Flying to the Bahama's

wan2fly99 · Post by **wan2fly99** » Tue Jan 18, 2005 9:29 am

I am flying from Toronto canada to Trasure Clay, just east of Freeport
in the Bahamasa early Febuary.

Like to find out what type of dcuments are required.
Where can I get some information on flying the Bahamas.

Any experience from fellow pilots who have done it.

Looked in COPA for any reference material to flying trans-border.
I know there is one for going to the US, not sure if it covers the Bahama's

Thanks

TTail · Post by **TTail** » Tue Jan 18, 2005 9:39 am

try http://www.gofir.com

Also, if you can get your hands on a book called "UVAir Trip Planner" you can find all the info you need in there.

The Bahamas, compared to most of the islands out there, are VERY straight arrow and quite easy in terms of FBO's and handling. Try calling the FBO or Handler down there and ask them over the phone, you shouldn't be given the run-around as they are usually very helpful in this country.

TTail · Post by **TTail** » Tue Jan 18, 2005 9:42 am

wan2fly99:

if you can't get a UVAir book just let me know. I have a current one and if you'd like, you can PM me an email or fax # and I could send you the relating pages that you would need.

just let me know

LJD

theloveman · Post by **theloveman** » Tue Jan 18, 2005 11:55 am

I suggest that you fly to KFXE (Fort Lauderdale Executive) and stop
at Banyan FBO. They provide all the info, paper, etc.. you need to get to the Bahamas. Also, you can lease life raft and life vest from Banyan.

On the way back to the United States, becarefull with the customs, make sure you land into an "airport of entry" wich is Miami, KFLL and KFXE if i remember.

Have a good flight

Theloveman

TTail · Post by **TTail** » Tue Jan 18, 2005 12:19 pm

YES! I HIGHLY recommend "Banyan Air Services" as well. They have every publication you could ever imagine for anything south of the US border including the Caribbean, and are quite knowledgable as well.

In terms of Customs, I would suggest FLL. MIA is fine as well except that you have to park on the GAC ramp and there is no FBO associated or nearby the area. You'll have to arrange for a fuel truck, and go to the GAC trailer beside customs to use the bathroom or get on a phone. Its great though for sitting within a few hundred feet of the threshold to 08 and 9L and watching heavies bound for Europe blast out of there! MIA customs is there 24hrs where as FLL is there until about 8pm, but you can arrange for after hours arrival with them. Give em both an hour notice and it'll suffice.

You never mentioned, what type of A/C are you flying down?

Hun IN the SUN · Post by **Hun IN the SUN** » Tue Jan 18, 2005 1:10 pm

Ive been to that exact FBO too, Correct me if im wrong but the Banyon is only existant in FXE. Another FBO that Rocks is Signature.

Hun IN the SUN · Post by **Hun IN the SUN** » Tue Jan 18, 2005 1:17 pm

I had this awesome book for the bahamas that showed a Picture of all islands and the Runway/freq/fuel. This might be the same as LJdriver is talking about, I beleive it was a green/blue book cant remember the name of it though. They would have this at the FBOs though. Some/ALL of the islands are pretty expensive. Also I was told to try and avoid gettin fuel from some of these islands, cuz of the catamination, you never know.

Hun IN the SUN · Post by **Hun IN the SUN** » Tue Jan 18, 2005 1:20 pm

Oh ya another point of entry airport is PBI, west palm beach. I cleared there once, good bunch of ppl working there.

yycflyguy · Post by **yycflyguy** » Tue Jan 18, 2005 2:52 pm

If you enjoy full rectal examinations KOPF (Opa-Locka) has, without a doubt, the surliest customs agents in south Florida, even Key West is better. It takes up to an hour to clear an empty return flight with only crew on board from the Bahamas. As others have mentioned, FXE or FLL are the best places to clear.... and never, ever, ever be more than 15 minutes late for them as they will take it out on your ass one way or another.

wan2fly99 · Post by **wan2fly99** » Wed Jan 19, 2005 6:01 am

Thanks for the inforamtion guys.

Not sure where to get that book you mentions. will look on the
internet

wallypilot · Post by **wallypilot** » Wed Jan 19, 2005 10:00 am

pretty much any major FBO in the US has those...so if you make a fuel stop on the way down, pick it up there.

theloveman · Post by **theloveman** » Wed Jan 19, 2005 12:58 pm

Also, make sure you don't forget to bring extra US money in cash... Those little place, you never know. Fuel in cash, landing fee, extra money for filing flight plan, bribing the handler..what ever... just my 2 cents

I don't think Bahamas is that bad, but 10 year ago, i had to run for an ATM downtown Nassau to pay a 7$ us fee (cash only) for filing my flight plan with ATC.

Use a handler if you can

have a good flight

Theloveman

snoopy · Post by **snoopy** » Wed Jan 19, 2005 1:04 pm

The absolute must have book for flying in the Caribbean is:
Bahamas & Caribbean Pilot's Guide
http://www.pilotpub.com
It has island information, location maps, runway info, customs and general immigration issues info, things to do, places to go and a billion other things.
This has been my bible for the Caribbean.
Cheers,
Snoopy

Cat Driver · Post by **Cat Driver** » Wed Jan 19, 2005 4:42 pm

Snoop...

You still have your dog?

Cat

chipmunk · Post by **chipmunk** » Wed Jan 19, 2005 5:13 pm

theloveman wrote:Also, make sure you don't forget to bring extra US money in cash... Those little place, you never know. Fuel in cash, landing fee, extra money for filing flight plan, bribing the handler..what ever... just my 2 cents

to add to that - $US in small bills too - not just 20's or 100's - so you don't need to get change.

compilot · Post by **compilot** » Wed Jan 19, 2005 5:17 pm

I didn't have any problems with any customs in the us or bahamas, but be prepared when you return to canada. 2 custom officers, 1 drug dog, two and half hours, 1 strip search and a pile of questions later, we were finally allowed to leave. (this was last november)

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