Originally Posted by
RightSeatDude
OK, the infamous "you're 50 miles out at FLXXX and cleared for the approach".
My answer: ask for clearance to an altitude at MSA or higher to a fix on the approach, preferably where I can decend in a hold there if need be.
Anyone have a better answer for this one?
I was given the VOR/DME-2, Rwy 26 approach into Mazatlan, with that same scenario.
The answer I gave was to descend in the hold over the VOR, until reaching the minimum holding altitude of 4000, as published, and then just fly the approach.
The idea is to ensure terrain clearance. It sounds as if they often simply "drop" you, and leave you own your on for the approach in Mexico. Most of the approaches I looked at, down there, had a VOR on the field, and a "TMA", (sort of like Class B, or the old TCA), within a 30nm ring or so around the VOR.
Disclaimer: I speak only from my interview experience. I have never flown IFR in Mexico, or part 121. Hopefully someone with more experience will chime in and help. But, FWIW, they gave me the job.