Bulletin # 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10

2004 BAHAMA TRIP INFO #8

As in the previous Information Bulletin the information below was extracted from the "2004 Bahamas & Caribbean Pilot's Guide". Some of the material herein was already presented in earlier information bulletins, however that information was obtained from two year old AOPA publications. The data contained in the 2004 Pilot Guide listed below is by far more current.

BAHAMAS PILOT INFORMATION

There are 63 landing facilities in the Bahamas. The Bahamas & Caribbean Pilot's Guide covers all in detail; however, some of these strips are to be used for emergency purposes only, or may even be closed and included only for identification purposes to avoid confusion. Each year we may delete strips previously published that are too overgrown to be recognizable.

Airports, or aerodromes, are classified into seven major categories: Government; Military; Private; Restricted; Emergency; Closed; and AOE. These classifications are sometimes confusing and often not a true representation of the landing requirements or intended use.

GOVERNMENT AIRPORTS: All airports under this category are owned and operated by the Bahamian government and all private pilots are welcome to land.

MILITARY AIRPORTS: The U.S. government currently maintains one military base in Georgetown, Exuma. Prior approval must be obtained from the proper authorities to land there. Obtaining clearance is difficult and requires considerable time and red tape.
Although this facility may at times be classified as an Airport of Entry, it is not to be used by the private pilot except in an emergency.

PRIVATE AIRPORTS: Airports under this category are independently owned, with most welcoming the vacationing pilot.

RESTRICTED AIRPORTS: This classification is used to designate airstrips which are short in length, have poor runway surfaces (HAZARDOUS), or to which the owners desire exclusive use.

EMERGENCY: This designation indicates the strip is very hazardous and should only be used as a last resort in a mechanical or low fuel emergency.

CLOSED: Although airstrips so designated may appear usable from the air they are not, and probably have a dangerous obstruction.

AIRPORTS OF ENTRY (AOEs): These airports have Customs & Immigration facilities and are the only airports you can use for your first and last stop in a country.

INSURANCE - Be sure to call your insurance company before you go to the Bahamas or Caribbean. Some policies cover this region already, with other carriers you will need an add-on. It's usually not expensive and you may just need an endorsement. Only Mexico requires a separate policy (from a Mexican company) and it's only for liability.

PREPARATION - Good flight planning, including a complete and thorough pre-flight check of the aircraft, is especially important, including proper operation of radios, navigational systems, full fuel tanks, and an weather briefing. You may want to review the specifications and performance limitations of your aircraft, with special attention to crosswind components and short and soft field takeoffs and landings.

EXPERIMENTAL AIRCRAFT - Experimental aircraft must submit a request by fax to Nassau Civil Aviation, call (242) 377-3448 fax 377-6060, along with a copy of your Special Airworthiness Certificate, Registration and Experimental Operating Limitations. For further information, contact FAA Int'l Airworthiness at (202) 267-9559.

REQUIRED AIRCRAFT EQUIPMENT - The following items are mandatory and must be on board the aircraft or in your possession:
o Original aircraft registration and airworthiness certificates o Radio for two-way communication on all frequencies o Original valid pilot's license and current medical certificate
o One Coast Guard-approved life vest for each soul on board
o Proper identification/proof of citizenship for all passengers and crew
o Prior approval and documentation for pets

SUGGESTED AIRCRAFT EQUIPMENT - The following, although not mandatory, is recommended: o Aircraft insurance policy valid for the Bahamas or with Bahamas endorsement
o Life raft to accommodate all on board
o Emergency survival kit, including food .A portable VHF marine radio
o An EPIRB, see Survival section
o A generous supply of General Declaration forms and carbon paper o Control locks and tie-down kit, including ropes and stakes
o Extra cans of engine oil
o Credit cards: Shell, Texaco, Exxon, Visa and MasterCard
o Plenty of cash and/or travelers checks
o A copy of the current Pilot's Guide; an invaluable asset throughout your trip!

U.S. SURVIVAL GEAR FACILITIES - Basic survival gear (life vests and rafts) is available at many facilities along the east Florida coast for sale or rental. Rental rates vary, as do services and facilities. Following is a list of FBOs and suppliers who offer this and other services to the Bahamas-bound pilot. We suggest a stop at one of these facilities prior to takeoff. Aviation International Corporation, Miami In1'l, (954) 888-6486 Banyan Air Service, Ft. Lauderdale Executive, (954) 491-3170 Fort Pierce Air Center, (800) 749-9276 Survival Products, Inc., Hollywood, FL, (305) 966-7329

DEPARTING THE U.S. - Departure from the U.S. is a simple process. You need not depart from any designated port. You are required to file, at minimum, a DVFR International Flight Plan prior to crossing the U.S. coastline. You are required to file an IFR flight plan should your ETA at your Bahamas destination extend beyond official sunset. Should you be carrying any expensive serial-numbered items or firearms, these should be registered with Customs prior to departure. It is also a good idea to carry documentation of ownership of any expensive jewelry. The aforementioned registration could solve a lot of problems upon your re-entry into the U.S.

ENTERING THE BAHAMAS - You must land at an Airport of Entry upon your initial arrival in the Bahamas. Plan to arrive in the Bahamas prior to 4 PM, because making arrangements for ground transportation may be difficult after this time and Customs will be easier to locate. Your first landing must be at an airport of entry. You will not be permitted to land in the Bahamas after official sunset or prior to official sunrise, unless you have filed an IFR flight plan. Under these conditions, your arrival must be at Freeport, Rock Sound, or Nassau International (unless special prior arrangements have been approved by the Director of Civil Aviation). You will not be allowed to cancel IFR during these hours and full instrument approaches will be required even if the visibility is unrestricted.
You are expected to be properly qualified, have all available current approach plates and a properly equipped aircraft to execute all full instrument approaches. Should you fail to meet any of these requirements, you will be in violation of Bahamian Aviation Regulations and could be turned around by the Tower.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS- No vaccinations or vaccination records are required of citizens of the U.S.

LANDING PROCEDURES -

CONTROLLED AIRPORTS: Nassau and Grand Bahama International are controlled airports, and you are advised to contact approach control or tower approximately 20 nm out for landing instructions. When approaching West End, it is recommended you contact Freeport Approach prior to entering the Freeport airspace.

UNCONTROLLED AIRPORTS: When approaching airports with no control facilities you are required to announce: Aircraft identification, Location, and Intentions over Unicom frequency 122.8 - Pass over airport at 1,000' MSL and enter LEFT traffic pattern. All landings and takeoffs at uncontrolled fields shall be into the wind. When departing uncontrolled airports state intentions and whether you intend to back-track runway.

CUSTOMS & IMMIGRATION HOURS OF OPERATION - Normal hours for Customs & Immigration at Airports of Entry are: 9 am - 5:00 PM. Nassau and Freeport airports provide Customs and Immigration facilities 24-hours per day, seven days a week. However, in Nassau, from 5 PM to 9 AM they are located only in the main terminal, not at the general aviation facility.

Should you arrive at an Airport of Entry where no Customs/ Immigration officers are present, it is the responsibility of the pilot to find and clear with authorities at that location before any passengers, crew members and/or baggage is moved from the airport.

Overtime charges: Should the need arise to clear Customs at any time other than normal hours, overtime charges may be incurred, depending upon the hour involved, status, and wage scale of the individual Customs Officer on duty. Call the airport manager or Customs manager, they will arrange to keep the airport open for you. Also verify the need for runway lights and make arrangements to leave them on.

CUSTOMS & IMMIGRATION ARRIVAL PROCEDURES - It is the pilot's responsibility to see that all passengers and crew members proceed directly and immediately from the aircraft to Customs & Immigration. All luggage aboard should be removed from the plane and accompany passengers and crew for Customs inspection. Should it be requested, everything must be removed from the plane.

Each individual (including children) will be required to fill out one Immigration Card.
You keep a copy of the Immigration Card and it is your permit to remain in the Bahamas for the period of time specified. It is to be surrendered immediately prior to departure at your last port. Should you decide to extend your visit, simply present your request to the Immigration officer at the nearest airport for approval.

Bahamas Customs requires that the pilot complete and provide:

.Four Inward Declaration/Cruising Permits (if available) if you will be
traveling to more than one island, or
.Three General Declaration (C7A) forms
.Arrival report (towered airports or twins)
.Proof of citizenship for every soul on board

U.S. and Canadian citizens proof of citizenship may include a passport, birth certificate, naturalization papers, or other document. A driver's license alone is not proof of citizenship. Non-U.S. citizens must have a passport.

CUSTOMS DECLARATION: Baggage declaration by temporary visitors is oral, although the baggage is subject to Customs inspection. In case there are dutiable articles, the visitor will be required to complete a Baggage Declaration Form.

DUTY-FREE ALLOWANCES: Each adult entering the Bahamas is allowed up to 50 cigars, or 200 cigarettes, or one pound of tobacco and one quart of liquor free of Customs duty, in addition to personal items. Additionally, purchases up to a value of $100 are permitted by each arriving passenger.

PETS: An Import Permit is required for pets. Forms can be obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Nassau. In order to obtain such a permit, application must be made in writing to: Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, P.O. Box N 3028, Nassau, Bahamas (242) 325-7502.

PROHIBITED: The following items are prohibited from entering the Bahamas:

.Dangerous drugs and hallucinogenics
.Firearms - firearms must be declared at first Port of Entry to be turned over to Customs and held until departure
.Live plants
.Mechanical spear guns (non-mechanical Hawaiian slings are okay)
.Haitian woodwork

Customs officials have the right to search planes and individuals at their discretion should they be suspicious of activities. This is true not only upon original entry into the Bahamas, but could be the case during your travel through the islands. However, we have never been on any airplanes searched. Live tropical fish or Crawfish (lobster) exceeding 28 lbs. in total weight are prohibited from leaving the Bahamas.

INWARD DECLARATION/CRUISING PERMIT - Should you be planning to travel to any other port in the Bahamas prior to returning to the U.S., it is suggested that in lieu of providing three Gen Decs, you complete four Inward Declaration/Cruising Permit forms. Inform the Customs officer that you will be flying to other airports in the Bahamas for the period of time you have specified on the Cruising Permit and one of the copies will be returned to you with stamp and signature of approval. We have found sometimes these forms are not available and a Transire is used instead. Generally you keep the Cruising permit with you. We have seen cases where the Customs officer keeps it and returns it to you when you leave. This is awkward and try to avoid it. However, they sometimes use different procedures.

TRANSIRE - Should you not request a Cruising Permit, and at any time desire to travel to another port, you are required to apply for a Transire to the particular point you intend to visit. The Transire is a commercial document and is used for cruising when the other forms are not available.

GENERAL DECLARATION FORMS (C7A) - "Gen Decs" (or getting "decked out" as we call it) are the basic forms you use for entry into all foreign countries, including all of the Bahamas and Caribbean, except Hispaniola. The United States uses other forms. Some countries require two, three or even four copies of the Gen Dec. Our record is 9 in Trinidad, honestly! The airports usually have forms available for your use, but it's much easier if you bring a pad with you and have them filled out in advance. Bring carbon paper along so you don't have to write out each copy (unless you buy a pad of NCR forms from Pilot Publishing). You could fill out the repeating information such as owner's name, nationality, tail number, pilot, co-pilot, and passenger and photocopy the form. Several Gen Decs are included in the Travel Kit sold by Pilot Publishing. In the lower Caribbean they accept and use a smaller version of the Gen Dee, but we found that the Bahamians did not accept the smaller version. Also, don't be thrown off if you are asked for one more or less than we say you'll need. This seems to change at any time, depending on who's working the desk. The norm is three - one for Customs, one for Immigration, and one for you to retain to present to any officer to show you have cleared Customs.

ARRIVAL REPORTS -

Nassau International: All arriving aircraft are required to file a written Arrival Report at FSS/Tower. Privately owned aircraft are not exempt from this requirement. This can be done at the General Aviation Terminal between 9 am - 4:30 p.m. or at one of the FBOs with Customs.

Grand Bahama International: All arriving aircraft are required to file at FSS/Tower or General Aviation a written Arrival Report. A landing fee will be required. Arrival Reports can be anticipated at towered airports.

FLIGHT PLANS - Flight Plans are required of all aircraft entering into or departing from the Bahamas. When flying within the Bahamas Islands a flight plan is not necessary, except when departing Nassau or Grand Bahama. Use the normal CAD Form 63A or the International Flight Plan. Instrument Flight Plans must be filed by all aircraft entering or departing after sunset or prior to sunrise. Filing while in the Bahamas is most convenient with Nassau on Freeport radio. Also when traveling back to U.S. they will be passed on to U.S. FSS with no problem, they share computers these days.

The U.S. Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) is located approximately 20 nm off the Florida coast at the U.S. border. (80 nm off coast when Westbound) Notification and U.S. permission is required prior to penetration of the ADIZ. Part of the requirements are satisfied by the filing of an International Flight Plan. This flight plan can be filed with Nassau or Freeport Radio and can be filed from the air during your return flight. Most people file from the air and advising customs is automatic. However, you still have the one hour rule and you are required to call customs direct on FSS 1-800 WX-BRIEF, that 800 number works in the Islands. Also, if using VFR you must get a discrete transponder code and you must do it with flight service. You won't reach them until about west end on Bimini unless you are very high.

All flights departing Nassau or Grand Bahama must be filed by telephone or in person prior to departure. Instrument flights require one hour prior notification. All flights arriving or departing Grand Bahama are automatically activated upon departure and canceled on arrival. Flights arriving at Nassau are canceled automatically, although departures require activation.

Cancellation and filing of flight plans at Out Island locations may be difficult. The filing and activation from Out Island origination is best accomplished en route at altitude. Relaying of cancellations through other aircraft is commonly used due to limited communications range, although this practice may not always be sufficient.

If at all possible, it is advised that you cancel with FSS personally. Much money and countless man-hours are expended by search and rescue parties searching for overdue aircraft on uncancelled flight plans. See Nassau and Grand Bahama Airport pages for FSS frequencies and telephone numbers. (800) WX-BRIEF works in the islands.

Remember to close your flight plan!

The International Civil Aeronautical Organization (ICAO) is an alliance between aviation administrations worldwide providing for the forwarding and relaying of Flight Plans and Flight Information for aircraft on international flights.

CONTROLLED AIR SPACE - There are Control Areas (CTA), Flight Information Regions (FIR) and Terminal Control Areas (TCA). Two TCAs exist in the Bahamas: The Grand Bahama TCA extends from 1,500' MSL up to and including 6,000' MSL. The Nassau TCA extends from 1,500' MSL up to and including 12,000' MSL. Upper limits of Aerodrome Traffic Zones are up to, but not including, 3,000' above the airport. Airspace below 6,000' MSL in the Bahamas is controlled by Nassau. All air space above 6,000' SL is in the Miami Oceanic Control Area (FIR).

RESTRICTED AREAS - Nassau Restricted Area (R-3002), effective 24 hours, is located southwest of Nassau International Airport and covers a 10 nm square area - gun firing practice range - surface to 500'. Pilots are advised not to fly below 500' within the range and to exercise caution when flying in the vicinity. Grand Bahama has a restricted area east of the center of the Island. Abaco has a restriction flying below 2,000' over the island except for takeoff and landing. Great Inagua has restricted area MY/R-3001 for the Flamingo Sanctuary located over Lake Windsor effective continuously, surface to 2,000'. Warning: All aircraft are warned to remain at least 26 nm off shore of Cuba at all times.

FLIGHT SERVICE STATIONS - Two Flight Service Stations are located at Nassau and Freeport Airports. Nassau Radio 124.2/128.0 are the most commonly used frequencies. Freeport Radio operates on 122.3. Current weather and updated Notams are available. Both FSSs have recently installed a Weather Radar System with extended coverage.

The U.S. weather briefing number works in the Bahamas. This is the best source for weather. You can also file a flight plan, the number is 800-WX-BRIEF.

FUEL & OIL - 100 Octane fuel is available at 8 airports in the Bahamas, depending upon supply. Marsh Harbour, George Town and Stella Maris are always reliable. Some aviation oil is available; however, if you like to use a specific brand you should bring it with you. Remember, many places accept only cash for fuel.

LANDING AND TIE DOWN PROCEDURES AND FEES - Although most would recommend you tie your plane down, Out Island airports don't usually have ties. You can bring your own chocks or use rocks.

Most airports do not charge landing fees. Grand Bahama and Nassau do, and a few airports like Great Harbour Cay and San Salvador. Any private airport can charge a landing fee at the owner/operator's discretion, although the Bahamian government has requested they not charge fees to private single-engine aircraft.

Single-engine aircraft fees range from $7.20 to $10 and most twins range from $10 to $15.
Landing fees will be charged according to weight. Overnight fees at Nassau airport are $10 single, $15 twin, $35 jet, but are not usually collected. At Grand Bahama they are $8 single, $10 twin, $15 turbo and $20 jet.

CRUISING ALTITUDES - Designated cruising altitudes for VFR and IFR flights are the same as in the U.S.

VFR: 360° - 179° odd thousands + 500'
180° - 359° even thousands + 500'

IFR: 360° - 179° odd thousands
180° - 359° even thousands

Altitude is extremely effective as insurance from mishap. As a general rule, from 10,000' a properly trimmed single-engine aircraft can glide, power off, for more than 15 miles, and may stay aloft more than 10 minutes. Additionally, your view, projection, navigation, and communications range is increased greatly with altitude.

VFR MINIMUMS - Flight conditions for VFR flight within controlled air space are more stringent than in the U.S., requiring 1,500' ceiling and five-mile visibility. Minimums outside controlled air space call for a 1,000' ceiling, one mile visibility, clear of clouds and in sight of land or water at VFR altitudes. Flights are not approved closer to person, vessel, vehicle, or structure than 500'.

To be continued in next bulletin.
--
John King
Warrenton, VA