There’s nothing like an overwater flight to the Bahamian islands to feed your need for adventure. And at the same time, use your pilot certificate to go on a first-rate vacation with friends or family. Trips to the Caribbean are easy, although some pilots may be daunted by the thought of crossing all that featureless water. But the distances are not all that far, and GPS makes navigation a breeze. From mainland Florida to Bimini is just 55 nautical miles, and once in the Bahamas chain you’re seldom out of sight of another island. As for the weather, it’s nearly always very good VFR.
You’ll need a passport and learn how to file eAPIS reports before launching outbound or inbound; you’ll need to understand general declaration forms, research airport information, obtain survival gear, and prepare yourself for the extremely rare possibility of a ditching.
Why you should go: There are more than 58 airports in the Bahamas and 85 in the Caribbean.AOPA has released the 2019 editions of its comprehensive AOPA Pilot Guides for the Bahamas and the Caribbean. The publications have been an indispensable trusted source of flight planning information for the islands for more than 35 years. Following the hurricane season of 2017, the tourism sectors of the islands are rebuilt and continue to see an increase in visits.
The guides help you plan your stay after arrival, with a wide range of destination information including phone numbers of hotels and recreational places, details of local culture and food, and tips for how to get around the islands. You can also read the suggestions and advice of other pilots who have flown in to visit.
Digital editions of the guides are priced at $39.99. Each guide bundled with the corresponding chart costs $48. The complete package of both guides and associated charts is priced at $92.
Take the Leap
HOW
The islands are calling
- Begin by researching Bahamian flying in magazine articles or going online.
- Talk with pilots who have done it before.
- Figure out which islands might appeal to you, then learn about the airport(s) and navaids that serve them.
- The bible for flying to the Bahamas and the Caribbean are the AOPA Pilot Guides for the Bahamas and the Caribbean, so be sure to get a copy. The guide also discusses eAPIS requirements, ADIZ crossings, and customs and immigration procedures.
- Line up your passengers. This should be no problem whatsoever, assuming all are comfortable with flying in light airplanes.
- For those uncomfortable flying alone, check out escorted group services that take care of all the technicalities, as well as the resort reservations.
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