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 , according to Wikipedia • Each 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 Departure Departure Arrival in Island Arrival back Under the from Requirements Requirements from U.S. Bahamas Hopping in U.S. Bed Bahamas 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 • 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 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

DEPARTURE FROM THE BAHAMAS

• 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

• 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 WWW.FLYSNF.ORG/BAHAMAS