Bahamas Info

[brett]

I'm going to be doing some runs to Marsh Harbour or Treasure Cay in June and was wondering if anything's changed. Last year when I was in Marsh Harbour there was a lot of talk of upgrading the Abaco airports. Any work going on; changes in frequencies or any other good to know information? Any websites that are good for getting info?

I have the Bahamas guide, but it's a couple years old and a bit pricey to update every year.

Thanks,

- Brett

 

[TDTURBO]

It's 50 bucks, without it, you're lost. Get the new guild, it is invaluable. It has everything you could possibly need to do the trip.

Gas availability changes year to year do to hurricanes, I would get the new one.


BTW: I've been to all the islands, the best is Cape Santa Maria, no contest.

It's on Long Island, bring a girl though.

 

[Kingairrick]

If you can choose between Marsh and Treasure, choose Treasure. I think Marsh Harbor is one of the most dangerous places in the world. It has gotten a little better since the new FBO opened. Not so many people taking off into the landing traffic, but there is still way too much traffic there for no tower and 122.8 jammed up with talk from other airports.
I believe there will be a mid-air there one day.

We got an RA on decent in there last month while IMC. I caught a glimpse of a navajo or cheyenne flash by below my window. He was VFR in the clouds at 5000', not talkin' to anyone...

Go to Treasure Cay. Much better.

 

[WMUSIGPI]

Marsh Harbour IS a deathtrap IMHO. Miami Center can't talk to you or see you below about 7000ft because of the hurricanes last year. So everyone seems to fly as if it's all class G til they can climb up and talk to Miami to get the IFR. Lots of people taking off towards the landing traffic. No taxiways. No tower. And watch out for the potholes in the runway. Also figure about 5 cycles worth of wear on your tires for every operation because the pavement is so rough.

 

[TDTURBO]

First, I want to know why you picked these destinations.

Unless it's for business forget it, look up the cape and you'll never look back. They even have their own runway 3/4 mile from the resort and will come pick you up. I would also do the all inclusive since Lobster is on the menu, as in, all you can eat. It by far has the most beautiful lagoon I have ever seen. It even has a pilot discount.

 

[The_Russian]

Watch out for the Bahamian Aztec Air Force!!

 

[cvsfly]

It's 50 bucks, without it, you're lost. Get the new guild, it is invaluable. It has everything you could possibly need to do the trip.

Gas availability changes year to year do to hurricanes, I would get the new one.


BTW: I've been to all the islands, the best is Cape Santa Maria, no contest.

It's on Long Island, bring a girl though.

Definately a must have resource. But don't get too worked up about having the most up-to-date issue. It's not like a goverment chart. I have found alot of out-of-date info in the book and some misprints. What it usually gives you is the resources to call and verify yourself before you go. When the Bahamians say they are planning an improvement, say "this time next year we will have fuel and much improved runway" - give it another few years and then call to verfiy. Also call Pilot Publishing when you do find an error and they will probably give you a free issue. Case in point (already called) Little Whale Cay, Big Whale Cay, & Great Harbour Cay all have the same ID. Hawk's Nest - MYCH (just called to verify) has a runway restricted to 3100' not 5000' and no fuel and no possibility of arranging Customs there. Also San Andros - MYAN has a FBO in development - was supposed to be open in summer 2004 with fuel - still not open and no fuel. All that being said, it is still the best planning pub. for Bahamas & Caribbean, just don't rely totally on it as a single source (sound familiar?). Everyone who travels there should give imput to the publisher to make it better - the same with with some internet sites like www.airnav.com - keep those fuel updates coming.

 

[TDTURBO]

Speaking of airnav, they have really gone downhill, most of their prices are years old and vendors have to subscribe to be listed. The bottom line is you don't get the cheapest most up to date prices on fuel and parking. We really need a better system.

 

[2000flyer]

What I recall about Marsh (haven't been in a year or so) was the runway was horrible. It rained the day of our departure. We took off just as the heaviest shower hit and it closed the airport in 5 minutes due to standing water. BEWARE!

Second, Miami won't issue a clearance over the phone and you couldn't reach Nassau on the ground. We took off and got our clearance, entered IFR and when I broke out between layers around 3500' I was nearly nose to spinner with a Mooney. How close you ask? The pilot was wearing a read shirt, black ballcap, Rayban style sun glasses and had grey hair! I'm not exaggerating in the least.

Third. On arrival we were marshalled to the only building on the airport (besides the FBO trailer). Shut down and I had no less than five people assisting with baggage. Great service I thought. Turns out they were locals scrounging for tips. Absolutely no security there what-so-ever. After my passengers left one of the customs officials told me I couldn't park there (it was for the airlines). No tug available so I had to start to reposition.

Again, this is old intel but I'd make some calls before going.

2000Flyer

 

[TDTURBO]

That's nothing, I wanted my plane moved to a hanger at Nassau because there was a HURRICANE COMING and they thought that was suspicious so they let the air out of my tires, picked the lock to my airplane, (illegally I might add), went through all of our luggage, spilled ketchup all over my GF clothes and found nothing. No apologies ofcourse. Needless to say, they never moved the plane out of harms way, what a bunch of idiots. All they want is a free hand out and bribes, the place is a joke, stick to the out islands if you can and even then be careful.

It's a third world country that costs 3x what everything here in the states cost. The only reason why I go there is because I can fly there, otherwise go to Cozumel or Cancun, you'll get a lot more for your dollar.

I should have sued them but I figured there legal system was as corrupt as the rest of the country so I just got the hell out of there.

Go at your own risk, If I were you, Long Island at Cape Santa Maria is the place to go, forget the rest of the crap.

 

[The_Russian]

It's a third world country that costs 3x what everything here in the states cost. The only reason why I go there is because I can fly there, otherwise go to Cozumel or Cancun, you'll get a lot more for your dollar.

I should have sued them but I figured there legal system was as corrupt as the rest of the country so I just got the hell out of there.

Go at your own risk, If I were you, Long Island at Cape Santa Maria is the place to go, forget the rest of the crap.

Well said. Beware any airport that the indentifier starts with MY. That means they will take you for everything you got. 15 bucks for a slice of pizza and a water in MYNN.

 

[cvsfly]

Ah, American ambassadors at their best. Yes you have to watch out for your self, use your head, etc. You think your are being singled out paying for "overpriced goods"? What did you pay for pizza and water at the last major US airport? It's islands, folks. Just about everything gets imported. It costs money. No income tax, so fees are what pay for "services" be as they may. It's the price you pay to play down there. Face it, we are spoiled here in the US. If you knew the HURICANE was coming, why were you in Nassau to begin with and why didn't you move the plane to FL/GA?

 

[TDTURBO]

The Hurricane was moving back and forth switching directions on an hourly basis. The reason we were there in the first place was to move off Andros to avoid getting hit. Nassau was not in the direct path but the winds were high enough to do damage. We spent 8 days going from island to island dodging this thing, it was like it was following us, every time we would move it would turn around and come back at us. Never the less, I wouldn't go back. All we wanted them to do was move us into the executive hanger from the general aviation ramp, that apparently was too much to ask. Executive begged them to move the plane but the idiots at the Bahama police wouldn't let them. Total incompetence.

 

[cvsfly]

TD, What about Cape Santa Maria did you like? Did you land at MYLM or MYLS? Have you stayed at Stella Maris? We are going this week. Close to MYLS and the boss wants something basically in walking distance. Hawk's Nest is next. I've stayed at Stella Maris before on an aircraft delivery and rode bikes up to Cape Santa Maria. Have you stayed on Andros, Fresh Creek/Andros Town?

 

[TDTURBO]

I have stayed at all the places you mention. I liked the Cape much more than Stella because the lagoon. If you go, land there and not Stella, the runway is coral and a little rough but doable. Andros sucks except for the blue hole, that was kinda cool. Stella has more to do as far as Scuba but the Cape has the best beach in all the Caribbean. If you go to the Cape, do the all inclusive, it's a much better deal. If I were you and you have the time, I would do both, you won't find a better island in the Bahamas.

If you want you can PM me and I can get into more detail, I am leaving from Chicago to Scottsdale Friday and flying around and up through Mountana so I won't be back until the 1st.

 

[cvsfly]

Thanks. Cape is too short - 2150' according to B&C Pilot's Guide or would have choosen that for the boss (KA200). Only staying 1 night on this trip!?! I liked Stella for myself years back, but they do lack a good beach. Have a charter to Andros in a couple of weeks - we checked out Small Hope Bay awhile ago which looked perfect for us (crew - SCUBA) to stay, but short notice might be hard to get a reservation (clients won't commit). What about other lodging in Fresh Creek? We are also checking out Hawk's Nest, Cat Island on this trip - heard good things. The Guide is advertising 5000' of newly paved runway and possibly fuel, but I called and they said only 3100' is usable and no fuel.

 

[cvsfly]

Update: MYEF, Exuma - Brand new Customs building burned down Wednesday night. We came in Thursday and it was still smoldering. Customs is now under a temporary tent. MYLS, Stella Maris is nice, but older resort. Alot of shuffling around due to broken A/C. Only a few cove beaches (rocky) on east side near the resort and ocean is not really accessible. Cape Santa Maria would be much calmer (west side), but still not the best beach I've seen. My beaches still have something to see when you are in the water. Harbor Island, Guana Cay, Green Turtle Cay, & other Abaco Cays have good beaches with snorkeling/diving. Jet A was actually available in MYLS although we didn't buy it. MYCH (not in some databases) is indeed paved for 5000', excellant condition, well marked, private airport. After they paved it someone must of pissed of the Civil Aviation Authority because they said a building was too close to the runway to allow use of the entire length. So now the SW end is displaced and gives 3100' usable. If the Authority is there they may ask you to prove your performance #s for the 3100'. In a pinch I'm sure one could use the extra length, but you probably won't be allowed back and the Authority might fine you if they can catch you! Hawk's Nest also has Wi-Fi so we adjusted all our flight plans/wx on-line. They won't be able to tear down the building either since it houses all the incoming power transformers and generator, but it is much less an obstable than seen at other small strips in the Bahamas.