Pilot needs info

[Researcher]

I am going to fly myself down during spring break this year. I have watched Galt's "Flying the Bahamas" video. Are there any helpful hints that anyone has that will help me keep myself out of trouble? Thanks.

[Gaylord]

Yes. If your directional gyro (DG) is spinning wildly, and your wrist watch has stopped running, and everything is hazy outside ...... don't worry, be happy, it's only the Devil's Triangle. Seriously, piece of cake -- just be sure you have a raft (available for rent or purchase at numerous FBO's) and jackets for all. Customs & Immigration is easy. You'll find conditions usually severe clear with impacted sunshine.

FMI == see http://www.bahamas.com/bahamas/experience/experience.aspx?sectionid=41940

JAY

[TheKelleys]

Flying in the Bahamas is the best use of private aircraft. I've gone every year since 1987. A GPS is very useful. You need life jackets but the life raft depends on your comfort level. The "Pilot's Bahamas Aviation Guide" is also helpful for deciding where to go. It has lots of pictures and airport diagrams. I found I prefer everywhere over the populated areas of Nassau and Freeport. I've flown to 20 different islands and have decided on Great Guana Cay in the Abacos. It is an easy flight from Florida to Marsh Harbour. From there, you have several excellent outer islands to choose from. Ft. Pierce is great for clearing customs. They are very helpful and have a good price on fuel. Keep the blue side up!

[Abacouple]

It is generally a piece of cake and always a great experience. Don't forget your departure tax. Be careful of notifying customs in advance on your return home. That is a little easier now since they put the automatic dialer phones in to Miami FSS and customs offices. Have a safe trip.

[sproveaux]

Four Important Things You Must Not Forget:
1. Safety equipment - Life vests (mandatory), raft (recommended)
2. GPS - Navaid reception can be poor in the Bahamas, especially if flying 3000 feet or lower.
3. ON RETURN TO US - NOTIFY US CUSTOMS 1 HOUR PRIOR TO ADIZ PENETRATION, & OBTAIN DESCRETE TRANSPONDER CODE PRIOR TO ADIZ PENETRATION.
4. Have fun...

[Cruzan Capt Phil]

I'd also purchase the Flying guide to the Bahamas. Sporty's has these and it contains useful info. In the back, it has approach plates for IFR approaches into Freeport and Nassua in case you encounter something other than severe clear.

I'd also check the availability of Fuel. I burn avgas and they have that in Marsh Harbour but they don't have it in Treasure Cay where I usually go. So I plan enough fuel to get over and then back to Ft. Pierce or wherever I'm clearing customs so that I can avoid an additional stop for fuel.

It's really a piece of cake and Beautiful. Good Luck!

[SoCalSue]

avoid the "duh" factor....

My husband (the pilot in the family) assigned the job of buying life jackets to me. I took a cab to the sporting goods store and then met him at the airport with 6 nice two-toned blue jackets. As you can guess... I hadn't been to the Abacos before or I would have known that they were EXACTALLY the same color as your water. Can you say CAMOFLAGE?

Buy ORANGE!

[Researcher]

Sue, Any reason for buying instead of renting? Just curious. Am I making too much of this? My husband says we can just pull the life jackets off the boat. Ok, I know I am a worrier. I just like to be prepared. I have purchased the video, book and have ordered Dodge's book. Heck, that's why I chose the screen name Researcher.

[SoCalSue]

No need to buy except that each "coast guard approved" UGLY orange vest was only 5 or 6 dollars. I'm not sure you could rent for much less. I bet the ones on the boat would be fine. Most important thing to remember...HAVE FUN!

[abacoflyer]

The Bahamas Pilot's Guide is available directly from the publisher and has lots of good reading in addition to pilot info. I rate it as important to pilots as the Dodge's Guide is to boaters. It's especially good when landlocked in the states wishing to be in beautiful Abaco.

www.pilotpub.com (http://www.pilotpub.com)

[big fish]

I'm a pilot who will be in Abaco during January through March without my airplane. I can't figure out how to get it (my plane) and my fishing boat over at the same time, but I would love to do some flying while I'm there. Perhaps I could trade some fishing time for some right seat time????
Bruce

[Researcher]

Bruce, Mar 12-19???Bruce

[big fish]

Excellent!

We should either make contact either here or on VHF. My boat is called Quality Time. Thanks.
Bruce