Aviation Schools Face New Fees Under Mexico’s Rights Law

Mexico’s revised Federal Rights Law, which has been approved by the Senate’s Finance and Legislative Studies Committees, introduces new fiscal obligations for aviation schools, eliminating prior exemptions related to airspace usage. This change, aimed at boosting federal revenue, has raised concerns among industry stakeholders about its potential effects on the cost of pilot training and the broader aviation sector.

The reform modifies Article 292, which once exempted aviation schools from paying for airspace usage during training flights. The new regulation aligns these schools with commercial airlines, requiring them to pay based on the kilometers flown and the size of the aircraft.

Under the updated system, charges range from MX$0.3 (US$0.015) per kilometer for small aircraft to MX$11.3 (US$0.56) for larger planes, as outlined in Article 289 of the law. Aviation schools argue that this new charge adds a significant financial burden, especially considering the 200 flight hours required for pilot certification..

“This measure equates aviation schools to airlines, ignoring their educational purpose. It will increase flight hour costs, already ranging from MX$3,500 (US$172.28) to MX$6,000 (US$295.34), depending on the school,” explained Pablo Casas, Director, National Institute for Legal and Aeronautical Research (INIJA).

INIJA warned that these increased costs could discourage aspiring pilots and worsen the global shortage of pilots. “While countries like the United States and Europe are taking steps to address pilot shortages, Mexico is moving in the wrong direction,” Casas added.

The rationale behind the reform lies in the belief that aviation schools are profit-driven entities that charge students for their training services. Lawmakers argue the changes ensure fair treatment, placing aviation schools on the same footing as airlines, which also face similar fees. However, critics argue that the reform fails to recognize the educational role of these institutions and their importance in training the aviation workforce.

The Mexican College of Aviator Pilots (CPAM) voiced concerns over a possible decline in the number of pilot graduates, which currently ranges from 500 to 700 each year. The organization stressed the need for affordable training options to support the aviation sector, particularly in light of growing global demand for qualified pilots.

The amendments to the Federal Rights Law will now proceed to the Senate for a final vote. If approved, they are set to take effect in 2025.