Hello. The chief pilot has me working on the planning stages for a trip to Roloatan(sp) (MHRO)? Honduras in early 2008.
He thought the runway was closed for rehabilitation. Any info about the airport, runway conditions, etc would be very appreciated.
This the first time I have preplanned for a trip this far South so I am ignorant on the procedures.
I suggested using a handler, he is pondering the thought.
Use a handler if its first time, Roatan is easy airport tho, very friendly and easy airport. No hangar space (no hangars), bring your own chocks and lock the airplane (obvious, but...). Roatan is fairly secure, but in latin America, play it safe.
http://worldaerodata.com/wad.cgi?id=HO16113&sch=MHRO
per this site, no NOTAMS for airport
https://www.notams.jcs.mil/dinsQueryWeb/
What plane are you flying? Unless its a Global, G-5 (exaggeration, but) I recommend you top off in KMFE/McAllen then proceed (900 NM +/-).
Runway could get closed (one runway only), etc and you never know where you may end up.
Its your first trip, etc, carry some extra gas and it is one less thing to worry about.
WX in Jan should be nice, if it is spring/summer I recommend you don't do much flying around Mexico or Central America past 2 PM due to TRWs. We always tried to be "on final" by 2 PM on all of our summer Mexico trips.
On the return, KMFE customs is easy and friendly.
If you follow the above route, MFE departure will hand you off to Mexico ATC then CENAMER Control (CENtral AMERica) who will handle you into Roatan. Roatan is non-radar and you will position report into the airport. Monitor 121.5 on Comm-2 at all times in International airspace, its a good habit.
When you arrive, give them the fuel order, get it done with. Too many times we have waited till the departure day and had to wait on the one fuel truck get done with everyone else (ala Grand Cayman).
Have fun, you will enjoy it. Very nice, resort area, very gringo friendly. Just do some extra pre-planning and carry extra gas for the first trip or two.
