The first few years I flew to the Bahamas I had to contact the Bahamian Aviation Department to get a letter of authority so I could bring an experimental plane into the islands.  I used to deal with Anthony Dean who was the director.
 
About three years ago I contacted him for the usual permit letter and he informed me that the requirements had been modified so as to be consistent with US regs and that I no longer needed a permit letter to fly in the Bahamas.
 
Unless there has been a more recent change I believe there is no longer a requirement for a permit from the Bahamian government to fly your experimental into their airports. 
 
If someone has more recent experience or information then I need to be making a change in my proceedure for my next trip.
 
It is a great adventure and I assure you that you will not stop at just one trip.
 
Have fun.
 
Jim Scales
 

---

To:
Date: Wed, 25 Nov 2009 08:17:46 -0500
From: cfi@instructor.net
Subject: [LML] Re: Bahamas bound

Matt,
   Lot's of great info from others, just a couple more things.  Try to get the US customs decal for your plane ahead of time.  Here is the web site.  https://dtops.cbp.dhs.gov/  
A fairly new item that needs to be addressed is eAPIS at https://eapis.cbp.dhs.gov/eapisj/eapis/login    Go to the AOPA web site and you can take an online course in dealing with eAPIS requirements here:  http://flash.aopa.org/asf/eAPIS/

Ron Galbraith

----- Original Message -----
From: Bill <n5zq@verizon.net>
To: lml
Subject: [LML] Bahamas bound
Date: Tue, 24 Nov 2009 06:21:41 -0500

Hello Matt,

 

Looks like you've gotten some good advice on the Bahamas. I agree with most everything that Paul, Jim, Jeff and Doug have said. It's an easy trip but it does take a bit of preparation. Flying an experimental down requires a permit.(although I've never been asked for it)  It's simply an airworthiness "validation".  I've attached the validation to this post. All you need to do is print it out and carry a copy on board (just like Canada). I've also attached the C7 and C7A customs forms. Print out several copies of these. Some destinations want 3 copies.

 

As far as destinations, depends on what you like. If you're looking for casinos, night clubs and shopping...Nassau and Freeport are for you. Sue and I enjoy the out islands. If you like fishing or just like to be far away from the bright lights Pittstown Point on Crooked Island is an excellent choice. Park your plane a few steps from your room. Last time we were there the runway was 2,000 ft but I've heard that they've lengthened it.

 

Another place that you can park your plane and walk to your room is Hawk's Nest on Cat Island. Great place to relax and unwind. Also on Cat Island is Fernandez Bay near the New Bight airport (customs and fuel here). The people on Cat Island are the friendliest folks in the Bahamas. Can't go wrong here.

 

We also like Staniel Cay. The S.C. Yacht Club is a great place to stay. You can easily walk to the club from the airport or they will pick you up in a golf cart. You stay in your own little cabin right on the water. NOT fancy but very relaxing. From here you can go snorkeling in Thunderball Grotto and visit the famous swimming pigs.

 

The best beach in the Bahamas (in my opinion) is at Cape Santa Maria on Long Island. They have their own runway right at the resort but it's coral and a bit rough. We've landed the 320 there but we recommend that you practice up on your soft field landing and takeoff procedures. If you'd like to go the Cape Santa Maria but are uncomfortable with the coral runway, you can land at Stella Marris and drive over to C.S.M. maybe a 25 minute ride.

 

You do need to learn to speak Bahamian. Cay is pronounced KEY, beer is Kalik, and mon means man. That should get you by.

 

Here are a few photos of trips to the Bahamas.

 

Bill Harrelson

N5ZQ 320 1,750 hrs

N6ZQ  IV under construction

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