BajaNomad

Baja Airlines

fishbuck - 3-20-2019 at 03:21 PM

In researching the archives I found this.
Some excellent old photos and stories...
I believe private flying in Baja will make a comeback.
I might keep a rental at Brown Field for pilots who want a dream trip of a lifetime.
Probably a Cherokee 6.
Parking it at TJ makes sense to.
They can walk across and take a cab to the private terminal.
No hassle for the plane. It's in the country legally aready.
No rule against it... probably...
All the "business" takes place online. Not in Baja.
A private pilot will be making a private flight.
I guess I will need to meet them there and give them the key to the plane.
They can follow me to my camp and stay or keep on going south...


https://www.cabovillas.com/blog/flying-to-baja-in-the-1970s-...





[Edited on 3-20-2019 by fishbuck]

David K - 3-20-2019 at 03:59 PM

Great article... on a private pilot flying to Baja but no mention of Capt. Muñoz (Baja Air Service airline) or Arnold Senterfitt (Airports of Baja and Baja California author and Bush Pilots founder).

The glory days of flying Baja Air Service...




Erle Stanley Gardner and Captain Muñoz.







fishbuck - 3-20-2019 at 04:04 PM

Capitan Munoz!
My hero.
I will study him and find a living connection if I can.
He knew everthing there was to know!

fishbuck - 3-20-2019 at 04:09 PM

I wonder if that is the same Lodestar that is out on one of the islands.
Guadalupe I think.

David K - 3-20-2019 at 04:14 PM

Quote: Originally posted by fishbuck  
Capitan Munoz!
My hero.
I will study him and find a living connection if I can.
He knew everthing there was to know!


My dad flew with Muñoz in 1967... He let my dad sit up front in the co-pilot seat (Muñoz never had a co-pilot I heard of).

Tad (Desert Ghost on Nomad) met Capt. Muñoz:

fishbuck - 3-20-2019 at 04:24 PM

It is a long read.
But here is a snip.
It's in there. "...Capt. Muñoz (Baja Air Service airline)"...
Hence the title of the thread.

Every resort had its diesel generator set for electrical power. Often the generators were shut down at 9:00 –10:00pm and then it was dark and quiet. There were no sounds of cars, trucks, trains, and airplanes at night. The night was filled with only the moon, stars, and the silence of the desert. 

General aviation played a big part in communication in those days, particularly for anyone needing assistance. All general aviation aircraft monitored 122.8Mz while flying in Baja. Anyone needing help would have an aircraft broadcast the need on 122.8MZ and any aircraft receiving the transmission could relay it as necessary to get help. The only air service that I was aware of at the time was Baja Airlines out of Tijuana. It was founded by Francisco Muñoz known to we fliers as Captain Muñoz, the “Baja Bush Pilot.” So anytime a boat or airplane needed a part or something, you relayed the message to Captain Muñoz and he’d come to assist those in need even if it required landing on the beach.






[Edited on 3-20-2019 by fishbuck]

fishbuck - 3-20-2019 at 04:29 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Quote: Originally posted by fishbuck  
Capitan Munoz!
My hero.
I will study him and find a living connection if I can.
He knew everthing there was to know!


My dad flew with Muñoz in 1967... He let my dad sit up front in the co-pilot seat (Muñoz never had a co-pilot I heard of).

Tad (Desert Ghost on Nomad) met Capt. Muñoz:



So dang cool!

David K - 3-20-2019 at 04:55 PM

Mike, he was really a great guy to treat my dad so well... You couldn't ask for friendlier service or hospitality. I never met Francisco at least when I was an adult. However, when I was camping at Gecko, 2002, Doc came running over to where I was and said Capt. Muñoz just "flew" by in his pickup truck... He owned the property just south of Camp Gecko, at his nice long L.A. Bay South runway.





fishbuck - 3-20-2019 at 04:57 PM

It just get's better. Thanks

fishbuck - 3-20-2019 at 10:30 PM

I see on Google Earth that Capitan Munoz runway is still there and for the most part intact.
Can I use it?
Does anyone live nearby.
Which house was Caps house?
He must have landed his Lockheed there many times. And that's a big plane. And tail dragger for extra excitement.
Not the best spot to fish from but ultra cool if the runway is useable.
Noted for being out of the BOLA wind. Which can be... interesting

[Edited on 3-21-2019 by fishbuck]

David K - 3-21-2019 at 08:01 AM

LarryC had a home there, sold a few years ago: http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=33821

I think they didn't renew the permit for the runway, but am not positive,? Check this thread (Capt. Muñoz is mentioned): http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=33821

Baja Nomad 'steekers' is a pilot and was looking for a gulf side property with a runway, so this was one. Punta Bufeo (near Gonzaga) is another... and of course Alfonsina's (which has a home for sale now by DTPrice that would be ideal for you)! http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=92032



[Edited on 3-21-2019 by David K]

fishbuck - 3-21-2019 at 12:15 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
LarryC had a home there, sold a few years ago: http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=33821

I think they didn't renew the permit for the runway, but am not positive,? Check this thread (Capt. Muñoz is mentioned): http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=33821

Baja Nomad 'steekers' is a pilot and was looking for a gulf side property with a runway, so this was one. Punta Bufeo (near Gonzaga) is another... and of course Alfonsina's (which has a home for sale now by DTPrice that would be ideal for you)! http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=92032



[Edited on 3-21-2019 by David K]


Thenk you again DK.
Yes I remember those Baja Nomads.
Come on everyone. Let's keep these runways alive.
Don't let the Cap down.
This guy landed on the beach to help people and deliver vital materials.
Think about that!
Captain Munoz was as important as any character in Baja history.
And none of the others could fly!

fishbuck - 3-21-2019 at 10:14 PM

A very indepth article about the Captain.

https://m.sandiegoreader.com/news/1995/sep/21/cover-ive-got-...

David K - 3-22-2019 at 07:46 AM

Quote: Originally posted by fishbuck  
A very indepth article about the Captain.

https://m.sandiegoreader.com/news/1995/sep/21/cover-ive-got-...


The article is terrific, but for one fact, I am pretty sure it was the 1960s not 50s when he grew his air service with the twin-engine plane. His route was Tijuana-L.A. Bay-Mulegé-Puerto Vallarta and back (in 1967). It has been rumored that Erle Stanley Gardner was his financial backer to help grow the airline.

fishbuck - 3-22-2019 at 11:28 AM

Is there a book?
From the article.

"A project occupies Muñoz’s mind. Several years ago, he asked Lynn Mitchell, a friend and local writer, to write his biography, a challenge that Mitchell accepted with alacrity"

[Edited on 3-22-2019 by fishbuck]

David K - 3-22-2019 at 11:44 AM

I think Lynn used to work at Discover Baja Travel Club... and started a Baja tour business after that, called "Baja and Beyond"



[Edited on 3-22-2019 by David K]

fishbuck - 3-22-2019 at 12:32 PM

I found some info about her.
She is 70 and lives in San Diego.
Baja and Beyond is listed as "desolved".
I have an address.
Doe anyone in here have contact with this lady?

[Edited on 3-22-2019 by fishbuck]

fishbuck - 3-22-2019 at 12:41 PM

Thanks
Maybe still working on it...

fishbuck - 3-23-2019 at 11:52 AM

Here is a little info from BBP.
I love to get information on my own about flying. That's just the way flying is.
But it is not necessary to re-invent the airplane each flight.
So I went to BBP and checked.
Seems those hombres on staying on top of things for me and that's good
They are activly assisting several runway owners through the recetification process and have completed atleast 1. Seveal others are near completion.
Its not impossible. But you have to want it. I want to help if I can.
So I will get a membership to have a password to the really good info.
I think any answers about Baja flying past, present, and future are with them.
But I will still seek my own answers... and I get them if they are there.



[Edited on 3-23-2019 by fishbuck]

fishbuck - 3-23-2019 at 12:11 PM

And if you think there isn't any interest in private flying you may be misinformed.
Their last whale trip had 55 planes.
They decided to split it between to different runways next time.
Where did they all park?

fishbuck - 3-23-2019 at 12:28 PM

One I get set up. I would like to have a "milk run" of sorts.
1 once a month at the beginning and maybe more often later.
I could bring things down from Tijuana or Ensenada. Store bought items.
And deliver them where needed.
I am planning to fly anyway. So kind of a charitable thing.
I will need a once a month trip to the border to pick up mail and supplies for my camp.
I may give rides under certain conditions if I can.
Make the rounds so to speak.
And flying is alot of fun.

LancairDriver - 3-23-2019 at 12:33 PM

They have parked that many airplanes at The Serenidad Hotel in Mulege many times in the past. The golden days of private flying in Baja will never reach levels seen through the 80’s, when it started to decline for the previously stated reasons of drug and crime related problems. 9/11 brought in massive changes not only to aviation but to all aspects of our lives. Those who experienced the earlier days were truely lucky.

fishbuck - 3-23-2019 at 12:39 PM

Quote: Originally posted by LancairDriver  
They have parked that many airplanes at The Serenidad Hotel in Mulege many times in the past. The golden days of private flying in Baja will never reach levels seen through the 80’s, when it started to decline for the previously stated reasons of drug and crime related problems. 9/11 brought in massive changes not only to aviation but to all aspects of our lives. Those who experienced the earlier days were truely lucky.


Yes, we should all just give up. Life can never be good or fun again.
How encouraging you are to the next generation of pilots...
We should just all lay down and die..

[Edited on 3-23-2019 by fishbuck]

fishbuck - 3-23-2019 at 12:47 PM

Quote: Originally posted by LancairDriver  
They have parked that many airplanes at The Serenidad Hotel in Mulege many times in the past. The golden days of private flying in Baja will never reach levels seen through the 80’s, when it started to decline for the previously stated reasons of drug and crime related problems. 9/11 brought in massive changes not only to aviation but to all aspects of our lives. Those who experienced the earlier days were truely lucky.


I don't know this because I would never go to that large of an event.
I don't care how good the pig tastes.
It's better with a dozen or so planes. Excellent comaraderie and plenty of elbow room at the bar for fishing/flying stories.
More smaller events better than 1 giant event per year.

LancairDriver - 3-23-2019 at 12:54 PM

Quote: Originally posted by fishbuck  
Quote: Originally posted by LancairDriver  
They have parked that many airplanes at The Serenidad Hotel in Mulege many times in the past. The golden days of private flying in Baja will never reach levels seen through the 80’s, when it started to decline for the previously stated reasons of drug and crime related problems. 9/11 brought in massive changes not only to aviation but to all aspects of our lives. Those who experienced the earlier days were truely lucky.


Yes, we should all just give up. Life can never be good or fun again.
How encouraging you are to the next generation of pilots...
We should just all lay down and die..

[Edited on 3-23-2019 by fishbuck]


Or how about a little taste of reality. Private aviation is in decline for many reasons, just one being the huge expense involved in flying lessons for new young pilots. The cost of private aircraft single engine airplanes such as the old standard Cessna 182 costing upwards of $600,000. And some other brands pushing one million bucks. Regular maintenance and training can add thousands annually. It isn’t necessary to lay down and die but be ready with deep pockets if you want to play. It’s less expensive to buy a house.

fishbuck - 3-23-2019 at 01:13 PM

Yes sir. You are correct in a few things there.
And thank you for engaging.
Is there anything now-a-days that isn't upsidedown compared to what it was. Hasn't that always been true?
The Piper Seneca that I want cost about 1.5 million. And it will take all of my gigalo skills to get it.
No one ever said being a pilot was easy or cheap. It ain't glamorous and the pay is low.
It's sweaty stressful hard work. It's a job.
However, I am intending to perchase a Piper 140 just for getting around. Less than $20,000. About $50/hour to fly it.
No pilot loves the Piper 140.
But an hour of flying in it still counts in the log book. And you will need 1500 hours to get a decent entry level flying job. A right seat Citation jet pilot job is posted at $55,000/year. And I think that is the top. I couldn't afford to live off that. No one can. And that is a rated jet pilot. I get these posts everyday now. Several.
So being a pilot is 1 giant math problem.
And you know what we say in the flyin biz.

"No bucks... No Buck Buckrogers"

Boeing was delivering 3 737MAX jets PER DAY before the grounding. Airbus does the same with the A320.
The are several other jetliners in production today around the world.
So about 10 brand new airliners enter the system EVERYDAY.
There are 10,000 airliners airborne around the world... right now!
It is a known fact that not enough pilots are being trained to fly them. Boeing has been warning of this for the last 10 years.

You're a pilot... you do the math...:cool:







[Edited on 3-23-2019 by fishbuck]

fishbuck - 3-23-2019 at 02:27 PM

So instead of paying for well trained pilots, the FAA, the airlines, and Boeing would prefer to just "fix" the situation with software.
And eventually to convince the FAA to reduce the requirement to one pilot on the flight deck. Two rated pilots are now required for your safety.
And then no pilots. Automated and one person on the ground "monitoring" several airplanes at once.
The only person on the plane is you riding in the back.

Eliminate those pesky pilots and make more money.
Because that is what the airlines want. Money.
Automated planes and no employees.
A perfect world.



[Edited on 3-23-2019 by fishbuck]

fishbuck - 3-23-2019 at 02:43 PM

And just to be clear.
Rich people all use private jets today. All day, everyday.
So more people are flying that ever. General aviation is thriving.
Try to find a parking spot for a private jet at John Wayne Airport Orange County, CA.
The Gulfstreams have push the Lear Jets into non-existance.
Go to Vegas, Vail, Aspen, Palm Springs and look.
The Citation jets are parked so far away that you will need a ride into the private jet terninal. The nicer the jet, the closer the parking. Best jet. Front door. Just like the a-holes here and their stupid sports cars. Except a jet is REAL.
They just don't get licenses anymore like they use to.
Why?
You can rent a jet with your friends of a little more than the cost 1st class tickets. It's cheap. Look at Cabo next time your there.
These jets start at 5 million.
If you don't believe me ask Warren Buffet.
He owns NETJETS.
Have you seen the new Honda jet. Cute and inovative.

You're a pilot... do your own flight planning...


[Edited on 3-23-2019 by fishbuck]

Vince - 3-24-2019 at 05:16 PM

I loved flying with Capt. Munoz! I flew several times in the early to late '60's with him until the big airlines pushed him out. A real gentleman, he lived in IB , I would bring items to his house to be brought to folks in Mulege. After Baja Airlines, I learned myself and flew for another 42 years all over Baja in my own aircraft. Now I fly Calafia to Loreto, faster but not as much fun. So many great memories, flying in Baja.

David K - 3-24-2019 at 07:11 PM

Hi Vince, like you, my dad spoke very highly of Capt. Muñoz. He was very impressed that Muñoz invited my dad to sit up front in the c-ckpit.... 1967. Let's not let these glory days of Baja travel die with us. Publishing them, even here on Doug's Baja Nomad preserves them beyond us... at least for another generation or two.

chuckie - 3-25-2019 at 09:35 AM

How about "Air Cortez" anyone remember them? What a fun airline!!!
Fishbuck is off his meds again, I see.....

fishbuck - 3-25-2019 at 10:56 AM

Yes off meds...

I'll bet Dezi didn't have a "fish" shaped pool.

[Edited on 3-25-2019 by fishbuck]

See...

The "pool" thing is from my "I love Lucy"...

[Edited on 3-25-2019 by fishbuck]

fishbuck - 3-25-2019 at 12:52 PM

I am guessing that when Captain Munoz stopped flying Baja Air Service and started flying for the salt company in Guerrero Negro that he didn't live at BOLA anymore.
But maybe he did. It's a short flight so maybe he commuted home to his runway everyday after flying to Cedros.
But I don't think he would fly home in the Company DC-3 or Convair if they had one.
I would love to know where the Lockheed Loadstar was at then... and now...

David K - 3-25-2019 at 05:19 PM

The land that he and his wife Leysl own includes his runway from the 1960s and several vacation homes. LarryC was once a homeowner there.

The Muñoz' also lived in the San Diego area... Imperial Beach and up at Crest, until the big 2003 fire took that home.

Maybe they were in L.A. Bay only in the cooler months, but always had a home there.

thebajarunner - 3-25-2019 at 05:36 PM

Buck.... did you get your flight physical current, your logbook signed off and back to legal again?
Just curious...

fishbuck - 3-25-2019 at 08:16 PM

Physical yes
Current no. No reason to spend money yet.
Don't want to rent a plane, pay an instructor.
I am moving to my camp soon (May 1). So we will see...
We call this "Hanger Flying"...
It's what pilots do to stay sharp when we are waiting for a job... or don't have flying money for more training...

Why, you got some flying money? I can go get current in a hour or so.







[Edited on 3-26-2019 by fishbuck]

Vince - 9-7-2022 at 05:02 PM

I love reading these old posts. I was going to chime in about Capt. Munoz and my flying in Baja, but I see I already did, 3 years ago! I still check the aviation activity at Serenidad when we fly commercial into Loreto. Not much going on there anymore. I hope it rebounds, they are a great group.

David K - 9-7-2022 at 06:01 PM

Hi Vince... Keep on trucking... 'er flying Baja!

Barry A. - 9-7-2022 at 09:16 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Vince  
I love reading these old posts. I was going to chime in about Capt. Munoz and my flying in Baja, but I see I already did, 3 years ago! I still check the aviation activity at Serenidad when we fly commercial into Loreto. Not much going on there anymore. I hope it rebounds, they are a great group.


I will kick in a little here--------I worked the flight-line for "Jim's Air" at Lindberg Field in the mid-60's and we often serviced the Lodestar inside and out when it came in, and Munoz tipped really well. I got my Commercial Pilots lic. at Jim's Air, but never flew the Baja circuit, regretfully. Later, I flew for the National Park Service for a couple of years which was a real kick. (-:



[Edited on 9-8-2022 by Barry A.]

David K - 9-8-2022 at 07:45 AM

What a great story!! The closest I got to Capt. Muñoz was seeing him drive by Camp Gecko, 20 years ago! My dad got to sit in the co-pilot's seat with Muñoz in 1967, however. What a great experience for him! I think he went south from L.A. Bay to Mulegé and Puerto Vallarta, then back north to Tijuana? I was 10 when I heard the story!