St. Maarten (tncm)

[Postflight]

Anyone been to TNCM lately?

We are taking a LJ31 down the first week of April, and it's been over five years since I've been there. I would appreciate any current info:

Is it on the TSA "approved" list of direct flights into the US for GA?

Suggested ground handlers?

Contacts to arrange sea/air transport to St. Bart’s for our pax (we will likely arrive TNCM after dark, and I seem to remember the airport at St. Bart’s was day VFR only).

Thanks in advance for your assistance,

Postflight

 

[TooLow]

St. Maarten

I've been there a bunch lately so I'll tell you what I know.

Expect vectors or heading to intercept inbound course - non-prec. apps only. They have radar now (since Jan). Remember not to use GPS for primary since region is non-compliant.

Used Arrindell Aviation at the field for everything (Air Routing was our US handler). Friendly but not the best/fastest service. It's the islands, man! Beware of their marshallers when parking!!

St. Barts is VFR day only. We used Winnair to get our pax over. Also a very expensive charter boat available, as well as the local ferry. I jumpseated over once on Winnair - they're super friendly guys. Its worth a day trip - hitch-hike to Gustavia from the airport and rent a scooter to see the island and the fabulous French babes. Don't forget your camera because the approach to the airport is an eye-opener.

If you want convienience you can't beat staying at the Maho Beach hotel. Its right near the airport and there are shops, casinos, and restaurants galore. A bit tacky but fun. Lots of bars and nightclubs: Bamboo Bernies on Wed. is ladies night - fun can be had. Also worth a visit is the Sunset beach bar/grill on the appr. end of RW27 to watch the heavy jets fly 50ft over your head!

If you want peace and quite stay at the Meridian on the French side, 45min ride though and very remote.

Oh, and the cheapest booze and cigars anywhere: $5.99 for a litre of Absolut! Not that I drink or anything.

Good luck!

TooLow

 

[TooLow]

Postflight,

I forgot: TNCM is TSA approved for Part 91 (ie. no 1st port of entry nonsense required)

Arrindell's tel: + 599 545 2545. They should be able to arrange everything if you're not going through a handler.

TooLow

 

[Postflight]

Thanks!

Too Low,

Thank you for the recent local knowlegde!

It is replys like yours that keep me coming back to Flightinfo.com.

JS

 

[PMVULB AvMgr]

Folks,

There is finally an alternative at SXM/TNCM for handling besides Arrindell Aviation.

It is TLC Aviation, run by a couple of folks who used to work at Arrindell but realized what Arrindell was (or better said, was NOT) doing and started their own company. They definitley understand the meaning of the word SERVICE! We've used them several times since they started operating a few months ago, and they are just terrific! Phone number is +599 545-3852. Check out their web site at www.tlc-aviation.com.

 

[OPECJet]

Wouldn't happen to have an empty seat, would you????

 

[Postflight]

Thanks PMVULB AvMgr

PMVULB AvMgr:

I noticed the new/additional FBO/ground-handler when I begain researching our trip. It's ALWAYS good to have input from someone knowledgable about the "new guys." Thanks for the input!

JS

 

[GUNRUNNER22]

As far as ground handlers... Go with TLC! On my last trip down there we used them and they were hands down the best I have used in the islands. Very helpful!!!
Don't forget to stay at the Maho beach resort! You will love the side show of watching the drunks get blown into the ocean! It's great!

 

[ratings:all]

TLC

funny, I heard the employees that started The Lesser Choice were actually fired for impropriety. I know after a rather unimpressive visit and more billing/credit problems you can shake a stick shaker at, I'll think twice . . .

 

[Cpt Splash]

St maarten

TLC is definitely the way to go. The guy to talk to is Steve Kong. We us them all the time when we go down there. They treated us like we were a gulfstream for a citation price.

Cpt S