Flying:                                                                                           

Advance notice is required.  Fax the "Aircraft Permission form"  form and have the form with you when entering the country.  You will not get a reply from Costa Rica unless they deny you permission to enter.

Aircraft requirments:

1. Proof of liability insurance

2. Aircraft registration

3. Airworthiness certification

I.C.A.O airportidentification:MRxx

The following airports are International:

San Jose “Coco”  (MROC)

Primarily for scheduled airliners.  If you enter here, expect to spend considerable time as they are not really set up for private aircraft

San Jose “Pavas” (MRPV)

Downtown airport with friendly people and quick turn around.  Restaurant in terminal is now closed however, it is still the best for entering Costa Rica.  The DGAC people are extremely helpful and friendly and, the immigration person will do back-flips for you if you bring him a CD.  (Ever since Jimmy Buffet came through, he thinks all American aircraft are stuffed full of CDs.)

Liberia  (MRLB)

Ok if your destination is on the west coast.  However, if there are more than two or three aircraft clearing in or out at the same time, the one person handling the paperwork goes into crisis mode.

Limon  (MRLM)

Small airport, expect to wait for customs and immigration

There seems to always be weather in San Jose.  And, as it is in a hole with big rocks poking up everywhere, use caution when the visibility is low.

DGAC:

DGAC Phone:                        506 231 0763     

DGAC Fax:                             506 231 2107

People:                                                               

With US passport, 90 day stay without purchasing visa.

The law requires you to carry your passport at all times.

Children:

Not allowed to stay over 30 days unless both parents request permission from the National child protection agency. (Call the Costa Rica consulate for more info)

Currency:

“Colone” US dollars work great.

Climate:

Dry season from late December to April. The rest of the year is the rainy season.

When to go:

The Dry season is considered to be the best time to visit. During this time the beach resorts are busy. Flying during the “Wet” season may be a challenge for IRF and VFR pilots.

US Embassy:        

Phone: 220-3939  Fax : 220-2305

Time Zone:    

Six hours behind ZULU time. Same as Central standard time in the us.