Bahamas - The Out Islands

[Morgan]

Needing a bit of sun and fun, the missus and I flew out (commercially) to Florida in early January. We rented an SR22 from Air Orlando and flew out for 5 days at Cape Santa Maria in Long Island and Staniel Cay in the Exumas. The islands and the sea are completely stunning viewed from the air... there were infinite shades of blue thanks to the shallow waters. A few photos can be found here:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=3 ... 1bc5796502

The flying part was dead simple. The legs to and from the Bahamas were done IFR and we were under radar control with Miami the whole way. Going out VFR is also possible and not difficult. Whilst island hopping it's done VFR with no flight plans. I have to admit, this made me a little queasy - with all the water I was crossing with no one knowing what my plan was and neither Nassau Radio or Miami Radio where interested in providing a FIS when I was able to get them on freq... they all advised me to dial into the common frequency. Thankfully I have a SPOT GPS and close friends/family were aware of our flying intentions. If the worst had happened at least someone knew our routing, had our track recorded and our GPS would be alerting rescue services.

The In & Out of the USA wasn't too bad. Letting US Customs know in advance your dates and time of departure and arrival is done via an electronic equivalent of a GAR form called eAPIS. It's a faff and with the threat of a fine if you get it wrong you do need to spend a little bit of time getting used to it. Eventually, I managed to get it process and that was that! The only procedural quirk was giving US Customs a call an hour before arrival back in the USA but this was easily dealt with from the FBO at the Bahamian airport I departed from.

If anyone is interested in flying out of Florida and to the Bahamas I can highly recommend the combination of hiring from Air Orlando and departing the USA from Fort Pierce (FBO is skilled in preparing Bahama paperwork and is situated next door to the US Customs office).

[Chilli Monster]

Unfortunately your photos are only visible to facebook subscribers.

[benji59]

I can't see your photos either, and I am subscribed. Perhaps your account will only allows viewers that are your friends?

[Morgan]

Sorry chaps, I didn't copy the public link. Try this:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=3 ... 1bc5796502

[Sharpie]

Nice report and super pics, Morgan!

[Iceman]

Nice. It looks like you skipped Walker's Cay, the tiny, most northerly island. I took an arrow out there from Florida and then on to Freeport. A bit like flying to Jersey from the UK, only you're inside the Bermuda Triangle, and there are tiger sharks down there



Iceman

[neilcharlton]

do you need an IR for this trip . most rental outfits insist on it ..

[GaryS]

Looks like fun, i'm hoping to go back to Florida in July, what would I need to do to add my JAA MEIR to my FAA piggy back PPL??

[Keef]

Looks like fun, i'm hoping to go back to Florida in July, what would I need to do to add my JAA MEIR to my FAA piggy back PPL??

The quickest/easiest is to get "Instrument Foreign Pilot" added to your piggyback.
That needs a simplified written and checkride if I remember aright (I don't have the FAR/AIM here at the moment). Like most things FAA, the procedure is straightforward. The messy bit is the TSA and visa stuff - I don't know if you need that palaver to do the Instrument Foreign Pilot.

To be honest, if you have a JAA MEIR I'd be inclined to do the full set and get an unrestricted FAA MEIR.

[Iceman]

do you need an IR for this trip . most rental outfits insist on it ..

Like any flying, if the weather's suitable (most of the time in that area), you obvioulsy don't need an IR to fly out there. It's a bit like crossing UK to the Channel Islands, only a bit further, and you will be out of sight of land for sometime. It is an international flight, and formal paperwork (ICAO flight plan, etc.), and clearances (custom, imigration, etc.) are involved. One used to be able to do in on a straight PPL, but as I undertand it, most rental organisations are now insisting on an IR; I guess this can only be as a consequence of having problems in the past, but it is not a legal requirement. So if you can find someone who will rent you an aircraft, then go for it.

Iceman

[Ben]

Do you need an entry visa to the USfor the flight back or the 'Green Card' will work?

Cheers.

Ben

[dont overfill]

No visa waver cards now. All done on your ESTA so nothing additional.
I'm just back. Great experience.
D.O.

[neilcharlton]

Guys , just want to resurrect this thread for advice. I’ve found a rental outfit in FL that will rent me a C172 without an IR and a mate to share the cost with.
Planning on doing the trip the last week of April as the weather should still be nice. So a few questions :
1. Converting for JAA PPL to a US PPL or whatever I need to do to fly N reg aircraft. I know this has been discussed before, I take it you need to some sort of US VISA and a check ride ?
2. Is Walkers Cay a good port of entry?
3. Which islands are the best to visit?
4. Did you book your hotels before hand, or just do it on the day of landing etc.
5. How many days is a good amount to visit and land at a few islands with some activities.
6. Is flying in the U.S much different to flying in the UK?

Thanks for any input ...

[Morgan]

1. Shouldn't need a visa as you wont be undertaking training. Getting a 'piggyback' FAA licence is paperwork. a BFR to validate the PPL is not training.

2. Don't know

3. Only been to the Bahamas once, but couldn't recommend Cape Santa Maria on Long Island and Staniel Cay in the Exumas enough. We are heading back to both of these places at the start of March and will also try the Abacos on that visit.

4. Definitely book in advance as on the smaller islands the accomodation is very limited. HIghly recommend Cape Santa Maria and the Staniel Cay Yacht Club as places to stay. You can also procure a discount by telling them you are a pilot.

5. I would recommend 5 days at a minimum if you want to stay at a couple of islands. You could go out for 2/3 days but wont enjoy the ground environment much if you want to island hop.

6. YES! It's much easier and freer!

You'll have a great time, make sure to report back!

[Morgan]

Some useful links for you:

Cape Santa Maria:
http://www.capesantamaria.com/

Staniel Cay Yacht Club:
http://www.stanielcay.com/

Bahama Out Islands Pilot Guide:
http://www.myoutislands.com/bahamas-fly ... pilots.cfm