373 How to Fly a Small Plane to Mexico and other Countries + GA News

373 How to Fly a Small Plane to Mexico and other Countries + GA News

Author: Max Trescott | Aviation News Talk Network March 7, 2025 Duration: 1:09:52

Max talks with Ranferi Denova about what pilots need to know about flying small planes to Mexico, though the advice applies broadly to international flights from the U.S., including to Canada and the Caribbean. Ranferi assures pilots that flying to Mexico is safe and rewarding, provided they plan ahead and follow proper procedures.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Lightspeed-Newsletter-Delta-Zulu-banner-2.jpg

He details aircraft and pilot documentation requirements, such as an airworthiness certificate, insurance, and an FCC radio license. He also explains essential paperwork, like the Mexican flight permit (A IU) and the newly required LOPA (Layout of Passenger Accommodations).

Flight planning considerations include IFR versus VFR flights, the necessity of submitting an eAPIS manifest before departure, and understanding Mexican air traffic control procedures. Ranferi provides guidance on clearing customs both upon arrival and when returning to the U.S., emphasizing the importance of preparation and patience.

Additionally, he discusses common pitfalls, offers practical tips for a smooth experience, and introduces tools like FlashPass to simplify the process. Whether heading to Mexico, Canada, or the Caribbean, pilots will gain valuable knowledge to navigate international flying confidently.

If you're getting value from this show, please support the show via PayPal, Venmo, Zelle or Patreon.

Support the Show by buying a Lightspeed ANR Headsets
Max has been using only Lightspeed headsets for nearly 25 years! I love their tradeup program that let's you trade in an older Lightspeed headset for a newer model. Start with one of the links below, and Lightspeed will pay a referral fee to support Aviation News Talk.
Lightspeed Delta Zulu Headset $1199
Lightspeed Zulu 3 Headset $899
Lightspeed Sierra Headset $699
My Review on the Lightspeed Delta Zulu

Send us your feedback or comments via email

If you have a question you'd like answered on the show, let listeners hear you ask the question, by recording your listener question using your phone.

News Stories

Mentioned on the Show
Buy Max Trescott's G1000 Book Call 800-247-6553
Buy Max Trescott's G3000 Book Call 800-247-6553
Max's January FLYING column: Choosing ILS vs RNAV approaches
FlashPass App for making border crossings easy and fast
Ranferi Denova's Flying to Mexico website

Free Index to the first 282 episodes of Aviation New Talk

So You Want To Learn to Fly or Buy a Cirrus seminars
Online Version of the Seminar Coming Soon – Register for Notification

Check out our recommended ADS-B receivers, and order one for yourselfYes, we'll make a couple of dollars if you do.

Get the Free Aviation News Talk app for iOS or Android.

Check out Max's Online Courses: G1000 VFR, G1000 IFR, and Flying WAAS & GPS Approaches. Find them all at: https://www.pilotlearning.com/

Social Media
Like Aviation News Talk podcast on Facebook
Follow Max on Instagram
Follow Max on Twitter
Listen to all Aviation News Talk podcasts on YouTube or YouTube Premium

"Go Around" song used by permission of Ken Dravis; you can buy his music at kendravis.com

If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.


There’s always something new happening above the clouds, and Aviation News Talk-Pilot Stories, Safety Tips & General Aviation News is where those stories come together. Host Max Trescott, with four decades of experience flying general aviation aircraft, doesn’t just report the news-he breaks it down from a pilot’s perspective. This podcast serves as a regular hangar session, blending the latest updates with practical knowledge you can use. You’ll hear detailed technical discussions on systems like the G1000 and Perspective glass cockpits, learn the intricacies of flying GPS approaches, and get safety tips that are relevant whether you’re just starting out or have thousands of hours in your logbook. As an active flight instructor and a Platinum Cirrus CSIP, Max brings his daily experiences straight from the cockpit to each episode. He regularly answers listener questions and hosts interviews that delve into the real-world challenges and joys of flying. The conversation is grounded in a deep commitment to safety and education, aiming to help both current and future pilots navigate the skies with greater confidence. Tune in for a straightforward, informative take on general aviation that feels like getting advice from a trusted mentor. Each episode of this podcast is built on a foundation of real-world experience, designed to inform and engage anyone with a passion for flight.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Aviation News Talk – Pilot Stories, Safety Tips & General Aviation News
Podcast Episodes
388 Fly Farther, Fly Smarter: The Benefits of Getting High [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:38
Max Trescott welcomes aviation columnist, aerobatic instructor, and DPE Dr. Catherine Cavagnaro to explore smarter ways to plan cross-country flights. The conversation is inspired by Catherine's June 2025 AOPA article ti…
385 N666DS Citation S550 Crash in San Diego – Flying below Minimums [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:57
Max Trescott examines the tragic crash of a Citation S550, N666DS, in San Diego during an attempted RNAV (GPS) 28R approach to Montgomery Field at approximately 3:46 AM. After departing Teterboro, NJ, and making a fuel s…