Bermuda

[meko500]

Hi, does anyone know if there are any special requirements going from PA to bermuda in a midsize jet(rvsm,customs,security,etc.)thanx in advance!!

 

[ultrarunner]

Routing to Bermuda is in RVSM airspace, so plan accordingly on that. And if I recall, you'll also need an HF.

 

[ATCER]

A flight from PA to TXKF is pretty straight forward. You will need an HF radio... to talk to ATC (NY Oceanic) over the water you will use HF to talk to ArInc who relays messages to ATC. As for RVSM, if you are unequipped you can still fly, just not in the RVSM altitudes (FL290-FL410)... you'll have to go at FL280 or below, or get up to FL430. Also, regardless of what you may read in some booklets stay on your last assigned beacon code.

If you need any more info or pref routing just let me know.

 

[meko500]

bermuda

ultrarunner,atcer. thank you very much for your reply, it is a very big help!!! thank you. jim

 

[empenage]

Bring Eugene at B.A.S. a sub...as in sandwich, He gets island fever every 6 months.

 

[Old Crow]

RVSM FL290 to FL410
HF Radio

Don't go out their and pretend your HF was broke. They will not allow you to take off and you will have to pay for an avionics mech. to come to Burmuda to install one in your aircraft.
I saw this happen.

Simple trip. Customs will meet you at the GA side of the airport. Ask for Miguel at BAS.

Have a good trip.

 

[ScoobyDoo]

Are you sure you must remain on the last assigned beacon code? I've always squawked 2100 prior to entering Bermuda's OCA and 2000 on the return leg. ATC has never told me to do otherwise. Does New York like a/c to remain on same beacon code since they work both areas?

 

[Timebuilder]

Empenage is correct, he loves those sandwiches!

You'll burn too much fuel below the RVSM, so make sure you get some climbing vectors to allow you to get on top before your first ocean fix. Just plan some fixes to suggest to ATC, and explain you are not equiped for RVSM. They'll work with you.

Yes, HF is a must. If you have not done position reports, make up a list of the required reporting items in advance. Jep has a list on the ocean charts, but it isn't placed where it needs to be on the 7-8 chart for PA-TXKF runs. That's okay, just make your own list.

SELCAL helps a lot, if you have one. It's a coding device that uses four letters that represent tones to the airinc equipment, allowing you to make a test of the equipment and then turn down the continuous HF background noise and wait for your equipment to alert you to an incoming radio call from airinc.

Last week, the GPU was broken at BAS. The glide slope was OTS, so they were using an LOC approach last week, too.

The controllers at Bermuda have some thick accents, so listen carefully and ask for a repeat if you don't understand them.

I was assigned a squawk on the ground, and NY immediate changed it on check-in, then changed it again when reentering radar service at the other end. Only change your code when directed to do so.

ATCER, nice avatar!

Be ready with all of your documents for the return flight. The plane should have a current customs sticker, and you will fill the number in on the large white sheet, along with the crew info. Also, have enough general declaration forms (the blue and white long, narrow forms) for all on board. Passports for all, and every name spelled correctly in every spot.

Port of entry. When you come from Bermuda to TEB, TEB is the first point of entry, and you go to the customs ramp next to Atlantic. On other flights, you stop at Wilmington, NC, and then go on to your destination. Check with customs to make sure you do this right. We often use a service like Universal to do this for us, such as flight planning and customs notification. Don't screw this part up, they see it as very important.

Good luck.