I Pity the Non-Pilots!

Welcome to Tucson, Parkwest!  We had a busy afternoon of briefings--getting everyone acquainted, outlining the tour destinations to come, and reviewing ALL the flight procedures and logistics for flying a personal aircraft into Mexico.  I might have seen some eyes glaze over by the end, all the talk of eAPIS, flight plans, Approach Control and customs decal would make anyone dizzy.  Tonight's homework for our pilots?

• Call banks/credit card companies and advise of travel plans
• Call and file Prescott FSS and file DVFR flight plan for both tomorrow's flight and the return flight
• Submit APIS info to US Customs/Border Patrol
• Submit APIS info to Mexican Customs/Border Patrol

Tomorrow morning?

• Go to airport, pack the plane
• Listen to ATIS
• Call clearance delivery
• Call ground control
• Call tower control
• Talk to departure control
• Call Prescott Radio to open flight plan
• Cross the border
• Talk to Hermosillo Approach while transiting their airspace
• Talk to your tour mates as time permits
• Talk to Loreto tower on arrival, land
• Taxi to fuel pump, get fuel
• Have plane inspected
• Secure airplane
• Get Mexican aircraft registration permit
• File/open/close flight plan
• Get tourist visa, Pass through customs
• Take shuttle bus to hotel, check-in and then....
• Margarita time!