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Note: for planning a flight and General Aviation Information, To view our Alamos Web Cam, click here 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 a U.S. Pilot's Critique of Flying Mexico in 2010 *************************************************************************************************** March 10th - 14th, 2010 Spring Reunion of Club Pilotos de Mexico
New pilots are encouraged to attend! Tuesday, March 9th (Early Arrivals must Clear Customs prior to Alamos) A 7:30 a.m. morning walk Wed. will be leaving from the “Café Agave”, come early for coffee.
Wednesday, March 10th (Day One)
(Tired and Hungry?.....just ask one of the drivers at the airport to take you to the Hacienda where you can be taken to your room or suite. Have lunch whenever you wish…it’s part of the package) 1:00-3:00 p.m. Lunch at Café Agave, at your leisure (Included in package) 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. 6:15 P.M.
7:00 to 9:30 Dinner at the Sugar Mill 9:00 P.M. Amelia”…takes flight on Blu-ray. Even if you have seen this, try it with a leather sofa, Hi-Def and a Margarita with Popcorn! WHAT TO DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME? Important…sign-up on Wednesday in Reception for Cooking School for a great experience with well known Arizona & New Zealand Chef, Judith Baigent King (Thursday and Friday) seating is limited to 15. Sign-up required for Archery. 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 now 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 $99.00 a night for two (plus tax) with a 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 Café Agave. Different routes each day, wear walking shoes.. 1st day 45 minutes, city history & central market walk, 2nd 45-55 minute Mirador 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 on Friday and Saturday. Thursday, March 11th (Day 2) 7:00 a.m. Mayo River Float Trip. leaves (Optional 6-7 hour trip, $120.00 Cash) Birds, Petroglyphs, Beauty… 7:00 a.m. Morning Walk leaves today from “Café Agave”. Today’s walk will be within the village to acquaint our new pilots with the area. Friday’s walk will be to the Mirador (village overlook). 7:00-10:00 a.m. Breakfast at the Agave Café. 8:30 a.m. Dance Exercise with Nancy in the Theater. 13:00 a.m. Blu-Ray film’s an oldie and goodie…”Castaway” with Tom Hanks. 10:00 a.m. Cooking with Chef Judith in the Cooking School Kitchen (sign-up early) 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. We will be taking a different route with the focus on flying up the Mayo River to the 1st and 2nd highest waterfalls in Mexico, the latter discovered in 1994….that’s remote country out there. On the return we will overfly the Spanish Colonial 1605 village of Chinipas which is 6,000’ down in the canyon. We will not be flying to the Divisidero area since many of our pilots made that flight in ’08 and ’09. 2:00 p.m. Ladies Boutique at the Dhana Waken home. Great clothing & accessories at super prices. Meet at the front entrance for a ride out to the boutique. Thursday evening…….6:00-9:30 P.M. 9:00 P.M. Blu-ray Hi Action film, “Taken” with Ian Neeson.
7:00 a.m. Morning walk leaves from the Café Agave to El Mirador, take a camera. 7:00-10:00 a.m. Breakfast at the Café Agave 8:30 a.m. Dance Exercise with Nancy in the Theater. 8:20 a.m. Copper Canyon Flight, meet at the front door by Reception, wheels-up at 0915 (2 hours). 10:00 a.m. This morning, Cooking Class with Chef Judith…..cooking at its best! (Fun too) 12:30 P.M. Lunch at Café Agave (both inside and on the portal for seating) 2:00 p.m. Hacienda Theater Guest Speaker, Dr.David Bryman, FAA AME David has been a frequent visitor to Mexico in his Cherokee. His practice is in Scottsdale and he also has an office in Chandler. His primary practice involves keeping airline pilots flying, however he also provides medicals for the GA pilots, as well as those (such as Jim Swickard) who had lost their medical. David will give us his perspective on his work as it relates to both the FAA and the pilot. 2:00-4:00 p.m. Clay Angel Making Class with Rito in the Agave Cafe. Sign-up, only 8 spaces. 6:30 P.M. – 7:30 P.M
8:15 P.M.- 9:45 P.M., BALLET FOLKLORICO AT ITS BEST!
7:00 a.m. Morning Walk leaves today from “The Agave Café”and we head towards Mt. Alamos to view the village from another perspective, we will see a new colonial “Mansion” under construction, and end-up watching tortillas being made….plus some sampling before returning to the Hacienda. 7:00-10:00 a.m. Breakfast at the Café Agave. 8:30 a.m. Dance Exercise with Nancy in the Theater. 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. 9:45 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m.-11:45 p.m. "Hang-out in the Hangar" 2:00 p.m. Guest Speaker Bob Martens, from Pilot Workshops.com
Bob Martens is a nationally known speaker, consultant and aviation safety expert. He retired from the FAA after spending 17 years as a Safety Program Manager. In this role, he delivered hundreds of live seminars devoted to General Aviation safety. Bob retired from the USAF (rank of Colonel) in 2000 after 30 years of active and reserve duty. He was an Aircraft Commander in a C-5A and also served as Flying Safety Officer and Chief of Safety with the 439th AirWing. Bob has logged thousands of flight hours in both military and GA aircraft. Here’s a small preview of his talk about “The Missing Lear” On December 24, 1996, at 1005am, a Learjet 35A was destroyed when it impacted terrain near Dorchester, New Hampshire. The flight had departed Bridgeport, Connecticut at 0919am. Approaching the destination of Lebanon, NH, the crew briefed, and then attempted an ILS approach to runway 18. The captain reported not receiving the localizer. Following a missed approach, they requested and attempted a VOR approach to runway 25. The aircraft’s last radar contact occurred as the airplane was proceeding outbound, 7 nautical miles northwest of the VOR at 4,800 feet. Thus began the longest missing aircraft search in New Hampshire state history. When the aircraft was discovered in the forest almost three years later, the cockpit voice recorder revealed some very interesting human factors issues. We will place ourselves in the cockpit with these two professional pilots as they continually failed to exercise compliance with some of the most basic rules of flying. How could two experienced pilots fail to maintain situational awareness in an environment that had challenging terrain in all quadrants? A review of the human errors revealed in this mishap might very well prevent a reoccurrence of the tragic sequence of events of that day. This captivating story has a message for all pilots! 5:00….Riders to the front door….horses are rarin’ to go to the Ranch!
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 (an authentic Cantina band), more good food and the Sonoran stars and moon. 9:00 p.m….Return to Hacienda de los Santos (transportation provided) Sunday, March 14th Sunday Morning….. 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. 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 $170.00, plus tax, for two with all meals included (a $340.00 value only available with this Piloto Reunion) March 2010 Package Rates Contact JNSwick@aol.com to make your reservations. “Piloto” bookings are not available through any on-line booking agencies. NOTE TO ALL PILOTS… 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. *************************************************************************************************** April, 2010 Inquire about our Exclusive Hacienda de los Santos Seven Day Copper Canyon Package with a Date to be Announced for This Month. Only $2,695 Per person, All Inclusive Tours (Double Occupancy Required, or single supplement $500.00 additional) *************************************************************************************************** August 5 - 8, 2010
( 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. *************************************************************************************************** October, 2010 Inquire about our Exclusive Hacienda de los Santos Seven Day Copper Canyon Package with a Date to be Announced for This Month. Only $1,395 Per person, All Inclusive Tours (Double Occupancy Required, or single supplement $500.00 additional) *************************************************************************************************** October 27 - October 31, 2010
New pilots are encouraged to attend! Tuesday, October 26th (Early Arrivals must Clear Customs prior to Alamos) NOTE TO ALL PILOTS…
Wednesday, October 27th (Day One)
Craig Ekberg is from Rolling Hills, California. He’s born in 1957, and started flying in 1974. Craig and his wife Hanne went to a car rally, where they had a few Nanchang CJ-6A, and formation rides were available. They went up and Craig was instantly sold. Soon thereafter he bought one, and started practicing formation flying, along with aerobatics. Craig and Hanne has flow this airplane to Sun ‘N Fun and Oshkosh for the last 7 years and to the Bahamas the last 4 years. Last year they added Mexico to their Itinerary. It is the most awards winning CJ in the country. Several years ago he became F.A.S.T qualified and soon became a lead pilot. He has currently logged more than 1900 Hours in his CJ, and holds a commercial, an instrument and F.A.S.T instructor ratings. Craig is always available for training, specializing in Parade Formation, Tactical Formation and Air combat maneuvers. Be sure to be in the theater at 2:30 Friday to hear both of our Speakers, Craig Ekberg & Bill Mills, tell about acrobatic flying, formation work, airshow experiences and an evaluation of their Nanching aircraft. 1:00-3:00 p.m. Lunch at Café Agave, at your leisure (Included in package) 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. 6:15 P.M.
7:00 to 9:30 Dinner at the Sugar Mill 9:00 P.M. Movie in Hacienda Theater (see complete itinerary in your room for details) WHAT TO DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME? Don’t forget to sign-up for horseback rides, the special ride Friday afternoon, Thursday’s Cooking Class, Friday’s Home Tour with Jamie, Saturday’s Texas Hold’um Tournament & ‘Tequila 101’, Extended stays for ‘Day of the Dead’, Volunteering for AOPA and the most rewarding of all…..’La Dulce Vida’ Spa appointments. Also, don’t forget to make a reservation for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s and the Spring and Summer Reunions! Thursday, October 28th (Day 2) 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! Festivities begin on the 1st, Day of the Dead is the 2nd….same low rate for extending your stay as that for early arrivals with meals included. 7:00-10:00 a.m. Breakfast at the Agave Café. 10:00 a.m. For those previous signed-up, “Botanas 101” in the Hacienda cooking school kitchen at the front of the hotel (next to Santiago’s, limited seating). This 90 minute class is free and we will give you all of the secrets necessary to make great Mexican appetizers at home. Hosted by Chef’s Rene & Rosa. Thursday Lunch, 12:00-1:30 P.M., Agave Cafe 2:00 p.m. Special Airport Event (see your in room itinerary for ‘Nanchang Time’) Thursday evening…….6:00-9:30 P.M.
Bill Mills originally hails from Arnold, MD and is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. He earned his officer’s commission and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science in 1986. Ensign Mills was selected for Naval Aviation Flight Training in Pensacola, FL and Meridian, MS flying T-34 Mentors, T-2 Buckeyes and TA-4J Skyhawks, graduating at the top of his flight class and earning his wings of gold in March of 1988. He was the first nugget naval aviator to be selected to fly F-18 Hornets and was assigned to VFA-106 “Gladiators” for transition training at NAS Cecil Field in Jacksonville, FL. Following transition training, Bill served as a combat pilot and completed Two Fleet Tours in the Mediterranean with VFA 132 “Privateers” deployed aboard USS Coral Sea (CV-43) and USS Forrestal (CV-59) earning “Top Hook” honors. Mills was selected and attended the prestigious US Navy’s Fighter Weapons School, “Top Gun” at NAS Miramar in September and October of 1990 and went on to fly 16 Combat Sorties over Northern Iraq in support of Operation Desert Storm and Provide Comfort. Following his combat tour with the “Privateers”, Bill became an FA-18 flight instructor for the East Coast Replacement Air Group ( RAG) training squadron VFA-106 “Gladiators” at NAS Cecil Field while simultaneously serving as instructor and evaluator for the station’s C-12 (King Air B-200) logistics support aircraft. During that time Bill was also the East Coast Nuclear Weapons delivery instructor for all tactical aircraft authorized to deploy air launched nuclear weapons in the Navy’s inventory. Bill amassed over 1,300 FA-18 flight hours, over 3,300 total hours and 289 carrier arrested landings between 1987-1994. Bill resigned his commission shortly after selection to the rank of Lt. Commander to enter the civilian world in 1994 and in 2001 realizing that he needed to get back in the air, purchased his Nanchang CJ-6A tactical trainer, a high performance warbird painted up in his former Navy squadrons VFA-132 “Privateers” colors. He then started Blue Sky Yakrobatics, Inc, an aviation entertainment company. He is a rated ATP, CFI, CFII, MEI, MEII and is a FAST rated lead/instructor formation pilot in addition to holding a Level 2 ACE card, 250’waiver in L-39s, CJ-6 for airshow performances. Friday, October 29th 7:00 a.m. Morning walk leaves from the Agave Café for a walk to the west side of the village (60 min). 7:00-10:00 a.m. Breakfast at the Agave Café. 10:00 a.m. Unique Alamos Home Tour …”Mansions for Sale with Jamie” (no charge, sign-up early) 12:30 P.M. Lunch at ‘Santiago’s’ (both inside and on the portal for seating) 2:00 p.m. Hacienda Theater, Craig Ekberg & Bill Mills, Guest Speakers 5:00….Riders to the front door….horses are rarin’ to go to the Ranch! 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 (Day 4) 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. 10:30 a.m.-11:45 p.m. 'Tequila 101' in the Cantina. This ‘class’ with Jim will cover everything you wanted to know about Mexico’s famous drink….plus a few things you didn’t want to know. Sign-up is necessary due to limited seating….nominal $15.00 fee for several ‘samples’ of quality tequila. 10:30 a.m.-11:45 p.m. "Hang-out in the Hangar" 2:30 Texas Hold’um Game in Cantina (sign-up early, limited to ten players, see itinerary) 6:30 P.M. – 7:30 P.M Cocktails at the Cantina 7:30 P.M.- 9:30 P.M., Dinner and Music to be announced Sunday, October 31st (Day 5) Sunday Morning….. 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. 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. If you leave with a flightplan to the U.S, you may not land at another airport in Mexico. 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 Contact JNSwick@aol.com to make your reservations. *Posada Tacubaya Guest Rooms will be included in this rate, full access between the two properties will be available for Posada Pilotos. As of August 22, only three rooms are yet available for this event, all suites have been previously reserved. *************************************************************************************************** Be Sure to Attend the AOPA Expo in Long Beach, California
Come and visit us in the Static Display *************************************************************************************************** December, 2010 Inquire about our Exclusive Hacienda de los Santos Seven Day Copper Canyon Package with a Date to be Announced for This Month. Only $1,395 Per person, All Inclusive Tours (Double Occupancy Required, or single supplement $500.00 additional) *************************************************************************************************** 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.
*************************************************************************************************** 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 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. Please recommend us to your friends. Now, more than ever, we need our Piloto members to help get the word out on Mexico’s #1 Aviation based resort. If you have an opportunity we would really appreciate your taking the time to write a review on your experience on the Trip Advisor web site at: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g499429-d259134-Reviews-Hacienda_De_Los_Santos-Alamos_Northern_Mexico.html
*************************************************************************************************** February, 2011 Inquire about our Exclusive Hacienda de los Santos Seven Day Copper Canyon Package with a Date to be Announced for This Month. Only $1,395 Per person, All Inclusive Tours (Double Occupancy Required, or single supplement $500.00 additional) *************************************************************************************************** Hacienda de los Santos Will Appeal to 'Pilotos' 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.
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. **************************************** Are You In A Flying Club? If so, contact us via e-mail and we can put together a package for your club for an exciting trip to Mexico. We create fantastic packages for groups large or small, for one to five nights.........guaranteed satisfaction. ***************************************** 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.
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