Trip To Nassau

[aufan]

All,

Its been many many years since I have done Bahamas trips...and when I did it was 135.
Leaving from the SE in a turbine a/c, is a life raft required (going to MYNN)? We have vests but I read it as required raft for turbo-jet (because more than 100 mile leg over water).

I am registering with eAPIS. I know about the hour notification coming back.
Still have to clear at nearest point back in?
How is fees paid in Bahamas for customs/immigration? Have to have cash? How much?

Anything else anyone can think of

Appreciated!

 

[aufan]

Ok..so I found where I need a raft. What else can y'all offer up?

 

[Headwind]

Odyssey (FBO) at MYNN will handle customs and immigration there. Think they put on credit card with other charges. If your're going to use US customs at KFPR you can stop outbound and rent a raft.

 

[rettofly]

Odyssey (FBO) at MYNN will handle customs and immigration there. Think they put on credit card with other charges. If your're going to use US customs at KFPR you can stop outbound and rent a raft.

KFPR to MYNN doesn't put you far enough from land to require a raft.

 

[Headwind]

KFPR to MYNN doesn't put you far enough from land to require a raft.

At what distance would he need a raft in a jet?
It's 215mn in straight line KFPR - MYNN.

 

[say again]

At what distance would he need a raft in a jet?
It's 215mn in straight line KFPR - MYNN.

There's plenty of land in between the two airports.

 

[sky4]

Don't make this hard, it is an easy trip and everyone speaks English. Eapis on fltplan.com is all you need in and out. Some of the islands like a intl flight plan on paper for the tower which you can print off from fltplan.com and give to the FBO handler. Be sure to call the FBO in Nassau and they will help with everything coming in including all handling. YOU DO NOT NEED INTL TRIP PLANNING FOR THIS! Coming back into the states make sure to call the custom agent you are coming to at least 2 hours before you get there with your inbound notification. I always carry a raft, you may get a short cut over more water. If you rent a raft from anyone you don't want to have to mail it back. Hazmat is expensive and rafts are hazmat. If your gonna be flying to the Bahamas much look into getting an overflight permit so you don't have to go thru customs in south Florida. Much better and easier to KCHS or KILM. I have even used KMGM and KBHM. As far as tips, you do need to tip but nothing crazy, $10 line $20 handler at FBO. If I am off on anything please anyone chime in and correct me. Good luck and have fun.

 

[sky4]

Btw, all fees are usually covered at FBO with fuel purchase. Ballpark $1000+\-

 

[aufan]

Great info

Returning...Still required to clear at closest P.O.E coming into FL? I.E..You allowed to clear in MCO if you are acyually coming onto coast around MLB?

Also, What Customs are open on Sunday?

Thanks

 

[sky4]

FltPlan.com airport info has all you need to know about customs on that specific airport including days, times and phone numbers.

You don't have to stop at THE first POE but I would not overfly too many. Ex: coming in from central am I don't stop in Key West FL and would overfly Miami to land and clear in FLL.

 

[aufan]

I understand you have to notify US customs but do you have to notify Bahamas customs directly regarding arrival?

 

[sky4]

No, call the FBO and they will handle everything for you. They will meet you at the plane and walk your passengers in. When you call the FBO about your inbound have all you passenger information with you to give to them. You can even fax them a 178 form or Intl manifest printed from FltPlan.com and that will have everything they need.

Be sure to Notify US Customs at the office you are going to AT LEAST 2 hours before arriving and you don't have to update them unless you are going to be 1 hour off your time.

 

[rettofly]

There's plenty of land in between the two airports.

Bimini comes to mind...about a 10 mile dogleg from FPR to keep you within 50 miles of land.

 

[sky4]

Yes it does but when they offer you a short cut, and do sometimes (I have had it often) that can save you 20+ min on a jet, but you have to say negative because you don't have a raft (and they will ask if you can do it) it pays to have the raft.

If you want to go Island hopping on a Navajo on a clear day with out a raft thats one thing, Fly all the way down FL then shoot over. If your flying a turbo jet/prop from anywhere north of FL and going to the Islands and the owner doesn't want to spring for a raft, look for another job. If the Captain/PIC is afraid to ask for a raft when going to the Islands, then.............(Don't want to start anything ugly). How many times have you gotten to the Islands to shoot the approach (not thinking it was low!!! just a scattered layer) and had to go missed. ATIS, ASOS,AWOS if anything...Not so reliable. Solid almost all the way back to the States. Always CYA!!!!!!! I see it all the time, Corporate operators (flt dept) penny pinching on safety trying to look good. I will promise you the owners do not want to hear this.

 

[Smooth Cruz]

op err