Club Pilot
Special Invitation Club Piloto Members Only….
August 4 – 7, 2011
Our Annual Summer Club Piloto Reunion
August Super Value Package
- • $699.00 VACATION…all Inclusive!
- • Estate Suite Upgrades only $50.00 Add’l ($749.00)*
- • Master Suite Upgrades only $90.00 Add’l ($789.00)*
- • Under $250.00 per couple per night
- • All Meals Are Included Only for this Summer Event!
- • $25.00 ‘SpaBucks’ (per person) for your First Spa Treatment Included!
- • Hangar Parking included!
- • Welcome Margaritas Included!
- • Ground Transportation Included!
The Summer Reunions are easy going events with no speakers, however private movies in our Teatro, pool time at the three pools, evening Monsoon shows every third night (we hope) and enjoy the cuisine of Chefs Rene, Rosa and Johaan. We’ve kicked up all of our meals a notch…. All menu choices are included in this special rate.
On the afternoons of the 5th & 6th we have Texas Hold ‘Em games set up with a real Vegas dealer (optional), plus a daily “Brazilian Butt Lift” Work-Out in the Theater (or Zumba class). Live music nightly!
Call Toll Free Today! 888-777-0164
____________________________________________________________________
Mark your calendar!
Fall Club Pilotos de México Reunion
October 19 – 23, 2011
New pilots are encouraged to attend!
All Meals, Some Drinks, Ground Transportation, Special Parties, Classes and a great deal more included in your Hacienda Guest Room or Suite Package Price, Plus learn how to fly a Cessna 182 Around the World… In each direction!
Below are links to various videos from our main speaker, Robert F. Gannon
The Adventures of Lucky Lady Too – Antarctica-Base Marambia
The Adventures of Lucky Lady Too – Land Diving – Vanuatu
The Adventures of Lucky Lady Too – landing on Gizo islands’ airstrip
The Adventures of Lucky Lady Too – Zebra eating, on the planes of Masai Mara
The Adventures of Lucky Lady Too – Blood letting in Kenya
SPECIAL NOTE…THERE WILL NOT BE ‘INTERNATIONAL SERVICES’ FOR THIS CLUB PILOTO EVENT.
Also, if you are flying a light twin or single, we can guarantee parking in the hangar for early arrivals. A 7:30 a.m. morning walk Wed. will be leaving from the “Café Agave”, come early for coffee. The new co-leader of the walk is ‘Chica’, the Hacienda Great Dane mascot.
Wednesday, October 19th (Day One)
Welcome Margaritas or Limonadas (lemonade) in the Hangar with fresh Hacienda salsa and homemade chips. Its lots of fun to hang out and watch the rest of the group arrive. We are looking forward to this wonderful “Pilotos Reunion” which begins Wednesday morning at the Alamos Airport. Libations will be available in the hangar until 2:00 p.m. and it’s ‘first come’ for hangar space. The military is present 24/7. As usual, parking in the hangar is at your own risk and owners are not responsible for hangar rash, fire or theft, please sign a release if we don’t have one on file. 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 if you forgot something.
7:30 a.m. Morning walk leaves from the Café Agave, come 15 minutes early for some Chiapas Coffee
7:30-10:30 a.m. Breakfast (all menu selections included) at the Café Agave
11:00-2:00 Hangar Party, ‘Chips, Salsa & Margaritas’…plus, great fun
(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…all meals are included, 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. Enjoy this time to get comfortable, settle in and be sure to make yourselves at home. Walk around the village, visit the La Dulce Vida Spa (see Reception & use your ‘Spa Bucks’) for an incredible treatment, arrange horse back riding, make use of our six mountains bikes, putting greens and visit the Café Agave for a latte or the new “Santiago’s” (wintertime Art Gallery, summertime restaurant) at the front of the hotel, the Cantina for a unique tequila, or take a splash in one of our swimming pools. The middle pool is solar heated …plus we have just added a booster heater, so it should be in the low 90’s for your comfort and just soaking. In your room you will find a “Reunion Packet” with the itinerary and Spa Bucks which may be used as a cash discount in the Spa (not for tipping).
6:15 p.m. Cocktails outside of ‘Zapata’s Cantina’ with live music by Los Hacendados. Introduction of any new members and hat presentations, ‘Capitan’ jacket presentations (one per couple..)
7:00 to 9:30 p.m. Dinner at the Sugar Mill
We will have a five course dinner, by Chef Rene and Chef Rosa, with live music by the Hacendados. Be sure to try some of ‘Rosa’s’ new desserts.
9:00 p.m. Movie to be announced……Experience our new automated Blu-ray system with many great films. Enjoy the leather sofas, Hi-Def, a drink and popcorn.
Thursday, October 20th (Day 2)
7:30 a.m. Morning walk leaves from the Café Agave, come 15 minutes early for some Chiapas Coffee
7:30-10:30 a.m. Breakfast with Chef Johaan’s Buffet at the Agave Café.
10:00-12:00 p.m. Event to be Announced
12:00-2:30 p.m. Lunch at Café Agave, try one of Chef Johaan’s eye appealing creations
2:00-3:15 p.m. Local tour by Van for new ‘pilotos’. Complimentary, limited to five couples on a ‘first come’ basis, please sign-up on Wednesday.
6:15 p.m. Cocktails outside of ‘Zapata’s Cantina’ with live music by Los Hacendados
2:15 p.m. ” World Flying Adventure”….a Decade of Global Exploration.
Our featured speaker for both Thursday and Friday is Robert F. Gannon. Bob did what most of us would consider the impossible, plus was the first aviator to accomplish so much in a ten year period of time and he set some world records in the process.
Flew twice around the world, west in the Southern Hemisphere and east in the Northern Hemisphere.
Landed on all the continents of the world.
Flew over the North Pole and down to the Antarctica peninsula
Flew 2,200 hours over a period of 10 years and 3 months, equivalent to the distance from the earth to the moon and half way back.
Landed in 1,200 different places in 155 countries including Viet Nam, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Saudi Arabia, and Israel.
Longest leg flown was 2,200 nm. (California to Hawaii – 18 hours)
Flew the entire route by hand. No auto-pilot.
The airplane, Lucky Lady Too, is a 1968 Cessna 182, now 43 years old.
Parked the airplane in 40 different places around the world and returned home commercially to take care of business and plan the next leg.
Landed in numerous places in all 50 USA states
In October of this year he will add one more notch by visiting Alamos (for the second time) and meeting many ‘Pilotos (for the first time.) Don’t miss this special ‘Club Piloto’ event this Fall. Please send your $400.00 deposit in today to hold your suite or room.
7:00 to 9:30 p.m. Dinner at the Sugar Mill
We will have a five course dinner, by Chef Rene and Chef Rosa, with live music by the Hacendados. Be sure to try some of ‘Rosa’s’ new desserts.
9:00 p.m. Movie to be announced……Experience our new automated Blu-ray system with many great films. Enjoy the leather sofas, Hi-Def, a drink and popcorn!
Friday, October 21st (Day 3)
7:30 a.m. Morning walk leaves from the Café Agave, come 15 minutes early for some Chiapas Coffee
7:30-10:30 a.m. Breakfast with Chef Johaan’s Buffet at the Café Agave
10:00-12:00 Event to Be Announced
12:00-2:00 p.m. Lunch at the Café Agave (Special Menu to be announced later)
2:15-3:30 p.m. Hacienda Theater, Bob Gannon’s Ten Year Trip, Part II (see Friday 2:15 for details)
5:30 p.m. Horses leave from the Café Agave area for the ride to the Hacienda Ranch (next to the airport). Don’t forget to request a horse by noon on Thursday to go along on this fun ride. The riders will return by bus after the Ranch BBQ at about 8 or 8:30. Please bring cash to pay the guide for the horse, $25.00.
6:00 p.m. Ranch BBQ…..Meet at the front door for transportation to the Hacienda Ranch. We will enjoy a roaring mesquite fire, torches, the palapa bar, BBQ ribs and Breast of Chicken….plus all wine, beer and Margaritas are on us! Everyone returns by bus at about 8:00 or 8:30. Great, live authentic Sonoran cowboy music provided by a group from a local cantina.
Saturday, October 22nd (Day 4)
7:30 a.m. Morning Walk leaves today from The Agave Café, come 15 minutes early for some Chiapas Coffee
7:30-10:30 a.m. Breakfast with Chef Johaan’s Buffet at the Agave Café
9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (Spa Time….last appointments are at 4:00)
12:00-2:00 Lunch at the Café Agave….special menu to be announced
2:00 p.m. Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament in Zapata’s Cantina (limited to 10, sign-up upon arrival in Reception)
2:15 P.M. Rito & Rosa will show you how to make our flower centerpieces which are in the Café Agave. These are perfect for all of your fiestas at home ($10.00 per person fee for materials and class)
6:15 P.M. Cocktails outside of ‘Zapata’s Cantina’ with live music by Los Hacendados
6:45 to ?:?? Mexican Fiesta at the Sugar Mill and special entertainment to be announced
Sunday, October 23rd
Sunday Morning….. 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Sunday Buffet at the Café Agave, 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 Saturday evening. Customs, Immigration and the DGAC (flight plans) will be in operation at 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. 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) plus arrive two days early (Monday) and receive Lunch and Dinner for Two, plus your room,for only $150.00 a night!
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. Another great option is to relax in the Spa! Don’t forget to use your “Spa Bucks” toward a manicure, pedicure, facial or massage. Every morning, except Sunday, we will have a 7:30 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. New Treadmills and one Elyptical unit have been installed in the room (Sn. Ysidro) next to the Spa Massage Therapy room.
October 2011 Package Rates
(Meals, Events, Ground Transportation Included)
$1,299 Guest Rooms USD per couple plus tax and optional Gratuity*
Estate Suites
$1,499 USD per couple plus tax and optional Gratuity
Master Suites:
$1,599 USD per couple plus tax and optional Gratuity
Governor’s Suite:
$1,799 USD per couple plus tax and optional Gratuity
Presidential Suite
$1,899 USD per couple plus tax and optional Gratuity
Pets? Small to Medium Sized Pets are now permitted at the Posada Tacubaya. If you would prefer a reservation at the Posada we will give you the best available room for a Package Rate of $1,199….just advise Reception that you prefer the ‘Posada’ location for your stay. All package meals, etc., are included, sorry, no dog food. Dog run available in the lower agave field.
Contact JNSwick@aol.com to make your reservations. “Piloto” bookings are not available through any on-line booking agencies.
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. Satisfaction guaranteed!
*****************************************
Note: for planning a flight and General Aviation Information,
please click here for printable information and guidelines.
Click here for “Instant Weather” in the US and Mexico (place cursor on area of map), for additional weather information options click on the GA Information above and scroll downward for numerous links.
Click here for Craig Ekberg AOPA Summit Formation 2010
Craig Ekberg performed with Bill Mills in their Chinese Nanchang’s a Mini-Airshow for the village of Alamos
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
Click Here to read a U.S. Pilot’s Critique of Flying Mexico in 2010
_______________________________________________________________
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.
This elite club now numbers nearly 600 hundred pilots, all of whom have met the rigid membership requirements. That is, #1 Flying left seat and finding Alamos, #2 Having a safe landing, and #3 Staying at Hacienda de los Santos. Among the benefits of becoming a “Capitan”—besides the great hat you will receive—are special packages offered only for pilots and their guests. Also, with non-package reservations made directly by email, to Jim or Nancy, at jnswick@aol.com, you will receive a ten percent discount on the lodging portion of your reservation. Pilotos also receive complimentary hangar space in the Hacienda hangar, singles and some light twins, with room for up to ten aircraft. Pilotos may also use the pilot lounge at the hangar and new fully tiled bathrooms. Pilotos, with proper ETA notification to the Hacienda, will receive complimentary airport transportation to and from the Alamos Airport. Special events for Pilotos also include special tours, discounted packages, celebrity visits and seminars.
