mike zidziunas –“mike z” · mike zidziunas –“mike z” president, lakeland aero club...
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Mike Zidziunas – “Mike Z”
President, Lakeland Aero Club
Bahamas Flying Ambassador
INTRODUCTION
• Mike Z. – Flying and sailing to the Bahamas since the early 1980’s
• There are many, many locations to fly to in the Bahamas
• 63 named airports, according to Wikipedia
• Each airport may have slightly different requirements
• No one size fits all procedure, but they are similar
SUN ‘N FUN AND
THE BAHAMAS• SUN ‘n FUN has partnered with the
Bahamas to create a simple, informative website that will de-mystify flying to the Bahamas
• Will have up-to-date information for each airport, with transportation and lodging options
• Launching early Fall 2018
• www.flysnf.org/bahamas
3 Monsters Under the
Bed
Aircraft Requirements
Pilot Requirements
Departure from U.S.
Arrival in Bahamas
Island Hopping
Departure from
Bahamas
Arrival back in U.S.
3 MONSTERS
UNDER THE BED
MONSTER #1: Flying Over Water
• Engine trouble• Nervous / crazy pilot• Flying at night• Over terrain for foliage flights• Lots of cruise ships• Call the insurance company from the
bar!
MONSTER #2: eAPIS
• Electronic Advance Passenger Information System
• Scary stories at inception• Actually makes things easier• Mandatory• File up to 30 days in advance or as
little as 1 hour
MONSTER #3: ADIZ(Air Defense Identification Zone)
• Scary stories
• Contact ATC at least 15 minutes before penetrating ADIZ
• DO NOT squawk 1200 in ADIZ
• $20,000 jet ride you didn’t get!
AIRCRAFT REQUIREMENTS
• U.S Registered:• Airplane
(ASEL/ASES/AMEL/MES)• Light Sport• Experimental
• If it’s legal in the U.S., it’s legal there!
AIRCRAFT REQUIREMENTS
• ARROW
• 12” Registration Numbers
• Life Jackets (1 per passenger/crew)
• Range of 200 nm (w’reserve)
• Recommended: SPOT GPS, handheld radio, flares, life raft
AIRCRAFT REQUIREMENTS
• Good condition
• Tires and maintenance are expensive there
• U.S. Customs decal (www.dtops.gov)
• Radio station license (for the aircraft)
• Restricted Radio operator permit (for the
pilot) http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/
PILOT REQUIREMENTS
• Documents:
• Pilot certificate; light sport or higher
• Medical (BasicMed is OK)
• Driver’s license
• Restricted Radio Permit
• Passport
PILOT
REQUIREMENTS
• Reasonable crosswind skills – most
runways are crosswind to trade
winds, but typically light and
variable
• Outer Island runways vary typically
between 1500’ to 3000’ and can
be as narrow as 60’
DEPARTURE FROM THE U.S.
• Can depart from anywhere within aircraft range, clearing customs stateside not required for DEPARTING to the Bahamas
• File eAPIS up to 30 days in advance, or as little as 1 hour
• Click here for eAPIS website
• Fill out 3 copies of Bahamas form C7A, don’t sign or fill in arrival time
• Click here for Form C7A
• File international VFR or IFR Flight Plan
• (1-800-WX-Brief or online at https://www.1800wxbrief.com)
• Request VFR flight following, plan to arrive at an official Bahamas Port of Entry
• Click here for Bahamas FBO’s
ARRIVAL IN THE BAHAMAS
• Radar service from Miami is not available for much of the islands, limited ATC services
• Close your flight plan prior to descent (towered airports will close it for you)
• Land at an authorized Port of Entry
• Clear customs:
• $50 entry processing fee per aircraft
• Get C7A stamped (AKA “Cruising Permit”)
• Fill out Immigration Arrival Card
ISLAND HOPPING
• The most fun!
• Have C7A stamped at each stop
• Customs at most islands
• Have copy of Bahamas Private Pilot Bill of Rights
• Each island may be a little different, but gov’t regulations for fees apply to all gov’t owned airports
• Must leave from a Port of Entry
• Click here for Bahamas FBO’s
• Surrender your C7A and Immigration Departure Card
• $29 per person departure tax
• Make 2 phone calls:
• First call to international Flight Service. 305-233-2600. File flight plan and VFR pilots
get squawk code.
• Second call to U.S. Customs at your arrival destination – Must be the first U.S. Port of
Entry along your flight route UNLESS you have been pre-approved with an overflight
permit for an inland location
DEPARTURE FROM THE BAHAMAS
DEPARTURE FROM THE BAHAMAS
• Get confirmation code and two letters in case of
the need to divert
• Afternoon thunderstorms are likely in Florida
during summer, so leaving early is advised
• Be SURE to have a squawk code – F16’s are cool,
except when they are escorting you as a
potential security threat
ARRIVAL IN THE U.S.
• Arrive at U.S. Port of Entry
• Close flight plan w’ either ground or phone call
• Taxi to Customs secure parking
• Pilot only may exit the immediate aircraft area, wait for
Customs Agent to approach aircraft
• Ask if bags are necessary inside for scanning before
unloading
• No cell phone use or photos inside Customs Terminal
• Rules differ per location, be familiar with the laws
• Bring cash – many Out Island facilities are limited for credit card acceptance
• US Currency is accepted as well as Bahamian interchangeably
• Be prepared upon return to declare any significant purchases – jewelry, alcohol,
etc. Taxes may be due
• Call ahead to any airport or destination in the islands to be sure of operating hours,
transportation, fuel, etc.
• When landing at an airport with fuel, it’s best to take it on arrival vs. departure
• Keep a copy of the Private Pilot’s Bill of Rights on hand
• DO NOT BRING FIREARMS
• SUN ‘n FUN’s Flying to the Bahamas Website
• eAPIS website
• U.S. Customs – Decals, entry procedures and laws
• Bahamas Private Pilot Flying Guide
• Access Ambassadors & Airport Info
• Private Pilot’s Bill of Rights
• Form C7A
• FCC - Radio License, Station License
• Bahamas FBO’s
• Leidos Pilot Web Portal (1-800-WxBrief website)
www.flysnf.org/bahamas
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