situation and aid you in your preparation.
Find entry and overflight requirements for both private and charter operations to Mexico here:
Charter | Private
Security
The rise in drug traffickingrelated violence throughout Mexico has raised significant concerns regarding security conditions for both travelers and local residents. While cartel violence is concentrated in a handful of northern Border States such as Tamaulipas, Nuevo Leon, Coahuila, Durango and Chihuahua as well as the Pacific Coast states of Michoacan and Guerrero, security threats related to the drug trade continue to spread beyond those states. Random shootings and other attacks in public places (including those involving explosives), which could collaterally affect innocent bystanders, remain a significant concern. Travelers should exercise caution near government buildings, police stations and media outlets, as drug cartels have launched attacks against these facilities throughout Mexico. While cartelrelated violence has relatively decreased over the past few years, the threats and concerns associated with drugtrafficking will remain Mexico's most prominent security issue for the foreseeable future.
World Fuel Services partners with UnitedHealthcare Global Risk to offer superior security intelligence and risk mitigation services. Special reports are provided by UnitedHealthcare Global Risk. Contact UnitedHealthcare Global Risk.
In support of this article, UHC Global has supplied a security report for Mexico.
About Manny Aviation
The mission of Manny Aviation Services is to make each client, collaborator, and supplier feel special in each service that we offer.
Manny was founded on the premise and commitment to providing its clients with coordination and supervision for ground handling in Mexico, always at the time and moment that is required, anticipating their needs.
Our highly trained staff and our collaborators throughout Mexico have great experience. We are fully committed to providing quality, professionalism, and safety.
Contact World Fuel Trip Support
Asia-Pacific: +65 6215 6888
Canada: +1 403 717 4393
Europe, Middle East & Africa: +41 22 341 6210
South America: + 55 11 2924-2569
United States: +1 800 626 0577 | +1 281 280 2200
Contact Trip Support
Asia-Pacific: +65 6215 6888
Canada: +1 403 717 4393
Europe, Middle East & Africa: +41 22 341 6210
South America: +55 11 2924 2569
United States: +1 800 626 0577 | +1 281 280 2200 (24h)
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