REFLECTOR: Flying to Bahamas

Sat Apr 11 20:34:52 CDT 2009

Mitch
   Small numbers are fine for Experimental Aircraft in the US but  going 
international requires 12 inch. I fit them on the winglets a couple times  and 
once or twice on the Fuselage. My induction air intake is under the right  
wing so it makes me nervous to put tape on the Fuselage. A Fuel Servo full 
of  duct tape looking at a big pond below does not appeal to me!! Not that I 
can't  swim, but 20 miles is a little much! MYMM is the airport of entry on 
Nassau.  Nice runway and enough jet traffic to keep the runway clean. Very 
nice people  including the Customs girl who wanted to be my girlfriend for 
the long  weekend? My wife didn't take a fancy to that,  I don't know  why???  
Laying by the pool with one of those nice drinks looking at the  hotel 
makes you think! The hotel is two buildings with a archway between them. I  did 
not measure how wide the archway was but it looked to me like I am sure  
that I would have no problem maybe getting the wings through that opening! Then 
 I took my afternoon Nap! Let me know if you see the same thing??? 
   I flew to Cayman in the past (not in my Velo)  mainly because my 
sister-in-law has a condo in the middle of 7-mile beach.  Both the Bahamas and 
Cayman are very expensive. I am not cheap BUT I found that  I could take enough 
supply's in the plane for a week including a lot of frozen  food and drinks. 
As long as it is for your own consumption they do not charge  you duty tax 
on these items. Makes for a very frugal getaway.
     Ken

In a message dated 4/11/2009 11:16:18 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
Jmbmitch33 at comcast.net writes:

Been to Cayman many times and that was my initial first pick but due to  
Cuba and other "red tape" I elected to make the Bahamas my first "over the  
pond" trip.  Thansks for the advise.  I noticed you said 12"  numbers....is 
that a requirement to have numbers that big??? or does that just  make it 
easier??  My numbers are on the outside wingtips....where did you  tape 12" 
numbers???  on the body by the doors??  Also, what airport  in Nassau did you go 
to??  Freeport isnt set in stone yet so we're still  looking at different 
resorts.  

Thanks
Mitch

personal email is _jmbmitch33 at comcast.net_ (mailto:jmbmitch33 at comcast.net)  
if you dont  want to croud up the reflector email group. 

----- Original Message ----- 
From:  _KMis178813 at aol.com_ (mailto:KMis178813 at aol.com)  
To: _reflector at tvbf.org_ (mailto:reflector at tvbf.org)  
Sent: Friday, April 10, 2009 11:13  PM
Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: Flying to  Bahamas

Mitch
   I am based out of Vero Beach Fl. and have been to the  Bahamas several 
times in my Velo. Going to the Islands has never been a  problem coming home 
is different. I have never been to Freeport so you  are looking for other 
info there but I have been to Nassau and North  Eluthera. The English is 
sometimes a little different on the radio just be  aware Mon! 
   I called ahead in Nassau for hangar space and was quoted  $65/knight. 
Not so bad considering paradise Island (the Premier hot Spot on  the Island) 
was $450/knight for the family. Ramp tie down was $16. I opted  for Hangar at 
the end of Summer with all that hot Sun on my Velo. After 4  day of hangar 
space the FBO charged me $16 total. I think they were charging  others to 
see a Velo?? Nothing but NICE People Every where you go!!!  Your Experience 
may vary?
    Getting back to the USA was a lot more difficult  with all the 
notifications needed ahead of time. It's hard  to communicate to anyone from over 
there (which by the way IS  the best part). I had 12 inch numbers taped on 
with duct tape both for the  ride there and back, but I took them off while 
there so it would not screw  up the paint. As far I have seen, as long as the 
fat guy at US custom's can  see the N number without getting out of his 
chair, it's all good. I cleared  customs at Fort Pierce and had the kids at 
school orientation with  their hair still wet from the lazy river? Life does not 
get much  better!!!
  Next trip Cayman. Over fly Cuba?? If something bad happens I'll  call for 
help!!

   Great info at   _www.caribbeanflyingadventures.com_ 
(http://www.caribbeanflyingadventures.com/)     Jim can talk you through the whole thing! $29 
membership fee comes with 1  $30 Cuban over flight permit each year and all 
the maps and information  needed for your trip. A Great deal!!

    Ken Mishler

In a message dated 4/10/2009 9:41:03 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
Jmbmitch33 at comcast.net writes:

Getting ready to fly to Freeport Grand  Bahamas soon, anyone already done 
so??  I know several "V" planes  reside near the boarders near the coast, if 
possiable, I'd like to get  some usefull "inside" information other than the 
obvious fileing an Int.  Flight Plan.  Nothing like getting it from people 
who already been  there, done that, and got a Tshirt!! 

Thanks
Mitch

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