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Bahamas...let's plan it

jukelemon

New member
Louisville, KY
Aircraft Year
1977
Aircraft Type
112B Hot Shot
Reg Number
N377SB
Serial Number
526
Hi all.

Who is in for a Bahamas trip?
 
Re: Bahamas...let's plan it

The Bama boys (John & Connie and probably Todd & Maggie)

I've already got my "8" decal ;).

would like to find a reasonable 'off shore' raft . . .
 
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Re: Bahamas...let's plan it

The Bama boys (John & Connie and probably Todd & Maggie)

I've already got my "8" decal ;).

would like to find a reasonable 'over shore' raft . . .
Yeah, Todd said he would like to go when i saw him last summer in TN.

Let's plan it?
 
Re: Bahamas...let's plan it

Is it warmer than 8 degrees there?
 
Re: Bahamas...let's plan it

John can't you just rent a raft and required survival supplies, and return it unused when you return? Seems more economicable than buying it. Bahamas would be awesome, but would have to be at the right time hence I would be coming from the West Coast. Along with the Bahamas, Alaska is also on my short list.
 
Re: Bahamas...let's plan it

John can't you just rent a raft and required survival supplies, and return it unused when you return? Seems more economicable than buying it. Bahamas would be awesome, but would have to be at the right time hence I would be coming from the West Coast. Along with the Bahamas, Alaska is also on my short list.
You can rent them at several of the ports of entry as I understand it.
 
Re: Bahamas...let's plan it

I like to stop by their booth at Oshkosh, they have charts & info about flying in. It’s an idea that has been in the back of the mind a while. Those that go seem to get hooked & go back.
 
Re: Bahamas...let's plan it

Where in the Bahamas would you go? Treasure Cay, Abaco, is very nice ...flew commercial from West Palm last time there. Stayed at the Bahama Beach Club. Beautiful setting on The Sea of Abaco
 
Re: Bahamas...let's plan it

I'd like to take a day or two and explore the island chain by air. Doubt the wife unit would be interested in that. Would need a couple of planes for photo ops . .

Anyone done something similar? Any hiccups to watch out for?? (Customs, fuel, pirates)
 
Re: Bahamas...let's plan it

Where in the Bahamas would you go? Treasure Cay, Abaco, is very nice ...flew commercial from West Palm last time there. Stayed at the Bahama Beach Club. Beautiful setting on The Sea of Abaco
I dont care where we go...I just want to fly across the ocean and land in paradise :D
 
Re: Bahamas...let's plan it

I'd like to take a day or two and explore the island chain by air. Doubt the wife unit would be interested in that. Would need a couple of planes for photo ops . .

Anyone done something similar? Any hiccups to watch out for?? (Customs, fuel, pirates)

Been there 10+ times - if you are looking for the true Bahamas experience and not big resorts - Best islands, Cat and long island. Exumas and Berry Islands have a few nice stops too.
Between islands is real easy - Coming back to the states has the most requirements (Flight Plan, EAPIS, crossing the defense zone and who to talk to and what to squawk) and is usually what scares most folks the first time they go.
Lots of stuff on the web about what you must do. AOPA has a guide to flying the islands too.
 

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Re: Bahamas...let's plan it

Been there 10+ times - if you are looking for the true Bahamas experience and not big resorts - Best islands, Cat and long island. Exumas and Berry Islands have a few nice stops too.
Between islands is real easy - Coming back to the states has the most requirements (Flight Plan, EAPIS, crossing the defense zone and who to talk to and what to squawk) and is usually what scares most folks the first time they go.
Lots of stuff on the web about what you must do. AOPA has a guide to flying the islands too.
Good info Joel.

Want to lead us there? :D
 
Re: Bahamas...let's plan it

Been there 10+ times - if you are looking for the true Bahamas experience and not big resorts - Best islands, Cat and long island. Exumas and Berry Islands have a few nice stops too.
Between islands is real easy - Coming back to the states has the most requirements (Flight Plan, EAPIS, crossing the defense zone and who to talk to and what to squawk) and is usually what scares most folks the first time they go.
Lots of stuff on the web about what you must do. AOPA has a guide to flying the islands too.

I was just about to say we need to talk to "Joel" as I've heard he's been there a bunch. Thanks Joel, it would be AWESOME if we could plan/coordinate this trip to where it would fit your schedule and we could all meet up with you somewhere in Florida prior to the departure to Bahamas and fly out all together with you since you've been there several times. I've always said that for my first trip I'd like to go with someone that has been there before. Joel you think you'd want us to try and schedule it to where you could go with us? Is that possible?
 
Re: Bahamas...let's plan it

Todd

I will be glad to help in any way I can. I am scheduled to leave on the 28th of April but my itinerary is pretty loose, which makes it difficult to coordinate with others. I stop and see some friends along the way and sometimes in route decide to take a unscheduled excursion. We have wound up in New Orleans, Panama city, Pensacola, Venice FL and a few others that way. We head out to the islands when I like the weather and winds. First stop is 2.5 hours over water and not many are comfortable with going that far out. Not sure how long we will be on the road this time but the last one was one month long.
 
Re: Bahamas...let's plan it

Joel don't you typically leave fm FPR when going over?

Judi
 
Re: Bahamas...let's plan it

Judi

I have a good lifelong friend right near PMP so I always depart from there but coming back I head to FPR.
 
Re: Bahamas...let's plan it

I made this trip 4 times before and by far the easiest exit/entry point is FPR.
Going in is a piece of cake. Last year we landed in Long Island and customs decided to close at 5pm (we landed 5:30).Didnt clear customs till the day after lol.

Returning is a bit different though.

I found that if you can file IFR and need to ADD time due to heavy weather/buildups, changing your ETA in flight is just ONE radio call away.

The only island that charged us was Long Island.$25.00 per day and if you want to depart before 9:30 am its a $75.00 fee.

Besides the Resort charter plane (twin Commander) we were the only other plane on the ramp for 10 days.

Its a great place to fly to and Staniel Cay is a must visit place.

Joel helped me out tremendously for our first flight and went off as planned.
 
Re: Bahamas...let's plan it

Quick question, is it reasonable for a VFR only pilot to attempt this?
I've flown all over the US, and its such a quick hop so I assume we can see all weather forecasts/radar before leaving...but usually I always have an airport under me fairly close by when flying over the US.
 
Re: Bahamas...let's plan it

Quick question, is it reasonable for a VFR only pilot to attempt this?
I've flown all over the US, and its such a quick hop so I assume we can see all weather forecasts/radar before leaving...but usually I always have an airport under me fairly close by when flying over the US.

Depending on the time of year to whether or not I would do it VFR only. Certain times of the year thunderstorms can pop up out of no where in a matter of minutes in the Florida, Bahamas areas.
 
Re: Bahamas...let's plan it

Quick question, is it reasonable for a VFR only pilot to attempt this?
I've flown all over the US, and its such a quick hop so I assume we can see all weather forecasts/radar before leaving...but usually I always have an airport under me fairly close by when flying over the US.

The Bahamas piece is purely VFR. No approaches to any of the small islands. No night flight either -except the two big airports.
 
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