AFAC in Mexico

[Batiz]

Hi, is there somebody here that has experience in dealing with AFAC in Mexcio, need some new real info. Thanks

 

[GFields]

AFAC

What is AFAC?

 

[old man mavic]

@GFields AFAC stands for Agencia Federal de Aviation Civil
or the Federal Civil Aviation Agency

 

[Batiz]

What is AFAC?

hi, is the euivalent for FAA part 107 in Mexico

 

[LoudThunder]

You have asked questions about flying a drone in Mexico. You must be a citizen of Mexico to fly a drone there… The reason for Mexico's strict laws on drone flying is unknown, they could be simply lacking modern laws, or they could be trying to limit the number of drones in the sky.

But before you ask why, I still want to know why the FAA insists that RID reports the pilots location (or in the case of a RID Module, the takeoff location…).

If you are not a Mexican citizen, just enjoy flying in the USA…

 

[Starz]

In Mexico, flying a drone may depend on where you are and what you’re intending to do. More information on your intent may help.

 

[Batiz]

You have asked questions about flying a drone in Mexico. You must be a citizen of Mexico to fly a drone there… The reason for Mexico's strict laws on drone flying is unknown, they could be simply lacking modern laws, or they could be trying to limit the number of drones in the sky.

But before you ask why, I still want to know why the FAA insists that RID reports the pilots location (or in the case of a RID Module, the takeoff location…).

If you are not a Mexican citizen, just enjoy flying in the USA…

Sorry for late reply. You are correct about being a citizen of Mexico to fly there. Although I have seen blogs where
American citizen take a chance and are lucky, the consequences are not desirable and all depends where you fly and and who sees you. At time of writing I was just getting started on AFAC, being a holder of FAA part 107 I was curious if I could do the same in Mexico. After almost 50 e-mail correspondences I learned a bunch, mostly it is
almost 100 times harder to get a license there than here in USA.. Which brings me to all the worry here in the states, SO WHAT, IT IS NO BIG DEAL in my opinion, look at our smart phones which is a personal tracker, look at our computers- big brother knows all they want, Look at the info each time you use a credit card-big brother has won. If it bothers anyone on RID, dont use a computer, dont use a smart phone dont use credit cards, dont fly a drone.

 

[LoudThunder]

I will only address your issues with flying a drone in Mexico, if you are caught, it is jail time and Americans are not treated nicely by the other "guests" in a Mexican jail… Next, even if no authorities are watching and you are out in the "wilds" there might be cartel activity there, crops, meetings, you name it… All I can say is, "It's been nice knowing you…"

 

[Dogpilot]

You must consider that the Mexicans have had considerable problems with the Narcos and drones. If you think that the Ukrainians are clever with their drone usage, the Narcos are much better funded and cause some real problems for the authorities in Mexico. I have found Civil Aviation in Mexico easy to deal with and very professional. I have been flying down there since the 80's. They do have their own peculiar rules, like no night VFR and so on. Don't get me going about the extra Mexican insurance you must have on top of your regular international coverage insurance. I can also say, unequivocally that going to jail in Mexico is not something you would do on a lark. My half brother ended up in jail there for several months. He did not have a great time and he is a big hulking thug. Quite possibly the only reason he is still alive. BTW, he totally deserved to go to jail for what he did. Also suffers from poor judgment. Every family has one I suppose.

 

[PINEBARON]

Is it easier to take a drone like Mavic 4 Pro on vacation to Mexico for recreational use only, say Los Cabos? Whats involved?

 

[Dogpilot]

At the moment the CAA in Mexico only allows sub-249 gram drones for foreigners. Heavier ones need to be registered with the CAA and foreigners are not allowed to register them. What I do in places that have peculiar foreigner exclusions is hire a local licensed pilot to watch me fly. Narcos are driving the foreigner exclusion now. Kind of why, traveling offshore I will only bring something like the Mini 4 Pro. I tried out the Neo for a bit, but it could not handle any wind at all.

 

[PINEBARON]

At the moment the CAA in Mexico only allows sub-249 gram drones for foreigners. Heavier ones need to be registered with the CAA and foreigners are not allowed to register them. What I do in places that have peculiar foreigner exclusions is hire a local licensed pilot to watch me fly. Narcos are driving the foreigner exclusion now. Kind of why, traveling offshore I will only bring something like the Mini 4 Pro. I tried out the Neo for a bit, but it could not handle any wind at all.

Both my A3S and the Mavic 4 Pro are out of sub-249 category. I'd have to purchase the new Mini 5 Pro which seems to have decent wind resistance although the Neo 2 would be ideal for a low weight but may not do well on beaches.

 

[Dogpilot]

Kind of a bit of a debate on the Mini 5 Pro and its being sub-249. Most folks are finding it to be over and there is the issue it broadcasts RID all the time. Not really a huge difference between the two, except in low light and obstacle detection. There are also no wide converters for the Mini 5 Pro yet and then there is, how to get it fixed in the USA issue. You can, however, buy one in Mexico from the DJI store directly and have it delivered to your destination.

 

[PINEBARON]

Kind of a bit of a debate on the Mini 5 Pro and its being sub-249. Most folks are finding it to be over and there is the issue it broadcasts RID all the time.

If Mexico permits it as sub-249 it would be fine else I'll go for the Neo2 and not let it stray too far in wind. Purchase of DJI drones or accessories is not a problem.

 

[Starz]

In Mexico, there are laws and rules. What I have found is they vary depending on who you are confronted by and how their previous evening went. Also how thick your wallet is at the time.
Your results may vary.