Departing Mexico in a small airplane, what are the reporting rules when arriving in the US?

Question

Flight is from San Felipe (Sea of Cortez) to Santa Monica. Do you have to go through some kind of Customs? All passengers are American citizens. Driving down and flying back in a small airplane. Going fishing for the weekend and was wondering.

Answer 1

Yes, you will have to clear customs when returning to the States in an airplane. It's usually just a matter of filling out a simple form and a quick, cursory inspection at the arrival airport.  The pilot or charter company should know the details on what is required.

Answer 2

Homeland security mandates that you stop at the first Designated airport of entry in the USwhen arriving from a foreign location South of  30th Parallel on Atlantic coast, 33rd parallel on pacific coast / Gulf of Mexico. Alternatively you may obtain an overflight exemption which permits you to land at any approved US customs airport. The aircraft, crew and one of the passengers each would need a Exemption. It takes 6-12 MO to receive  approval for exemption.

Answer 3

There is no Customs at KSMO, you'll have to land somewhere else first, or somewhere else period.

Use Brown Field in San Diego.  The FBO there is the San Diego Jet Center and they do a good job to clear quickly and efficiently.

Answer 4

Are you piloting the airplane, or are you going to be a passenger?

If you are the pilot, there are so many things to consider, I won't even answer that part of the question unless you provide additional information that you are indeed the pilot.

From a passenger standpoint, yes, you will clear customs on the way home.  Since you are crossing the border by air, you will need a current passport.  Depending on the local procedures, a customs officer may search your bags and the airplane.  At least expect a passport check and the standard questions.

Answer 5

Check FAA website.

Call a good FBO at Santa Monica.

Call AOPA, you are a member...of course.