Note: for planning a flight and General Aviation Information,
please click here for printable information and guidelines.

To view our Alamos Web Cam, click here
Courtesy of AlamosPortfolio.com

Tropical Storm Tracking World Wide, click here

For the Current Mexican Peso Exchange Rate & Converter, click Here

Aircraft Owner's & Pilot's Association, March 2009 Issue, click here

Aircraft Owner Elite, March 2009, Two Page Feature Story
Click here to read

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Pilots Christmas in Alamos 2009"

"Enjoy our very special Christmas holiday in Alamos. We have a live Posada on Christmas Eve with strolling guitarists as all guests make the walk through part of the village following Mary, Joseph and the burro.

Guests rate this as one of their greatest experiences in Mexico. This will be a three night package with all breakfasts, dinners (four or five course of your choice), hangar parking for singles (first come), ground transportation and welcome Margarita.

Hacienda guest room for two, $975.00, plus tax and optional gratuity. ...note, this is the only time of year that we do permit children with a minimum age of 10.

For more details on Christmas, visit "Hacienda Happenings" under December.

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March 10th - 14th, 2010

Spring Reunion of Club Pilotos de Mexico

For a sample itinerary, view October Fall Club Pilotos de Mexico on this page. A $400.00 deposit required for all pilot events, refundable more than 21 days prior to event, credit given for future stay more than 14 days prior to the event. Forfeiture of deposit if cancellation is two weeks, or less, prior to the event unless the reservation is filled by another party. Deposits by personal or business check, balance may be paid by credit card at the end of the event.

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COPPER CANYON PILOTOS SEVEN DAY TOUR APRIL 12th - 18th, 2010

Here are the details of our special April "Club Pilotos" Copper Canyon Expedition. This tour is not ‘on the cheap’ and might be one of the best trips of your life. In July we did a ‘test’ trip with 16 to see how it should best be structured, what was most and least gratifying, how to ‘kick things up a notch’ whenever possible, and how to have a seven days of fun, learning and relaxing. We believe we have the right ingredients with the ground transportation at four locations, the best hotels, the First Class train and so on. Our guide will keep you in stitches while at the same time you will nearly qualify for a degree in the history of the Copper Canyon and its people, yet never boring.

This Expedition includes secure hangar parking for singles and light twins for the week, ground transportation in the States of Sonora, Sinaloa and Chihuahua, plus round-trip First Class train tickets. Also, two separate day excursions by van and bus to unique areas for the best views. All meals are included, including one on the train, Welcome Margaritas, Wine and Drinks on the first night, all tips and tax will be included. The trips will begin on a Monday in Alamos and conclude on Sunday in Alamos. The total cost, including all meals, 17% bed tax, 15% meal tax, First Class Train tickets, some live entertainment, professional expert guide and other niceties, only $2,695.00 per couple.  Jim and Nancy plan to co-host this tour and will kick it up a notch with a couple of private party's during the week!

Book Early….it’s a fabulous, unique experience which you will always remember.
One "Piloto" Tour only in 2010....plus, if you attend the March "Club Piloto" Event, you will receive a voucher valid for a $400.00 Discount on the Copper Canyon Expedition! (may not be used as a deposit)

Reservations for this special package must be made direct through HdlS.  Please call our Toll-Free number from the U.S. at 888-777-0164, or contact Jim Swickard at jnswick@aol.com and request the Copper Canyon itinerary for specific details of the expedition.

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August 5 - 9, 2010
AUGUST  SUPER VALUE "R&R" PACKAGE
(No Seminars or Special events...just low, low prices)

( the lowest rates of the Year...available only to current Club Piloto members.....email Jim today at jnswick@aol.com for package details, sign-up before January 1, 2010 and receive a complimentary one hour Spa treatments for Two! No Deposits Required until June 1st.

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October 27 - October 31, 2010
Fall Reunion of Club Pilotos de Mexico

(note: the itinerary below is the 2009, the 2010 will be announced one month prior to the 2010 event...use for planning purposes only, there will be different speakers, times, places, etc.)

New pilots are encouraged to attend!

Tuesday, October 26th (Early Arrivals must Clear Customs prior to Alamos)
Tuesday arrivals please provide us with an ETA, Wednesday arrivals ETA’s are not necessary. We will be monitoring 122.8. No hangar party on Tuesday, however we will meet your flight and drive you to the resort. The next day we will drive the Tuesday arrivals to the airport for the complimentary hangar party. This evening, for the early arrivals, we will have an intimate dinner at the Treetop Grill which is included in the Tuesday “Early Arrival” rate of $150.00 (plus tax) per couple….if you arrive in time for lunch we will include that also!

NOTE TO ALL PILOTS…
We will have Immigration, Customs and the DGAC (FAA) at the airport on the 27th and the 31st so you may fly direct to and from Mexico. Those needing fuel should make an inbound or outbound stop at CEN, GYM or elsewhere. If you are planning to go with the group tour of the Copper Canyon 1.6 hours+-, you may want to fuel inbound prior to arriving in Alamos. Distance is only 52 nm to CEN, depart on the 106 radial, no sooner than ten miles out from Alamos contact the airport on Unicom 122.8. It is left hand traffic ‘31’, and right hand traffic ‘13’. Exit only at the ramp in line with the hangar unless advised otherwise. Hangar parking is ‘first come’ and limited to light twins and singles. Airport parking fees are $15.00 per night and payable on Sunday, normal tip is $5.00 to Daniel the city employee. Parking in the hangar no charge, however a one night fee of $15.00 is payable to the airport. Please ask Daniel for a receipt….thanks.

Wednesday, October 27th (Day One)
Welcome Margaritas, or Limonada, in the Hangar with fresh Hacienda salsa and homemade chips. Its lots of fun to hang out and watch the rest of the group arrive. We are looking forward to this wonderful “Pilotos Reunion” which begins Wednesday morning at the Alamos Airport. Libations will be available in the hangar until 2:00 p.m. and the first eight or so arrivals (jets & twins excluded) may park in the hangar. The military is present 24/7. As usual, all parking in the hangar is at your own risk and owners are not responsible for hangar rash, fire or theft, please sign a release if we don’t have one on file. Transportation to Hacienda de Los Santos will be available as needed. During your stay, don’t hesitate to ask for a driver to take you to the airport if you want to check on your plane or if you forgot something.

Due to security, we ask that no one enter the hangar or ramp area after dark or prior to 6:30 a.m. on Sunday.

1:00-3:00 p.m. Lunch at Café Agave, at your leisure (Included in package)

2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Enjoy this time to get comfortable, settle in and be sure to make yourselves at home. Walk around the village, visit the La Dulce Vida Spa (see Reception) for an incredible treatment, arrange horse back riding, make use of our six mountains bikes, putting greens and visit the Café Agave for a latte or the new “Santiago’s” at the front of the hotel, the Cantina for a unique tequila, or take a splash in one of our swimming pools. The middle pool is solar heated for your comfort and just soaking. In your room you will find your “Reunion Packet” with the itinerary, Spa Bucks and a Galeria special. Also now’s the time to sign-up for Thursday mornings Horseshoe contest (His & Her Prizes), Saturday mornings archery trip, His & Her Prizes, transportation, bows, arrows and instruction included at no charge (sign-up required and we leave from the Reception area at 10:00 Saturday morning).

6:15 P.M.
Cocktails at the Sugar Mill with live music by Los Hacendados. We no longer have the traditional “Pilotos Medallion” presentation, however we do have a memento for each couple which can be used on a daily basis in your aircraft. We could not find a practical use for the medallions, except for a few couples with nearly a dozen and they make good paperweights.

7:00 to 9:30 Dinner at the Sugar Mill
We will have a five course dinner, by Chef Rene, with live music by the Hacendados.    (Note this itinerary is subject to change and we are attempting to book an out-of-town musical and dance group for one of the Piloto evenings following dinner).

9:00 P.M. Blu-ray movie.

WHAT TO DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?

Important…sign-up on Wednesday in Reception for Cooking School with Chefs’ Rene & Rosa (Thursday and Friday) with Mexican Cuisine specialties on Thursday and Deserts on Friday (no charge), seating is limited to 15. Sign-up required for Archery and Horseshoes on Saturday (no charge). Another great option is to relax in the Spa! Don’t forget to use your “Spa Bucks” toward a manicure, pedicure, facial or massage. Please check with Reception for the location of your spa appointments…..we have improved the experience for those wanting Manicures and Pedicures with our new location by the bridge…ask for directions. Massage is located in a new area also. The former Spa property is no longer part of Hacienda de los Santos and is operating as a seven bedroom B&B, “Posada Tacubaya” Reservation information is available in Reception also. This was created primarily for those with pets and children, as well as those driving to Alamos from within Mexico. It offers economical rates, off-street covered parking and is very pet friendly. Rates are in the $80-$100 range with Continental breakfast.

Every morning, except Sunday, we will have a 7:00 a.m. walk with Jim. If you would like some coffee first, come to the Agave Café or Santiago’s (check you itinerary each day for location) Different routes each day, wear walking shoes.. 1st day 30-40 minutes, city history walk, 2nd 45 minute cemetery walk, and Saturday a hike up the mountain of one hour and 15 minutes. Be sure to bring along your camera for a good shot of the village.

Thursday, October 28th (Day 2)
6:45 a.m. Early Coffee at “Santiago’s” today before your walk.

7:00 a.m. Morning Walk leaves today only from “Santiago’s”, to the cemetery. Stay an extra day if you wish for “Day of the Dead” when the cemetery really becomes alive! November 2nd….

7:00-10:00 a.m. Breakfast at the Agave Café.

10:00 a.m.  Aviation film in the Theater.

10:00 a.m.Cooking with Chef Rosa, and her special desserts, in the Colonial Kitchen.  

Thursday Lunch, 12:00-1:30 P.M., Agave Cafe

2:00 Meeting for Pilots flying the Copper Canyon on Friday with Bruce Boland. Bruce will outline our route of flight on Friday, advise of communication procedures and provide other important information regarding this scenic flight. Attendance is required to make the group flight.

After the briefing there will be a one hour film, “Pay-off in the Pacific” more great WWII footage from newsreels, government archives, etc. Thanks to Greg Herrick @ Historic Aviation…….

Thursday evening…….6:00-9:30 P.M. Mexican Fiesta Buffet……. 
Cocktails, live Music and Dining at the Sugar Mill. Tonight your choice of Filet Mignon, Chicken or Guaymas Shrimp Kabobs (or all three if you wish) from the grill, plus three other courses.

Entertainment this evening will be announced with your arrival packet located in your room.

Friday, October 29th
6:45 a.m. Early Coffee for walkers at the Agave Cafe

7:00 a.m. Morning walk leaves from the Agave Cafe.

7:00-10:00 a.m. Breakfast at the Agave Café 

8:45 a.m. Copper Canyon Flight, meet at the front door by Reception, wheels-up at 0915.

10:00 a.m. This morning, Cooking Class with Chef Rene, Sonoran cooking at its best!

12:30 P.M. Lunch at ‘Santiago’s’ (both inside and on the portal for seating)

2:00 p.m. Hacienda Theater Guest Speaker(s), to be announced when you arrive.

5:00….Riders to the front door….horses are rarin’ to go to the Ranch!
If you reserved a horse earlier ($25.00, please bring cash for the guide.) meet at the front of the hotel to meet your new friend. The riders will make an interesting tour through the village and then out to a ranch for the BBQ! Plenty of Cerveza, Margaritas and soft drinks for the evening…all included, plus some real ranchero music imported from the outback. Bus will return everyone to the resort at about 9:00.

5:30 p.m….All of the others will take horseless carriages to the ranch; meet in front of the hotel for the bus. This evening we will have a BBQ at the family ranch with live Cantina music. Belly up to the Palapa bar in your Levi’s and just enjoy an evening of music, more good food and the Sonoran stars and moon. 

9:00 p.m….Return to Hacienda de los Santos (transportation provided)

Saturday, October 30th
6:45  a.m.  Early Morning Coffee for walkers at The Agave Café

7:00  a.m. Morning Walk leaves today  from “The Agave Café” and we head up the original El Camino Real which was the road used in 1775 for the trek to establish San Francisco.

7:00-10:00 a.m. Breakfast at the Agave Café

9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. 
Be sure to get your Spa appointments made early and don’t be disappointed, sign-up for Archery, Horseshoes or the House Tour.

9:45 a.m. 
Special Tour of two or three Alamos homes sponsored by Los Amigos de Educacion (Non-profit foreign group who provide more than 200 students annually with the opportunity to get an education). A $12.00 donation is suggested for this informative walking tour which leaves from the front door of the Hacienda.

10:00 a.m. Event to be announced.

10:30 a.m.-11:45 p.m. “Hang-out in the Hangar”
for those who just can’t stay away from their airplanes we will have the van drive to the hangar at 10:00 and return you to the Hacienda in time for lunch.

2:00 p.m.  Guest Speaker(s) to be announced.

6:30 P.M. – 7:30 P.M (to be announced)

7:30 P.M.- 9:30 P.M.,  Dinner and Music to be announced

Sunday, October 31st

Sunday Morning….. 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Sunday Buffet at the Agave Café, come early or leave late. If you plan to make an early departure you will want to let reception know the time you plan to leave the hotel.

Those flying direct to the U.S. must get a flight plan at the tower and see both Immigration and Customs prior to departing the runway.  Officials will be available for flight plans at 8:00 a.m., those needing to leave from another point in Mexico may do so at daybreak without a written flightplan.

The vans will be running beginning at 7:30 based upon your needs. Any departures prior to 8:00 a.m. should take care of any spa or bar bills on Saturday. If you would like to extend your stay by one or two days, just visit Reception to make your reservation. Add-on nights, before or after the Reunion, only $150.00, plus tax, for two with all meals included.

October 2010  Package Rates
(Meals, Events, Ground Transportation Included)
$1,199 Guest Rooms USD per couple plus tax and optional Gratuity
Estate Suites
$1,399 USD per couple plus tax and optional Gratuity
Master Suites:
$1,499 USD per couple plus tax and optional Gratuity
Governor’s Suite:
$1,699 USD per couple plus tax and optional Gratuity
Presidential Suite
$1,799 USD per couple plus tax and optional Gratuity

Contact JNSwick@aol.com to make your reservations.

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Be Sure to Attend the AOPA Expo in Long Beach, California
from November 11-13, 2010

Come and visit us in the Static Display

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Pilots Christmas in Alamos 2010"

""Enjoy our very special Christmas holiday in Alamos. We have a live Posada on Christmas Eve with strolling guitarists as all guests make the walk through part of the village following Mary, Joseph and the burro.

Guests rate this as one of their greatest experiences in Mexico. This will be a three night package with all breakfasts, dinners (four or five course of your choice), hangar parking for singles (first come), ground transportation and welcome Margarita.

Hacienda guest room for two, $975.00, plus tax and optional gratuity. ...note, this is the only time of year that we do permit children with a minimum age of 10.

For more details on Christmas, visit "Hacienda Happenings" under December.

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Copper Canyon Expedition Pilot's Discount.....yes!  If you attend the March Club Piloto Reunion you may request a voucher good for $400.00 (US) which may be applied to the April
"Club Piloto" Copper Canyon Expedition.  The Voucher may be used toward the remaining balance, not toward the deposit for the event.

Your Flying Club?  Yes, we have done several events for flying clubs and an custom tailor one for your group.  Again, contact us with the dates preferred, number of aircraft and we can create something unique for your group.

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Hacienda de los Santos Will Appeal to 'Pilotos'
by James Aronovsky
Associate Editor/Photojournalist
Aero-News Network
Sat, 11 Nov '06 - From AOPA, Palm Springs, California

Mexican Resort Ideal Destination For Mexico Flying

A beautiful white 1999 Cessna T206, tricked out with all the latest mods, stands near an AOPA Expo 2006 booth showcasing one of the most unique flying destinations available to pilots. The Hacienda de los Santos, or House of Saints, is a Spanish colonial estate in a historic Mexican village about 300 nautical miles due south of Tucson, AZ.

The property was developed by Jim Swickard, a well-to-do gringo who fell in love with the area 15 years ago when he first flew into the village of Alamos, in the state of Sonora, Mexico.  The hotel features twenty-five different rooms located within five haciendas and between them and the rest of the estate, they share 57 completely unique chimneys attached to wood-burning fireplaces among lush foliage.

It includes vintage furniture from around the world and, patios, spas, pools, and fountains, all designed to appeal to the five senses. It even made the cover of Architectural Digest Magazine last year.

But what is most appealing to pilots is that aviators and their families and friends are the majority of the guests you will find there because of the hotel's isolation. Around 70% of the guests are pilots, with the rest about evenly split between adventurous Americans who brave the 450 mile drive from Arizona or charter a private aircraft, and families from Mexico City looking for tranquility

The nearby Alamos Airport features a freshly expanded and improved 5,000 foot runway capable of accommodating virtually all piston planes and has even seen a Falcon jet owned by a friendly couple well-known to flight students. A ten thousand square foot hangar can house around 14 planes on an as-available basis.

The airport lies at an easy 1350 foot elevation and any person who lands an airplane there is eligible to become an elite member of the "Club Pilotos de Mexico". Jim Swickard says there are three pre-requisites, to become a member in good standing, "1. Flying left seat and finding Alamos, 2.  Having a safe landing, and 3. Staying at Hacienda de los Santos." There are no dues, and every "piloto" is addressed as "capitan"

Swickard is excited that next year the airport will have facilities to expedite customs for aircraft arriving and leaving the country and  be renamed Alamos International Airport.

The village of Alamos is composed of dozens of similarly extravagant haciendas -- a result of a formerly-productive silver mine, and lies near spectacular Copper Canyon which is said to be ten times the size of our Grand Canyon.

The Hacienda de los Santos would seem to be the ultimate vacation resort equivalent of the $100 hamburger. But the resort isn't just an excuse to fly -- it may well be the very best reason to fly.

Touring Mexico by David Brock, Chicago Illinois, click here to read the story.
Reprinted from the April 2006 ABS Magazine, with permission from the American Bonanza Society. www.bonanza.org - Nancy Johnson, ABS executive director 

Planning a Flight "South of the Border"?................We encourage foreign pilots to discover the wonders of Mexico in their own aircraft. If you would like to have details on visiting our village we suggest that you scroll below and read our information on procedures with Flight Service, US Customs, Mexican Customs, Mexican Immigration, Fueling, Flight Procedures, etc.  Also, for those driving or taking a commercial flight look under "Locations & Directions" page on this website. Also, for helpful information on all of the airports of Mexico, visit the Baja Bush Pilot site at www.bajabushpilots.com. The membership fee is very reasonable and you will receive a wealth of information from the organization.

Landing Tucson or Nogales?.....We recommend for fuel at Tucson International the New Jet Center on taxiway Delta, Premier Aviation (self serve) taxiway Delta and the Excecutive terminal at the base of the tower. In Nogales, Arizona, be sure to visit Larry Tiffins FBO where your BBP card will get you a discount.

Sonoran Mechanics?.....Jim highly recommends the father and son team of Enrique and Oscar at Hermosillo International.  Excellent service and Oscar will go to other airports in Mexico if needed.  Oscar is bilingual and his number if within Mexico is 01-662-261-0670.  For mechanics at Ciudad Obregon you may contact Jim at jnswick@aol.com.

Security?..........The Hacienda offers free hangar space, on an "as available" basis, to hotel guests. At the Alamos airport (ICAO sanctioned airport MM-45), tie down ropes and chocks are provided for up to 25 aircraft. A security staff is on site, as well as friendly Mexican Military. Hacienda de Los Santos also provides complimentary hotel pick-up at the hotel hangar. "The combined landing and parking fee is approximately $14.00 per day." Those parking in the Hacienda hangar will only pay the $14.00 regardless of number of days." Presently we have limited space in the hangar and can usually guarantee space for singles with advance notice. Email us to confirm that you need space on a given date.

Wing Tax?..............In Mexico there is a sales tax added to all purchases of 15%.  When purchasing fuel for an aircraft there is an additional tax which is referred to as a "Wing Tax".  This tax begins at about $10-$15.00 U.S. (depending upon the Peso value) for wingspans up to 36 feet, then increases for the 36-55 foot range. 

Club Pilotos de Mexico Hacienda de los Santos, was started a few years ago by Jim & Nancy Swickard, over Margaritas, with good friends Sam & Sandy Houston.

This elite club now numbers nearly 600 hundred pilots, all of whom have met the rigid membership requirements. That is, #1 Flying left seat and finding Alamos, #2  Having a safe landing, and #3  Staying at Hacienda de los Santos. Among the benefits of becoming a "Capitan", besides the great hat you will receive, are special packages offered only for pilots and their guests. Also, with non-package reservations made directly by email, to Jim or Nancy, at jnswick@aol.com, you will receive a ten percent discount on the lodging portion of your reservation. Pilotos also receive complimentary hangar space in the Hacienda hangar, singles and some light twins, with room for up to ten aircraft. Pilotos may also use the pilot lounge at the hangar and new fully tiled bathrooms. Pilotos, with proper ETA notification to the Hacienda, will receive complimentary airport transportation to and from the Alamos Airport. Special events for Pilotos also include special tours, discounted packages, celebrity visits and seminars.

Links of Interest: