Charter Operators Grapple with Mexico’s Flight Data Recorder Requirements | Aviation International News

Regulations and Government

Charter Operators Grapple with Mexico’s FDR Requirements

Light to midsize jets typically aren’t equipped with FDRs

By Gordon Gilbert • Contributor - Accidents and Regulations

October 2, 2026

Some air charter operators flying small and midsize business jets into Mexico have been unable to receive blanket approval for multiple landings because their aircraft are not equipped with flight data recorders (FDRs). The FAA doesn’t require FDRs in these aircraft, but they are required by Mexico’s federal civil aviation agency (AFAC) regulations.

Over the past two years, Mexico has been cracking down on enforcing requirements for air charter aircraft “with 10 or more passenger seats, or an mtow of 12,500 pounds or more to be equipped with an FDR” to obtain blanket approval. According to the manager of regulatory services for trip support at World Fuel, the crackdown has even been applied to some operators that lack the required FDRs but have an AFAC air operator certificate and blanket permit under grandfathered agreements.

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