FlybyNite

FlyBy,

MMJC (Aztipan) is way too short for the elevation IMO. I use Tolouca (MMTO) for Mexico City - everything is available there including a bus to MX every hour and Toluca is also still high at 8466' but it has a 13,780' runway versus the 4K' you referred too.

From San Diego, plan to fly east over local mtns to the desert and cross the border at Mexicali. Then take V3 all the way to Obregon (MMCN) or further to Los Mochis (MMLM) to clear customs, get your Muti-entry, and refuel. The following day take V3 GDL V5 to TLC MMTO Tolouca. 

You don't have to take airways unless flying IFR but its easy fly IFR down there in your K if you want. 

Fuel is available at virtually all towered airports unless notam'd to the contrary, and luckily running out of 100LL is rare on the mainland - but always check NOTAMs just like flying anywhere else. The fuel price is virtually the same at every public mexican airpory because all fuel sold by single nationalized provider ASA, and they require payment via credit card. Some airport fees require cash for airport fees but many these days take credit cards for everything but will also charge a fee for using a card (except for fuel and multi-entry permits). If you'll be in Mexico for less than a week you won't have to pay for the tourist card as a crew memeber - about $30 US in cash (preferably peso's for better exchange rate).  But any pax will pay and you as well if staying 7 days or more. 

Currently you should only get a multi-entry permit if you enter next year, since Multi-entry permits are only good for the calendar year you buy it. So if you enter in December any time, just get a single entry permit which will last for 180 days and thus won't expire Jan 1st. The closest you can cut it is to arrive New Years Eve, spend the night and get your multi-entry New Years day, but this adds challenges because not everything is open New Years and your screwed if you can't get your reciept for your multi before departing.

I assume you know about our eAPIS procedures from entering the US from Canada, you'll also have to deal with this cross into Mexico and then coming back into the US. Also Mexico has their own eAPIS for both inbound and outbound, but very easy to comply with an email to MX - which is documented on AOPA - which is the way I do it. You'll also need the CBP sticker on your plane which I assue you're fmiliar with as well.

For flight information, the best source is Jepp, which is what I use, but Mexico now uses bi-lingual plates which you can down load for free at the FlyQ website.

I do Mexico checkout flights from San Diego to San Felipe for local pilots, going through all the border crossing rules and filing if you'd like the extra help. 

For another source of information on flying in Mexico see Bajabush pilots website - I am on there as well and you'll find much more detailed information there than AOPA with trip reports from other pilots. But keep in mind most of the trip reports are from newbie pilots that just made their first trip down there and their information isn't always the best.  

@kortopates this is all great information. Have you flown into Atizapan? Obviously one needs to know their personal minimums however the 6% grade at Atizapan makes takeoff and landing much easier. There is a Cherokee 140 which flies out of there regularly and my M20F (without turbo) makes it off in about 2200ft. The tricky thing with Toluca is that it really isn’t GA friendly and since Interjet went bankrupt a couple of months ago there is no longer scheduled service to Toluca so ground transfers have become difficult.

No worries @canamex I am just not the one to recommend such a short strip for the field elevation to someone flying into the area for the first time with such easier options. The instructor in me would reserve that for someone experienced in the area that worked up to going in there, having a good idea of their limitations. I 'd assume it wasn't your first airport used for area either, but maybe that's just me. I do have friends that have taken off at other similar altitude MX airports with longer unways in NA aircraft that relayed the typical density altitude white knuckle tales finding themselves barely able to climb out above obstacles.  But I was also not aware of the 6% grade which certainly helps but adds other concerns too. I do appreciate the update on Toluca.