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Note: for planning a flight and General Aviation Information, ***************************************************************************************************
Day One (Wednesday March 5th) Welcome Margaritas, or Limonada, in the Hangar with fresh Hacienda salsa and homemade chips. It’s lots of fun to hang out and watch the rest of the group arrive.We are looking forward to this wonderful “Piloto Reunion” which begins Wednesday morning at the Alamos Airport. Libations will be available in the hangar and the first eight or so arrivals (jets, twins, Mirage excluded) may park in the hangar. There will be approximately 30 aircraft present and 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.). 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 forgot something. Please remember, no tipping during your stay. When checking-out you may leave a tip for the staff based upon your overall experience, 100% of the tips go to the staff and make a huge difference in their lives.
1:00-3:00 p.m. Lunch at new Café Agave, at your leisure (Included)
3:00 – 5:00 p.m. During the Reunion all Gallery Jewelry will be discounted 10% to members. Free Archery Lessons Wednesday…take 15 minutes this afternoon to have a basic lesson with our new Italian 25# and 30# bows (Ladies and Mens). No charge for lessons and experience not necessary. Later enjoy fun competition at the new range near the Theater. There will be competitive shooting from 1:00 p.m.-2:00p.m. on Thursday and Friday. Winners then will compete on Saturday at 11 a.m. for a Ladies and a Mens prize. 6:30 P.M. Cocktails at the Sugar Mill with live music by Los Hacendados 7:00 to 9:30 Dinner at the Sugar Mill A nightly movie is available in the theater…first person to make the request during the day for the evening presentation….wins! More than 700 selections available. Important…sign-up in Reception for Cooking School or the 6x6 trip on Thursday morning….don’t forget, seating is limited. Another great option is to relax in the Spa! Thursday, March 6th 7:00 Morning Walk leaves from the Cantina
Chef Jessica Kraus is the Pastry Chef for the “Beyond Bread” stores in Tucson. She graduated from the CIA in New York. Chef Kathy Westbrook is the owner of “Eat Your Heart Out Catering, Inc.” with 22 years of catering experience focusing on backstage catering for concerts, festivals and musical events in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Last year her love for baking inspired her to start Queen of Tarts a business that sells sweet and savory tarts in Minneapolis. Kathy and husband Paul spend their winters as residents of Alamos. Lunch to follow with a glass of wine or sparkling beverage. Dining will be on the Portal outside of the Cocina today for all attending the reunion. *Four hour 6x6 trip beyond the eastern most Indian village of Sabinitos. This drive is not a “walk in the park” and is appx. 1.2 hours each direction with some rough terrain. We will have 40 minutes for photos next to a crystal clear stream and cedar trees with trunks like small redwoods. A very special spot in the Sierra Madre only 20 miles west of the Copper Canyon. Although the Swiss Military Pinzgauer 6x6 is a 12 seat troop carrier, the rear seating will be limited to 10, with one front seat available. This is optional and is $40.00 per person. (not good for bad backs, necks, etc., soft drinks, snack, water, guide. provided, limited to 11 guests per trip and 6 minimum, no shows will be charged unless cancelled 12 hours prior or seat is filled) When the 6x6 returns to Alamos, all “Pilotos” will have lunch together as prepared by the guest chefs in the main part of the hotel, next to the classic “Hacienda” kitchen. Photo of an ancient Cedar tree along the Cuchiajaqui River beyond the Indian village. 6:30-9:30 P.M. Cocktails, Music and Dining at the Sugar Mill. 9:00 Evening Movie in the Theater Friday, March 7th 7:00 Morning Walk leaves from the Cantina
10:00 a.m. Archery Competition at the Range, best total of 18 shots, each participant gets six practice shots. Mens & Ladies Prize! 2:00 p.m. Hacienda Theater Guest Speaker
Steve Appleton, CEO of Micron Technology, seems to excel in all areas of life. Beginning as an employee at Micron in 1982, quickly rose through the ranks to become the CEO. Steve has several varied aircraft in his hangar from stunt planes to a Husky and a Citation. In 2004 he suffered a near fatal accident which practicing aerobatic maneuvers near Boise, with a photographer aboard. During Steve’s talk we will learn more about his aerobatic career in both Extra 300’s and his British fighter jet, plus he will give us his insight into Baja 1000 racing. More than likely he is the only winner of the “1000” who did it on his first attempt. We will have the opportunity to see Steve in action, both in the air and on the Baja, with a couple of short videos. Steve plays full-out and you will be enchanted with some of his life stories about flying and living on the edge. Please arrive a few minutes before 2:00 p.m.. 3:30 Theater, Pilotos planning on making the group flight to the awesome Copper Canyon (La Barranca de Cobre) should attend this briefing by Bruce Boland. The group will leave the hotel Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. with a return prior to noon. With more than 40,000 square miles of canyon country this will be a great opportunity to visit some of Jim’s favorite areas (no landing today). If you can take passengers or would prefer to be one, please let it be known at the briefing. 5:30…Saddle-Up City Slickers! If you reserved a horse earlier ($20.00, 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 the Hacienda 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. Hotel vehicles will return everyone to the resort at about 9:00. 6:15 p.m….All of the others will take a horseless carriage to the ranch, meet in front of the hotel for transportation.
9:00 p.m….or later, we will all return from the ranch to the hotel where you can enjoy the Cantina and maybe take in a movie. Saturday, March 8th 7:00 Morning Walk leaves from the Cantina
Saturday 2:00 p.m, Hacienda Theater Guest Speaker Steve Ells
Beginning in 1965 when he joined the U.S. Navy, Ells has ridden the wings of aviation to adventures all around the world. Three Vietnam deployments with stops in Capetown, Singapore, the P.I., Wellington, Sydney, Rio de Janerio, St. Thomas, Yokosuka, and transits of the Sundra Straits, the Suez Canal, and an east-to-west rounding of Cape Horn only whetted Ells appetite for adventure. Thanks to the GI Bill, Ells was able to attend Airframe and Powerplant technicican school, avionics technician school and obtain his Commercial Pilots certificate. From 1970 to the early 1980s, Ells rebuilt a Cessna 140, worked as a line mechanic for a Douglas DC-3 operator, and serve as the Director of Maintenance for a television “importing” business on the Texas/ Mexico border. When the Mexican economy tanked in 1981, Ells flew his 108 hp Piper PA 12 Super Cruiser to Alaska, where he worked as a fish spotter for three years and owned an aircraft maintenance business for 10 years before returning. From 1992 to 2000 he worked as a tech rep, instructor, and editor for the Cessna Pilots Association in Santa Maria, CA. In 2000 Ells was hired by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). He lives in Templeton, California with his wife Audrey, and is restoring, and flying a 1960 Piper PA 24 Comanche. Steve discovered “Club Pilotos de Mexico” while on assignment in 2007 for the AOPA magazine. We have all enjoyed his many AOPA aircraft evaluations, stories, etc., don’t miss this opportunity to meet a might nice Aviator. Please arrive a few minutes before 2:00 p.m. for Steve’s afternoon talk. 6:30 P.M. – 9:30 P.M We begin with some Los Hacendados music by the Cantina and then after dinner the show really begins with Mexico’s own Beach Boy….Mark Mulligan. Mark performed once previously for the Hacienda and we now understand why he has a near cult following South of the Border. TONIGHT’S SPECIAL ENTERTAINMENT….A FIRST FOR THE PILOTO GROUP! You will be transported to “Life at the Beach” with this fantastic talent. Wear casual clothes, comfy shoes for dancing and bring a happy attitude. This is a play night for sure. 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. The vans will be running beginning at 7:30 based upon your needs. Sign-Up for the Summer & November Reunions prior to leaving….it’s easy to do and then you won’t be disappointed. Remember the Summer Reunion is an R&R event with focus on aviation films and enjoying the evening monsoon (if it’s on schedule). At only $650-795 a couple this is a true summer bargain. *************************************************************************************************** Club Pilotos Summer Reunion (4 days), August 14, 15, 16,
This three night, four day reunion is and R&R event with great pricing. In 2007, we had the "Aviation Film Festival" based upon the great Hollywood aviation movies from the late '30's to present. In 2008 we would like for the "Pilotos" to bring any of their old VHS, DVD's or still photos which would be of interest to others. This can include downloads, the unusual, etc. This package includes all meals for two, a Hacienda Room for three nights, morning hikes, use of gym, pools, theater, ground transportation a "Tequila 101" class with samples and live music nightly. Options include a new outback route to a seldom visited 1605 Spanish Mission on the Rio Mayo in our Swiss Army 6X6 for $40.00 per person and no charge instructions and coordinates for overflight of the Copper Canyon. Total cost for the package is $650.00, plus tax and optional gratuity, Estate Suite $745, Master $795 per couple. Deposits are not required until May 1, 2008 ($300.00 per couple), however reserve your spot today.
*************************************************************************************************** Come and see us at the AOPA in San Jose from November 6 - 8, 2008.
"Jim and the T206H will be in the static display area with our wealth of information for new pilots considering a flight to Mexico....plus an introductory special package for future members of Club Pilotos de Mexico Hacienda de los Santos. *************************************************************************************************** ACCOMODATIONS SOLD-OUT IN NOVEMBER, OFF PREMISES AVAILABLE, see below*
This is the GrandDaddy of our Reunions and we pull out the stops. To get a general idea of activities, schedules, etc., scroll down to see last years November Reunion schedule. Complete package prices per couple, nearly all inclusive, are $1,399 Hacienda Room, plus tax & optional gratuity, Estate Suite $1,499, Master Suite $1,599, plus tax and optional gratuity. Deposits are not required until Septemer 1, 2008 ($400.00 per couple), however reserve your spot today. Program to be announced one month before the event...you won't be disappointed. *Due a sell-out of all rooms and suites in the Hacienda we are adding for the first time an "Off Premises" option which is very near Hacienda de los Santos. We have blocked the eight rooms at the Hotel Colonial (a newly remodeled and redecorated Colonial mansion). The pilotos staying there will have all of the items included in the "Piloto" package including meals at Hacienda de los Santos. The rates for this option are as follows: Large room with a King or two Queens (total package $1,299, plus tax & optional gratuity) *************************************************************************************************** Pilots Christmas in Alamos"
"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.
*************************************************************************************************** Spring Piloto Reunion, March 4-8, 2009
*************************************************************************************************** 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 the New Jet Center (taxiway Delta), Premier Aviation (Delta also) and Velocity air on the west side of the airport. For services, i.e., avionic & mechanical both Velocity Air, Premier Aviation and the New Jet Center. No longer do we recommend for any services including, tie downs, hangar rentals or fuel, Leading Edge Aviation. We also highly recommend Larry Tiffin's FBO at the Nogales, Arizona airport. Security?..........Yes, as in the the U.S., a high security prop lock (available for purchase at the resort) and throttle lock is a good idea. 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. Approximately Nov. 1, 2005, the hangar expansion will be completed to 70 x 140 feet with tiled bathrooms, a pilot's lounge with balconies overlooking the Sierra Madre and other amenities. Wing Tax?..............On the 13th of May a change was approved by President Fox to the exhorbitant wing tax which was imposed on aircraft earlier in 2005. The tax when fueling is as follows, regardless of the number of liters purchased: Wingspan up to 10 meters & helicopters (up to 33.3 feet) $70.00 Pesos Wingspan 10 meters to 11.1 meters (33.4 to 36 feet) $100.00 Pesos Wingspan more than 11.1 meters to 16.7 meters (36 to 55 ft.) $150.00 Pesos **************************************** 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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