Seneca II South Carolina to Bahamas

[brett]

The doctor I fly a 182 for part time is looking seriously at getting into a partnership in a Seneca II. He had me go look at it today, it's a nice plane, seems to be well maintained. Has an older RNAV and VFR GPS, Collins digital Nav/Coms, ADF, Stormscope, OX, de-ice.

One of the main flights he will want me to do will be running him and 1-3 others to the Bahamas on weekends. Plane is based at Florence, SC.

I know there's good info on Bahamas flying on the AOPA site, have downloaded and will read it later. Questions I have are:

Go direct? How do others feel about 400 mile legs over ocean in a piston twin such as this one?

Or; stick to following the coast and jumping east off south Florida? Adds about 20-30 minutes to the trip.

I see there are a lot of warning areas off northern Fl, Georgia, SC. Are these a problem on weekends?

I'm assuming we'll have to clear customs coming back in -- what's the easiest airport for this trip? South Florida? Savannah? JAX?

Thanks to any who will take the time to read and answer the questions! Also if anyone has Seneca II numbers/ approach configs, etc. saved that they can email -- would be greatly appreciated.

- Brett

 

[TDTURBO]

I wouldn't hesitate to fly it direct in a strong twin. The main reason you pay the extra $ for another engine is redundancy.

I have flown my R182 to the Bahamas from Chicago several times; it's a piece of cake. I also fly to the Caymans, Belize and Cozumel once a year.

You might as well exploit the utility of a twin by flying high and direct, I would. I usually re-enter at Ft.Peirce for the Bahamas and Key West for everything else. It will make it easier to get familiar with international flights by picking up a copy of "Flying the Caribbean". I think it's called that, maybe somebody else knows were to get it.

It has all the frequencies for all the tiny strips as well as the layouts, who to call on the ground, how to handle customs, ect.....If you go into Nassau stay away from the general aviation ramp , go to executive, you'll be glad you did. Have fun!

 

[AV8700]

I used to fly to Walkers Cay three times a week a few years back. I think there is a Bahamas flying guide out there somewhere. I always flew direct unless the area around the space center was hot then it was down to Ft. Pierce and out. We cleared in Ft. Pierce also. Have fun, its a blast.

 

[cvsfly]

.....I know there's good info on Bahamas flying on the Sporty's site, have downloaded and will read it later. Questions I have are:

Go direct? How do others feel about 400 mile legs over ocean in a piston twin such as this one?

Or; stick to following the coast and jumping east off south Florida? Adds about 20-30 minutes to the trip.

I see there are a lot of warning areas off northern Fl, Georgia, SC. Are these a problem on weekends?

I'm assuming we'll have to clear customs coming back in -- what's the easiest airport for this trip? South Florida? Savannah? JAX?

Thanks to any who will take the time to read and answer the questions! Also if anyone has Seneca II numbers/ approach configs, etc. saved that they can email -- would be greatly appreciated.

- Brett

Best info on flying to the Bahamas for you is The Caribbean and Bahamas Pilot's Guide (now available through www.bluewaterweb.com ) - about $45.00

Going direct - The Warning Areas are unpredictable theses days. There has been alot more military activity in them since 9/11 and the preparations for war. ATC can't give you a clearance through any that are active, so VFR maybe you only choice if you want direct. Offshore radar advisories can be attempted through Sea Lord - Navy maintained radar ship out at sea. They aren't always that helpful and may not give you any advisories. At Seneca altitudes you may better off going the coastal route.

Coming back - Unless you obtain an overflight permit to get permission the clear at SAV or JAX (Landing rights airports) you will have to clear in the South FL airports designated by 19 CFR Part 122. Only 1 hr notice required on these and most available 365 days vs 2 hr notice req on other overflight ones and usually no open offices/contact on weekends and holidays. This is the reg. you need to be familar with.

I may have some old PA-34 # foe you - I'll have to dig them up.

Otherwise Bahamas can be pretty easy flying and fun.

 

[TDTURBO]

Walkers Cay is choice, my favorite is Long Island though. I think the book is called The Caribbean Flying Guide, excellent book.