A few things you need to know
East Coast pilots have always enjoyed the pleasure of heading to a tropical paradise in the Caribbean when the temperatures turn colder. Depending on where you live, the trip may require only a short flight across a crystal-blue ocean.
While the palm trees still sway in the breeze and the sand is still warm between your toes, flying south has changed since September 11, 2001. It won't be apparent to you if your flight is strictly to the Bahamas and back; the changes affect flights outside and around the main ports of entry. "If you are flying into the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, there's no problem; operations have stayed the same," said Kitty Pultorak, AOPA aviation technical specialist. "However, flying to other islands in the area will entail that a pilot know the new waiver regulations." (See " Postcards: Island Hopping," October 2002 Pilot.)
A "blanket" waiver was issued in late November 2001 allowing VFR operations in Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, and the British Virgin Islands (restrictions had been in effect since September 11). AOPA worked closely with the FAA to open up operations in this frequently traveled vacation area and flight operations went somewhat back to normal. Recently, the blanket waiver was upheld with some changes (see www.aopa.org/whatsnew/newsitems/2002/02-4-066x.html).
Travel to other Caribbean islands such as Aruba, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Turks and Caicos requires a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) waiver. Visit the Web site ( www.aopa.org/whatsnew/newsitems/2001/011221waivers.html).
In plain language, once you fly out of the United States, you will encounter notams that apply to international flights and in some cases, an increase in paperwork. You may need to:
- Apply for a TSA operations waiver (at least seven days in advance of the trip).
- Detail your entire route of flight.
- Complete a list of passengers that cannot be changed.
- Have all appropriate documentation.
- Contact Customs well in advance.
"Unfortunately, your ease of flight in the Caribbean has changed," said Pultorak. "It's still a wonderful vacation spot for traveling pilots, but you need to follow the current waiver process and be aware of the possibility of change. We encourage our members to call us if they have any questions on making a Caribbean flight. It's better to be safe than sorry."
As an AOPA member, you have access to the best resources anywhere for information and answers for pilots. AOPA provides information for its members through a vast array of communications technologies. You can reach experts in all fields of aviation via AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/members/), the AOPA Pilot Information Center (800/USA-AOPA), and e-mail ( [email protected]). Aviation technical specialists respond promptly to member requests while AOPA Online provides members with access to information and resources 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The toll-free AOPA Pilot Information Center gives you direct access to specialists in every area of aviation. The center is available to members from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday.
AOPA Web resources
These subject reports provide answers to frequently asked questions. The AOPA Aviation Services department (800/872-2672) answers more than 100,000 calls per year from members needing assistance with a variety of aviation-related issues.
www.aopa.org/members/files/topics/
Flight bulletins and other important information for pilots flying internationally to areas including the Bahamas, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.
www.aopa.org/members/pic/intl/
Information on the waiver issued by the FAA on notams 1/0613, 1/0617, and 1/0628 allowing VFR flights to and from Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, and the British Virgin Islands.
www.aopa.org/whatsnew/newsitems/2001/01-4-177x.html
AOPA's appeal to reverse the decision to cancel waiver 2127 is upheld.
www.aopa.org/whatsnew/newsitems/2002/02-4-066x.html
AOPA Senior Vice President of Government and Technical Affairs Andy Cebula outlines AOPA's position on waiver 2127 to the Transportation Security Administration.
www.aopa.org/whatsnew/newsitems/2002/021031letter.html
AOPA's Airport Directory is an invaluable tool for pilots flying just about anywhere. Available online, for download to a personal digital assistant, and in printed format.
www.aopa.org/members/airports/
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