Thank you for visiting Floridapilot.com. This information contained in this site may not be accurate or current and is not valid for navigation, flight planning, or for use in flight.   No warranty of fitness for purpose is made or implied. Please send all comments or inquires to: shane@floridapilot.com or write us at: FloridaPilot, 1962 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34236

Effective November 08, 2001, the FAA has waived the provisions of FDC NOTAMS 1/0613, 1/0617, 1/0628, 1/0298 and 1/1763, which were implemented as a result of the events of September 11, 2001.
United States and Bahamian registered aircraft are authorized to operate to and from and within the airspace of the United States of America and it,s territorial possessions.

Flying to and from The Islands of The Bahamas may be conducted using Visual Flight Rules or Instrument Flight Rules. Entry into the United States must be through a Port of Entry and all aircraft must be in compliance with FAA security regulations.

Introduction.  One of the great advantages of being a Florida Pilot is the ability to easily fly to the Bahamas.   With proper planning, a flight to the Bahamas is safe, easy and enjoyable.

With the help of Greg Rolle, Aviation Specialist with the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, this guide was put together to assist FPA members in planning a Bahama flight.

2001 Bahamas Fly-in Whether you're new to the Bahamas or a veteran flyer, you should consider participating in one of the numerous fly-ins arranged by the Bahamas Tourist Office.  For more information click here!

FPA Member Thierry (Terry) Pouille with   Air Journey conducts self-fly guided tours of the Bahamas.  You fly and they do all the rest including all arrangements for hotels, transportation, activities, flight plans, customs expediting, etc. 

Advance Preparation:

Private aircraft entering the Bahamas clear Customs at the initial airport of entry. This procedure can be made easier if you have Customs and Immigration forms prepared in advance. These forms can be obtained at an airport of entry/Florida airports of departure, or through the Bahamas Travel Kit produced by Pilot Publishing. This kit includes everything the pilot needs to travel with ease to, from, and within the Bahamas. The kit is stuffed with information, including accommodations - all in a vinyl resealable pouch. The Travel Kit is $29.95. You should also obtain a current copy of The "Bahamas and Caribbean Pilot's Guide" by the same publisher.  This is a very informative guide, 450 pages in full color, hundreds of color photographs, covering every airport in the islands. $44.95.  Your webmaster would not travel to the Bahamas without it!   Both publications can be ordered directly from the publisher by calling 1-800-521-212O.

Pilots must file a flight plan before departing the U.S. First arrival must be at an airport of entry. Each aircraft must carry Coast Guard approved life jackets for each person on board. U.S. Customs require all aircraft to have 12" or larger N numbers and an outside data plate. Also, all aircraft must have altitude reporting capability incorporated in the transponder.

Pilots and passengers must have proof of citizenship. This proof may be in the form of a voter's registration card, birth certificate, or draft card. A drivers license is not proof of citizenship. No firearms or illegal drugs are allowed into the country.  Customs hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. Customs charges a $25 fee for after hours entry.

Air traffic rules in the Bahamas are very similar to those in the States. There are few restrictions except in the controlled areas around Freeport, Nassau and Exuma International airports.

Massive cloud build ups are often a sign of land. It is very common to mistake shadows formed by clouds as land masses. A coloring of the water from dark blue to light blue, or a green shade are usual signs of land.

For the nervous first time island bound pilot it may be comforting to remember that you are never out of sight of land for very long. A properly trimmed single-engine airplane can glide, power off, for more than 25 miles, and stay aloft for more than 10 minutes from an altitude of 10,000 feet.

There are many landing facilities. Aviators are welcome at all government-operated strips and most of the privately-owned ones as well.

Take note of any special airport descriptions on the chart, or use the Pilots Bahamas & Caribbean Aviation Guide as a reference since some airports are rough, overgrown, abandoned, or restricted for some other reason, and should be used for emergency use only.

Many hotels on the out islands have Unicom service so that pilots may inquire about accommodations and transportation availability.

BAHAMAS FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS

It is illegal to fly below 2000’ MSL over populated areas or assemblies of persons, except when necessary during take off or landing operations. VFR operations over ocean waters at night are exceedingly dangerous for the VFR pilot and are prohibited. IFR is easily accomplished. However, a filed flight plan and clearance must be secured prior to official sunset.

 NOTAM INFORMATION

There is a continuous program of runway improvement, new construction, repair and installation of NAVICOM facilities throughout The Bahamas. Notam information is available through Nassau, Freeport and U.S. International

The larger FBO's in Florida, especially at international east coast airports, will have current Bahamas notams posted. When contacting U.S. International FSS, before filing a flight plan, ask for a Bahamas Notam Briefing. Call toll free, in Florida 1-800-992-7433.  Always check with Nassau Radio for fuel availability before committing to a fueling point at one of our Family of Out Islands. Top off immediately upon arrival.

EMERGENCY MAINTENANCE IS AVAILABLE IN:
Freeport, Nassau, Mosstown, Marsh Harbour

Please read the Pilots Checklist

For a copy of The Bahamas Flight Planning Guide or for further information on The Islands Of The Bahamas, call 800-4-BAHAMAS or access the official web site for special flying packages and other information at www.flying.bahamas.com.

For Island Information Visit http://www.bahamas.com

For Island Out Information Visit http://www.bahama-out-islands.com