Bahamas

T

TOMTERRIFIC

Level Cruise
After two big dumps of snow and the wind blowing a hundred miles an hour outside I'm ready to talk about the Bahamas. I think a trip to Marsh Harbour might be in the cards this summer. That is if the plane can be unburied by then. Anyone else feel this way?
 
I'm ready now!
But.. I think I will plan an April trip around Sun n Fun time. Always good to have a group.
And I think Chad is planning an early summer Andros run.
 
I'm planning a trip to Treasure Cay in late April. Also told Chad I'd do a run to Andros for him in June-July. In April, the plan now is for me to take the Baby Beech, and my partner to fly the 182 (carrying another couple of my friends, so can't all fit in the 182). We'd be happy to have others join us if they'd like. We think we'll be staying on Green Turtle Cay, but anyone else could choose other places to stay.
 
Rap, glad to hear you and Charlotte are considering it. We have not established an exact date, but will call you and get the two of you to join us for a planning session to discuss it! Think you'd have fun, and it's a good trip. Thanks to BAC to introducing me to the drill. Paul Jones
 
I've never been to the outer islands. Does Treasure Cay have a draw that Marsh Harbour lacks? I'm asking because at this point I am considering all options. Currently my plane is snowed in, as the airport hasn't gotten to that taxiway yet, so all I can think about is flying down to warmth.

Another question I have is what course do people take to get down the Florida peninsula? I would be coming from western PA and that and a few (many) other things I am trying to work out. Thanks, Tom
 
The course I took was Cecil Field (KVQQ) direct to Fort Pierce (KFPR). I used flight following and was cleared through the East side of Orlando's Class B and a few cold MOAs enroute. You can also go West of Orlando and clear class B and the MOAs. Nothing difficult.

As far as the differences between Treasure Cay and Marsh Harbor, there probably isn't much, but I haven't been to Marsh Harbor. Now, there is 100 LL available at Treasure Cay.

Marty Vanover
Phoenix, Az.
 
If you fly over Savannah (KSAV) and then direct to Craig Muni (KCRG) you skirt the Georgia coast all the way to Florida- a beautiful flight with lots of fallback airports along the way (1G0, KSSI, KBQK, 09J.) Craig Muni direct to Sutherland Strip (FD92) as a waypoint, then direct to KFPR avoids every MOA and restricted area along the route, but is still quite a direct route. At the same time, if you and your pax need refueling, St. Augustine (KSGJ) can be added as a waypoint, as they have a restaurant right on the ramp: The Flyby Cafe, and won't add but a half mile to your trip.

..Joe

PS- 50 miles north of Savannah, Allendale County Airport (88J) has lower fuel prices than anywhere else in a large area. Currently it's $3.50/gallon. It's just a little Podunk Holler airport, the best kind there are.
 
there are about 60 airports in the Bahamas. The bigger places like Marsh Harbor and Treasure Cay offer more amenities, but bigger crowds. The smaller places have a really different feel. Andros, Congo town, Norman's Cay type places are fun and remote. I think Staniel Cay is a "must stop" place, at least for a day stop to snorkel and eat at the Famous "Yacht Club".
The Carribean pilot's guide book is a good way to plan.
 
Tom: My trip in December was my first ever, and I chose to go to Treasure Cay, even though it is somewhat busier than some of the other islands, for several reasons. It's far less busy than Nassau or Freeport, although it's not the closest airport to the US, most of the trip is over land, the runway is long, Marsh Harbor is a close alternate, you cross several airports in the Bahamas if there were an emergency before you get there, and navigation to the airport is easy. I filed IFR, so I got vectored a good bit when I got in Florida. Plan a flight that takes you west or east of Orlando, because you'll likely get vectored that way anyway. They sent me down the east coast of Florida from Ormond Beach to FT. Pierce. Turned out to be a good route anyway, (would be scenic in VFR conditions). Anyway, it's a good trip and well worth the effort. By the way, I think we now have three planes and working on a couple more to go sometime in April, no exact date selected yet. I'll post on here when we get the date down, and would love to have others join us.
 
Tom: quickly, the difference in Marsh Harbor and Treasure Cay: Marsh Harbor is a town with several service stations, grocery stores, restaurants, even a movie theater. Treasure Cay is aRESORT only. There is essentially one restaurant, one beach bar, one night time bar, but all part of Treasure Cay Resort. There are several other small islands reachable by ferry from either of the two areas. (They're about 20 miles apart) Paul Jones
 
One good choice to consider is Eleuthera. 3 good airports, North Eleuthera has avgas. A few small islands (Spanish Wells and harbor Island) nearby with ferry service. Lots of small cool places to stay. Also pretty central for lots of options for day flights to the rest of the out Islands. And Eleuthera still has the old style out island flavor that Marsh Harbor and Treasure Cay don't have any more. Pineapple Fields is nice near Gov. Harbor field.
 
Looks like we will be planning ourr trip for July sometime. April is out as that job thing gets in the way. The suggestions you all have sent us have been fabulous. We are somewhat limited to where we can go on this trip as the in-laws will be flying over commercially in addition to our kids if they are so inclined.
Perhaps on the next trip we can go a bit more to the less accessible cays.

Should I be concerned about the plane for the few days we will be there?
 
I don't see a concern about aircraft security. They WANT us there (more so with the smaller islands) it IS their economy! Take a prop lock and don't worry about it. If other wanted to go commercial I would still fly. With only 135 hours under my belt I was a little uneasy about it BUT would and will do it again. We flew VFR from Jacksonville,Fl down the coast. Words can't describe it. Not to mention the feeling of accomplishment it will give you. Hope this helps.

Next trip Alaska

Eddie
8052R
 
there are commercial flights to just about every island. Sometimes a Cessna Caravan or a twim Islnder etc. Also easy to pick up folks at Freeport or Nassau and do the last hop yourself.
I have never heard of Aircraft damage or theft in the Bahamas in many years. Not like the old Columbian trade days.
 
We went to North Eleuthera a few years back tipped the line guy a couple of gold dollars and what GREAT service when we got back from Stella Maris . Been to Stella Maris twice great place but 2 times is enough. Hoping this year we can make a trip to the Bahamas with the club???? ken
 
OK, thought I'd bump this back to the top of the heap. Becky and I will depart St. Lucie Int'l April 24 for Marsh Harbor and be there Until May 1. I am excited and looking forward to my first "jump across the water". I have gotten the required Radio licenses (one for Angel and one for myself). The CBP decal has been purchased and affixed to the outside of the aircraft (within 18 inches of the main entrance to the aircraft, visible when all doors are opened......geez!). We are staying at Marsh Harbor because that is where we could be a time share exchange and will probably make a hop or two to other outlying islands. I have arranged with the FBO at St Lucie to rent the required life vests and will also rent a 6 person life raft with enveloped survival equipment. I will wait until the first week of April to order the required charts needed (IFR Low enroute 23/24 for the Florida peninsula and the IFR and VFR charts for the Bahamas).

It would be great if we could arrange an official BAC fly-in during our stay there so I could get some president's point for this trip. We are already planning on going to Oshkosh this year so, I might be able to give Bo Boggs some competition for the Presidents trophy this year.

Keep us posted as to your plans for this trip.


Gene
 
Good Afternoon:

I have flown to Walkers several times and been to many of the other islands by boat. Two thoughts; first, take a knife with you in the cabin in case the raft inflates inside the ac. Second, it is ok to bring a firearm into the Bahamas by boat but customs will confisicate it if you bring it by air. I don't really get the difference.

Ed Mills
N9318S
 
When I fly from Charlotte to West Palm Beach, I always stop at St Augustine (KSGJ) for fuel.. One of thebest prices around there. Using Direct GPS, I fly over Savannah and skirt the coast of JAX and then come in at SGJ.
From there it's a nice flight over the cape and if the wx is clear, a good view of the launch facilities.
Dr. Bill
 
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