marcelo67
New member
Pittstown, NJ
- Aircraft Year
- 1973
- Aircraft Type
- 112/A
- Reg Number
- N1075J
- Serial Number
- 75
Last edited by a moderator:
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Bahamas 2013
- Thread starter marcelo67
- Start date
Long Island, NY (USA)
- Aircraft Year
- 1976
- Aircraft Type
- 114
- Reg Number
- N127XY
- Serial Number
- 14039
Re: Bahamas 2013
Not direct. And not non-stop.
I can get from ISP to West Palm Beach,FL in about 7.5 hours of flying time in my 114 (one fuel stop with favorable winds). I would guesstimate 8 hours (maybe just a bit less) of flying time in a 112 from NJ to a launch point in Florida. Then from there over the great oceans to Bahamas in about 40 minutes (what is it, something like 80 miles?).
People have done that trip (and then some) in lowly 112s and gallant 114s. So, yeah, you could do it too.
If you want to practice then I would suggest signing up for the upcoming fly-in to Indiana. From NJ that should only be about 4 hours for you. Non-stop if you have a strong bladder.
Not direct. And not non-stop.
I can get from ISP to West Palm Beach,FL in about 7.5 hours of flying time in my 114 (one fuel stop with favorable winds). I would guesstimate 8 hours (maybe just a bit less) of flying time in a 112 from NJ to a launch point in Florida. Then from there over the great oceans to Bahamas in about 40 minutes (what is it, something like 80 miles?).
People have done that trip (and then some) in lowly 112s and gallant 114s. So, yeah, you could do it too.
If you want to practice then I would suggest signing up for the upcoming fly-in to Indiana. From NJ that should only be about 4 hours for you. Non-stop if you have a strong bladder.
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Long Island, NY (USA)
- Aircraft Year
- 1976
- Aircraft Type
- 114
- Reg Number
- N127XY
- Serial Number
- 14039
Long Island, NY (USA)
- Aircraft Year
- 1976
- Aircraft Type
- 114
- Reg Number
- N127XY
- Serial Number
- 14039
Re: Bahamas 2013
Let me expand on that a bit.
a) I don't have an IFR rating. Not kidding about that.
b) I've been from NY to Florida a few times. Flew from FL to the Fredericksburg,TX fly-in. Flew home from TX to NY. I've been back and forth to Cape Girardeau,MO a few times. I flew from NY, over Canada, to Boyne for the Michigan fly-in (and back the same route). I went to the Jekyll Island,GA fly-in. I've been to Atlanta,GA and back. And I've been all over the Northeast.
All of those were VFR flights. I'd include the trip from California to Missouri when I first bought the airplane, but I had an instructor along and we filed IFR. However, except for one segment from Oklahoma to KCGI, that flight could have been done VFR too.
For the longer trips I allow myself a day on either side for weather delays. I overnighted in Binghamton on my way to Boyne, then had to stay in Boyne an extra night (along with Steve Posner, who flew VFR from Texas) before I could make the trip home. When I went to Atlanta I had to overnight in South Carolina, then again in West Virginia on the return from that trip. The worst delay was actually when I first bought the airplane and had to bring it back from KCGI to NY solo. A weather system just wouldn't move out of the northeast, so I got stuck one night in MO, then the next night in WV, then the next night in PA.
I've never had a weather delay in any direction for my flights to Florida. Just lucky, I suppose, to get that much flying in without stopping for weather (though I have had to run around or over weather a bunch of times for those trips).
A group of us recently had this conversation about why Frank hasn't gotten his IFR rating yet. Basically, I'd hardly ever use it and the few times I've had to delay a trip because of weather haven't been a hardship for me.
(Oh, and one more thought. For one of the CGI fly-ins my schedule was screwed up and I couldn't leave early. I almost cancelled due to weather but hitched a ride with Paul Davis on the way there, and with Sven on the way back. Just wanted to mention that one in case anyone thought I was hiding something.)
Let me expand on that a bit.
a) I don't have an IFR rating. Not kidding about that.
b) I've been from NY to Florida a few times. Flew from FL to the Fredericksburg,TX fly-in. Flew home from TX to NY. I've been back and forth to Cape Girardeau,MO a few times. I flew from NY, over Canada, to Boyne for the Michigan fly-in (and back the same route). I went to the Jekyll Island,GA fly-in. I've been to Atlanta,GA and back. And I've been all over the Northeast.
All of those were VFR flights. I'd include the trip from California to Missouri when I first bought the airplane, but I had an instructor along and we filed IFR. However, except for one segment from Oklahoma to KCGI, that flight could have been done VFR too.
For the longer trips I allow myself a day on either side for weather delays. I overnighted in Binghamton on my way to Boyne, then had to stay in Boyne an extra night (along with Steve Posner, who flew VFR from Texas) before I could make the trip home. When I went to Atlanta I had to overnight in South Carolina, then again in West Virginia on the return from that trip. The worst delay was actually when I first bought the airplane and had to bring it back from KCGI to NY solo. A weather system just wouldn't move out of the northeast, so I got stuck one night in MO, then the next night in WV, then the next night in PA.
I've never had a weather delay in any direction for my flights to Florida. Just lucky, I suppose, to get that much flying in without stopping for weather (though I have had to run around or over weather a bunch of times for those trips).
A group of us recently had this conversation about why Frank hasn't gotten his IFR rating yet. Basically, I'd hardly ever use it and the few times I've had to delay a trip because of weather haven't been a hardship for me.
(Oh, and one more thought. For one of the CGI fly-ins my schedule was screwed up and I couldn't leave early. I almost cancelled due to weather but hitched a ride with Paul Davis on the way there, and with Sven on the way back. Just wanted to mention that one in case anyone thought I was hiding something.)
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Tennisdogs
New member
Carthage, TX
- Aircraft Year
- 1975
- Aircraft Type
- 112/A
- Reg Number
- N1297J
- Serial Number
- 297
Re: Bahamas 2013
Marcelo,
Don't let "not being IFR" stop you from making the trips you want. From East Texas, I've made trips to California, the Southeast Coast on many occasions, and just recently got back from Oshkosh... All VFR. With very few short exceptions, I've never even been delayed on any of these trips, much less got stranded or had to postpone.
I am working on my Instrument rating but much more for the skill set it brings to the table than believing I'll be able to fly a lot more because of it. (OK, so maybe being IFR will get me off the ground a couple hours earlier on a foggy or low overcast morning, or allow me to fly to my destination airport instead of one 20 miles away while waiting out a storm but that's once in the preverbial blue moon)
I am of the thought that every VFR pilot should have more IFR or simulated IFR (under the hood) experience and practice than the minimal required by the FAA to get the Private ticket.... Just read accident reports on AOPA and see how many accidents there are from VFR pilots flying into IMC. Most of these accidents are caused by poor planning, poor judgement, or poor decision making inflight.... but this can happen to anyone at least once or twice in a modest 2000 hour flying career. (ask one of those 7000 hour pilots who have had a gear up landing). Having the knowledge and skills to get out of a bad situation should one occur is like insurance... you hope you won't use it but it's there if you ever need it and it will give you the confidence to utilize VFR flying as it was designed.
My point is that being a VFR pilot does not mean you only fly when the sun is shining and when you don't see anything on weather maps between you and your destination. Understanding the weather charts when planing, understanding that a delay is not going to bring about the end of the world, and most importantly developing the skills and confidence to fly in less than ideal conditions will open up a lot more doors for trips you would like to make.
Marcelo,
Don't let "not being IFR" stop you from making the trips you want. From East Texas, I've made trips to California, the Southeast Coast on many occasions, and just recently got back from Oshkosh... All VFR. With very few short exceptions, I've never even been delayed on any of these trips, much less got stranded or had to postpone.
I am working on my Instrument rating but much more for the skill set it brings to the table than believing I'll be able to fly a lot more because of it. (OK, so maybe being IFR will get me off the ground a couple hours earlier on a foggy or low overcast morning, or allow me to fly to my destination airport instead of one 20 miles away while waiting out a storm but that's once in the preverbial blue moon)
I am of the thought that every VFR pilot should have more IFR or simulated IFR (under the hood) experience and practice than the minimal required by the FAA to get the Private ticket.... Just read accident reports on AOPA and see how many accidents there are from VFR pilots flying into IMC. Most of these accidents are caused by poor planning, poor judgement, or poor decision making inflight.... but this can happen to anyone at least once or twice in a modest 2000 hour flying career. (ask one of those 7000 hour pilots who have had a gear up landing). Having the knowledge and skills to get out of a bad situation should one occur is like insurance... you hope you won't use it but it's there if you ever need it and it will give you the confidence to utilize VFR flying as it was designed.
My point is that being a VFR pilot does not mean you only fly when the sun is shining and when you don't see anything on weather maps between you and your destination. Understanding the weather charts when planing, understanding that a delay is not going to bring about the end of the world, and most importantly developing the skills and confidence to fly in less than ideal conditions will open up a lot more doors for trips you would like to make.
N6042E
New member
Ft. Pierce, FL
- Aircraft Year
- 2000
- Aircraft Type
- 114TC/115TC
- Reg Number
- N6042E
- Serial Number
- 20030
N6042E
New member
Ft. Pierce, FL
- Aircraft Year
- 2000
- Aircraft Type
- 114TC/115TC
- Reg Number
- N6042E
- Serial Number
- 20030
Re: Bahamas 2013
Very busy time of year for us but we'll do what we can. Last trip I made with the group we went down Island to Long Island and Pittstown. The stop at the south end of Cat is nice as well. Really just depends on the mood of the group. If folks want to travel each day or spend a day or two in a few different locations. There is a lot to do with fishing, diving and just hangin by the shore so we'll need to sort out a plan from those that decide to join in.
Besides the time for travel, cost factors in...It is the Bahamas and nothing is cheap. Might be good to pick a place to call base and have fly outs from there so those that want to hang can and those that want to explore can as well. A friend of ours owns the FBO in Long Island, I'll get in touch and see what the situation is like down there these days as far as rooms, cost ect. We spend all of our time in the Abacos, northern Bahamas so I need to get up to speed on what's up down south...
Paul; we'll just make when you and Karen can be there, too. and you hv my vote if you're offering to be co-coordinators.
Judi
Very busy time of year for us but we'll do what we can. Last trip I made with the group we went down Island to Long Island and Pittstown. The stop at the south end of Cat is nice as well. Really just depends on the mood of the group. If folks want to travel each day or spend a day or two in a few different locations. There is a lot to do with fishing, diving and just hangin by the shore so we'll need to sort out a plan from those that decide to join in.
Besides the time for travel, cost factors in...It is the Bahamas and nothing is cheap. Might be good to pick a place to call base and have fly outs from there so those that want to hang can and those that want to explore can as well. A friend of ours owns the FBO in Long Island, I'll get in touch and see what the situation is like down there these days as far as rooms, cost ect. We spend all of our time in the Abacos, northern Bahamas so I need to get up to speed on what's up down south...
Glendale, AZ
- Aircraft Year
- 1977
- Aircraft Type
- 112TCA
- Reg Number
- N91GM
- Serial Number
- 13184
Re: Bahamas 2013
I go there almost every year, from Arizona and yes I only fly VFR. Going again this year but my scheduled time is a little latter than you have planned. I generally depart AZ the last weekend in April for three weeks. Hit 4 Islands most years.
On Long Island the place to stay is Cape Santa Maria. Don't try their airstrip, land at Stella Maris. Good FBO and generally reliable gas availability.
I go there almost every year, from Arizona and yes I only fly VFR. Going again this year but my scheduled time is a little latter than you have planned. I generally depart AZ the last weekend in April for three weeks. Hit 4 Islands most years.
On Long Island the place to stay is Cape Santa Maria. Don't try their airstrip, land at Stella Maris. Good FBO and generally reliable gas availability.
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N6042E
New member
Ft. Pierce, FL
- Aircraft Year
- 2000
- Aircraft Type
- 114TC/115TC
- Reg Number
- N6042E
- Serial Number
- 20030
Re: Bahamas 2013
Agreed! Beatiful location, the strip not so much...The folks who own the FBO are friends and do run a clean facility with good fuel...
Agreed! Beatiful location, the strip not so much...The folks who own the FBO are friends and do run a clean facility with good fuel...
Re: Bahamas 2013
I'm in for the Bahamas trip but request we try to pick dates as soon as possible. I have to plan my work calendar about 6 months in advance. Currently I have not booked any dates for Feb / March so if we can decide on some dates I can then plan my schedule around this event.
Thanks and looking forward to it!
Darren
I'm in for the Bahamas trip but request we try to pick dates as soon as possible. I have to plan my work calendar about 6 months in advance. Currently I have not booked any dates for Feb / March so if we can decide on some dates I can then plan my schedule around this event.
Thanks and looking forward to it!
Darren
Glendale, AZ
- Aircraft Year
- 1977
- Aircraft Type
- 112TCA
- Reg Number
- N91GM
- Serial Number
- 13184
Re: Bahamas 2013
Judi
For this year's trip we were planning to leave AZ the 27 of April, and the first day on the islands being the 1st of May. For places like that Cape Santa Maria the rates drop significantly on May 1st.
Would be great if we could catch up with you guys out there.
Judi
For this year's trip we were planning to leave AZ the 27 of April, and the first day on the islands being the 1st of May. For places like that Cape Santa Maria the rates drop significantly on May 1st.
Would be great if we could catch up with you guys out there.
N6042E
New member
Ft. Pierce, FL
- Aircraft Year
- 2000
- Aircraft Type
- 114TC/115TC
- Reg Number
- N6042E
- Serial Number
- 20030
Re: Bahamas 2013
I'll have a look at the calander when I get in on Monday and confirm but I believe so???
I'll have a look at the calander when I get in on Monday and confirm but I believe so???
Long Island, NY (USA)
- Aircraft Year
- 1976
- Aircraft Type
- 114
- Reg Number
- N127XY
- Serial Number
- 14039
Re: Bahamas 2013
From where in Florida do you depart/return? And I'm guessing the outbound flight from FL to Bahamas will also be on May 1st?
From where in Florida do you depart/return? And I'm guessing the outbound flight from FL to Bahamas will also be on May 1st?
Glendale, AZ
- Aircraft Year
- 1977
- Aircraft Type
- 112TCA
- Reg Number
- N91GM
- Serial Number
- 13184
Re: Bahamas 2013
Frank
Have friends near the Pompano airport so we usually plan a few day's there before departing. Plan is to do the outbound flight on May 1, and first stop this year is Cape Santa Maria, on Long Island for three nights and then on to Hawks nest on Cat island.
Tried to attach a Google .KMZ file so you could see the flight plan on Google Earth but we don't support .KMZ yet so I attached a pdf of the route.
Frank
Have friends near the Pompano airport so we usually plan a few day's there before departing. Plan is to do the outbound flight on May 1, and first stop this year is Cape Santa Maria, on Long Island for three nights and then on to Hawks nest on Cat island.
Tried to attach a Google .KMZ file so you could see the flight plan on Google Earth but we don't support .KMZ yet so I attached a pdf of the route.
Glendale, AZ
- Aircraft Year
- 1977
- Aircraft Type
- 112TCA
- Reg Number
- N91GM
- Serial Number
- 13184
Re: Bahamas 2013
One of the other reasons for the schedule is that Hawks Nest has a fishing tournament every year and this year it is the weekend of 5th. We don't fish, but this is one of the biggest party's in the islands (at least it has been in the past).
Not sure how much of an effect fuel prices will have on participation this year.
One of the other reasons for the schedule is that Hawks Nest has a fishing tournament every year and this year it is the weekend of 5th. We don't fish, but this is one of the biggest party's in the islands (at least it has been in the past).
Not sure how much of an effect fuel prices will have on participation this year.