It's been sixteen months since the Mexican Mandate (NOM-022-SCT3-2011, Section 9.2.3 Note 1) went into effect for aircraft operating in Mexico airspace weighing over 5,500kg. And while we've seen an uptick in compliance, there is still some resistance to getting equipped. As an aircraft operator with multiple stops in Mexico, your chances of being "flagged" if you are not equipped are increasing. Let's review how the mandate may impact your operations and how you can get compliant on a budget!

US Part 25 aircraft operating in Mexican Airspace weighing over 5,500kg must be equipped with a Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and a Cockpit Voice Recorder. The Federal Civil Aviation Agency in Mexico (Agencia Federal de Aviación Civil—AFAC) drafted the requirement based on ICAO Annex Six documentation. This requirement applies to legacy aircraft that may not have a high hull value; investing in updated technology can be a significant investment. 

The Goal-Improve Data Collection In Case of Crash

Mandates can impose increased equipment purchase, downtime, and installation costs on business jet operators. However, if a flight goes wrong, gaining critical flight data that is crash-survivable is vital to analyzing what went wrong. 

Means of Compliance-The Deviation

Class C-AIR (Airborne Image Recorder) technologies provide an alternate means of compliance for this class of aircraft. A Class C-AIR may be considered a means of recording flight data when it is not feasible, when it is prohibitively onerous to record it in a traditional FDR, or when an FDR is not required. 

The Class C-AIR can record many parameters traditionally captured through sensors installed throughout various aircraft locations and data streams such as ARINC 429. Since the Class C-AIR doesn't require using these sensors or data streams to collect the necessary parameters, the equipment is less intrusive to install, ultimately providing a lower cost for operators. We've partnered with Peregrine, Curtiss-Wright, and SoCal jets to develop an AML STC for the Mexican Mandate that meets the requirements for some legacy business jets. 

Why Now Is the Time To Comply

While the mandate was slowly rolled out, we are hearing from operators that fewer exceptions and wavers are being provided for those flying with multiple stops within Mexico. With MROs booking out 6-12 months, waiting could be a risk causing unnecessary downtime. Not all parts are created equal. When seeking avionics solutions to comply with, make sure the unit is crash-survivable. Investing in your aircraft now is the right time. Our cost-effective solution provides operators with an AML STC that includes a flight data recorder, cockpit voice recorder, airborne image recorder, and more to help you meet the mandate that keeps you flying. 

To Learn more about how we can help you meet the Mexican Mandate click here: https://www.txaero.com/mexico-mandate