Flying to Bimini

[sperfly]

First time leaving the country looking for some tips. I assume that flying to FLL then over to Bimini is best, but would like some tips from some of you other guys that do it all the time. Any advise would help.

 

[Freight Dog]

Careful coming back... Customs are a stickler for proper notification. ADCUS in your flight plan doesn't cut it. In other words, call them and give them your ETA 1 hour prior to your planned landing. I'm assuming you're gonna land at either FLL, FXE or PBI. I believe all three require 1 hour customs notification, PBI for sure. Coming from Bimini, that's practically within spitting distance from Florida, you'll have to call Customs from the ground. When you speak to a Customs agent, get his/her name, and badge number along with time you placed the notification. It's OK to be late, it's NOT OK to be early.

Also, get flight following with Miami Center if you're VFR. Otherwise, you'll also have to call Miami Radio to get a squawk code for ADIZ crossing.

There's a book called Bahamas Flying or something like that... really accurate and good reading.

Have fun!

 

[Hung Start]

It is not a big deal at all. But, as said before DO NOT RELY ON ADCUS.

Get the phone numbers and call. Sure, it might be international rates, but just last week I witnessed Customs STRIP a Citationjet at Tamiami. And, then put big old stickers on it. (siezed)

No, they didn't find anything, just showed up without notification.

And, be careful on the hours. some custom stops here are weird hours of operations. 11-7, 10-6 etc. So, just do a little bit of homework, and you will be fine.
Also, even though you physically called on the phone, an update through Miami FSS as you travel across never hurts.
And, if you decide to go VFR back, call Miami Radio and get a Custom's Transponder Code as soon as you lift off.

Enjoy the view

Hung

 

[learflyer]

I'd go to FXE on the way back. Customs seem to be nicer folks there.

 

[nfg2u]

You most likely will not get a badge number any more. They like to give out thier initials now. All good advice, just show customs a little respect, unfortunalty they are the most powerfull entitiy in the universe!! Also make sure you have a PRIVATE AIRCRAFT ENFORCEMENT SYSTEM ARRIVAL REPORT and a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Declaration Form 6059B (google it) and your all set. Youll most likely need a General Decleration in Bimini as well. I would have 5 copies with me. If I remember its 3 copies inbound and 2 outbound or was that Treasure Key? Anyway it doesn't hurt to have them ready. Take some cash to pay customs in Bimini, someone here may know how much it costs.

Most of all have fun and enjoy the trip!!!

 

[BoilerPilot]

Crossing the Borders

Don't forget the Customs sticker on the airplane! It makes the US folks much happier if you already have one.

Also, don't forget to have a FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit for both the crew AND the airplane. I have only been checked once, but that one time will warrant a hefty fine I would imagine.

Watch your passengers for contraband if you don't know them. I had a 135 pax try to sneek a hand gun into Canada once. Not something you want to happen.

Have fun!

 

[Hawker800]

Customs PBI has always worked well with us. Even came in a little early once with no issues. Make a mistake be sure to apologize. It will go along way with Customs. Also make sure your passengers do not jump on their cell phones in Customs. My boss found out the hard way on that one.
Have a good trip.

 

[Way2Broke]

Stay away from customs at FLL.

 

[sperfly]

Thanks for the info. I need very basic info like where to get a customs sticker, airport identifiers for Bimini etc... Basically I have a passport, an FCC radio permit for myself, not sure about the airplane and thats about it. Does anyone have a checklist style approach. I use to have an older copy of the book flying to the Bahamas but have misplaced it. Thanks for all the info.

 

[BoilerPilot]

Customs Decal

Here is the link to the user fee decal site...
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/pleasure_boats/user_fee/user_fee_decal.xml

 

[sperfly]

Thanks BoilerPilot. Could someone fill me in on ADCUS and what it stands for.

 

[Hung Start]

ADCUS was supposed to be a system where when you file a flight plan with FSS, you would put ADvise CUStoms in the remarks. FSS would then notify the appropraite customs faciltiy that you were on the way.

Of course, plans and reality rarely work in government speak, so a lot of the time Customs did not know you were inbound. Customs used to be a lot more tolerant of no notice, but now a days there is ZERO tolerance for it.

so, never, ever, ever (did I mention never?) rely on Custom being notified by FSS.
Since you pay the fine, it is best if you call yourself.

Hung

 

[Twisted Mind]

Don't forget FPR Fort Pierce FL. They are a little slower than PBI and FLL. It is about 60 miles north of PBI. Ft. Pierce is a smaller airport with a lot less activity. Customs seem to be a little less annoyed and I have never seen an airplane get dismantled on the ramp or seized for that matter. Almost everyone going through customs is a vacationer. Lots of Cessna’s and light twins with the occasional T-prop.