Flying to Costa Rica

[cvsfly]

Doing a search and I'm resurrecting this thread. We have a flight in a couple of months to Costa Rica. 1st time to Central America, but a fair amount of Caribbean experience. We will be leaving US from South Florida in a Turbo-prop. Suggested Handler for Cuba overflight? And for arrival? Universal? Flight routing on G448 (I believe) to GCM Grand Cayman for fuel. From there I need to order charts (we have Jepp Caribbean CAR04 sub) - does Jepp have just a Central America trip kit? On their web site it looks like the trip kit I would need also includes the Caribbean CAR04. Does a routing from GCM/MWCR to Costa Rica involve any other overflight clearances? Nicaragua? What's a good emergency diversion on this route? Has anyone that has made the Cuba overflight requests and gotten in the air only to discover that the overflight is denied and have to fly the long way around? What's a good & bad Port of Entry in Costa Rica on this route? Not sure yet what destination in Costa Rica yet, but may involve San Jose. Would love to get away from there to either coast. Any pointers?

 

[ultrarunner]

cvsfly, I have been going to Costa Rica for a few years now. If in fact your route takes you over Cuba, use Universal or AirRouting for your overflight permit. Can be obtained within a couple of hours. I have never had a problem with the permit not being there. Each of these outfits faxes you the copy of the permit. I would suspect Jepp has the trip kits you need for charts.

I have been using MROC exclusively as the entry airport. I also understand that Liberia is good also, and is more condusive to the Pacific side. You typically will not need any other overflights, but only a landing permit for MROC, which either of the vendors I mention will arrange for you.

From time to time this past year, there has been Jet-A rationing in MROC. AirRouting will have the latest information on that.

Routing takes you over the ocean and along the boundries of the countries you mention. VHF communication can be problematic at times, but be patient and you'll be in range soon enough.

A quick look in the international Accu Kwik will list the fueling/handling agent. They speak plenty good english, and you'll clear customs faster than you thought humanly possible. Bring a couple of t-shirts, they love that stuff.

For quick RON's, or even extended stays in San Jose, I recommend the San Jose Marriott, about 5 south of the airport. A wonderful property.

If you wander downtown, you owe it to yourself to have a drink at the Blue Marlin Bar/Hotel Delray. You won't be disappointed.

Have fun, it's a wonderful country.

 

[tittyjet]

By all means, TAKE A FLY ROD!!!!!

 

[G100driver]

By all means, TAKE A FLY ROD!!!!!

Do you fish for bonesfish on the east coast or attemp to spot fish for Marlin on the west?