Flying in the Caribbeans

[tataki]

Anybody has experience flying in the Caribbeans and would like to answer some questions, or willing to share theire experience?

 

[ShyFlyGuy]

Ooh yeah! Good times out there are to be had, for sure. I've flown quite a bit to the Bahamas and although I've been there many times, I still have a lot to explore about that place. First of all, unless you just have to gamble or must see Atlantis (which is hands-down the most amazing resort I've ever seen), avoid Nassau. You will pay top dollar for going through customs, landing fees, and parking fees. If you do head out there, enter customs through Avitat on the East side of the field. They don't charge much for parking (compaired to Signature or Million Air on the South side) and their facilities are top-of-the-line.

If you just want to island hop, Bimini is a great port-of-entry so that you can head anywhere from there without having to concern yourself with customs (although if they are on the field, you should check in with them and show them your itinerary). North Bimini is a short taxi and boat ride away from the airport, and has some wonderful hotels and restaraunts. Watch out for the noseeums... they suck.

Avoid Freeport. Trust me.

Andros island is beautiful as soon as you get away from the airport (which is tough).

Treasure Cay is an old-people's resort island. Lots of private property there. A bit of a bore. Also a long drive from the airport to anything relatively exciting.

I give five stars (as long as you're looking for an adventure) to Norman's Cay. It has a tiny bar, some bungalos, and an airstrip... and the most beautiful beach. Just watch that tide.

Finally, don't expect to be allowed to fly at night unless you're IFR rated and in an IFR aircraft. Not only is it required, but you'll need it.

Hope this helped. Good luck, and have fun with the rest of the Caribbean.

PS: Don't look like a rookie... Cay is pronounced "key".

 

[tataki]

Thanks so much for you reply.
Did you fly also st barth (special checkout for the airport), st Martin, les saintes, st Lucie, Guadeloupe, Martinique?

 

[SATCFI]

I ferried a sweet 1999 Saratoga from San Antonio to St Thomas last year. I stopped in Provo (Turks and Caicos) for fuel and then on into St Thomas. Beautiful islands, both. No problems with Provo and St Thomas is US, so just Customs and INS to deal with.

 

[tataki]

satcfi, did you work as a cfi there?

 

[SATCFI]

No,

Had an Instrument Student in San Antonio who needed the plane ferried to St Thomas, USVI.

 

[Toy Soldier]

Check out www.pilotpub.com

You can buy the book from them. I have been to the Bahams twice this year. PM me with any specific questions and I can give you some answers. I also have the POC for customs out of Port St. Lucie.

Have fun!

 

[sky37d]

make sure you call customs. Don't rely on ATC to do it for you even if you are IFR. I had an unpleasant experience with FLL customs, and had filed and flown IFR.

 

[tataki]

Did someone did some taxi flight there.
I was thinking bying a baron and do taxi.
Does someone as some experience?