Flying to Bahamas

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dennyleeb

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Gonna be taking my first trip out of country. I will be going IFR and need a little help on a few things. First where is best place to rent a life raft in northern florida (maybe around daytona)? Any other advice for a first timer would be great.

Thanks
 
Furnish a notice of departure from US and arrival into US via eAPIS and confirm inbound customs with US CBP office where you're clearing inbound via phone (preferably at least the day before).

Border crossing location is an optional field on eAPIS. It will flag it in green and ask you to fill it out if you try to move onto the next page. Just hit next again and you can continue without that field being filled out.

Do you have a 2011 customs decal attached to the aircraft?

Feel free to ask more questions. :)
 
"CBP is confirming receipt and APIS processing of your manifest submission. CBP recommends that you print this email for your records.

Based upon the information submitted, this flight is cleared for departure."


Better print it. The customs guys inbound are still mondo ****ed if you don't call the arrival station directly, despite that not being anyplace on the CBP website. I even had direction from the boss in washington that I was good to do and she still tried to "IMPRESS" on me how important it is to call HER prior to arrival, despite teh fact that she had eAPIS and I was smack dab on time arriving back in the states on the 5th.

Now try calling on Batelco. You'll never get a call off, make SURE your international credit card works.

I still can't believe I had to be given "permission" to Leave the United Socialist States of America.


 
HPNPilot1200 said:
Furnish a notice of departure from US and arrival into US via eAPIS and confirm inbound customs with US CBP office where you're clearing inbound via phone (preferably at least the day before).

Border crossing location is an optional field on eAPIS. It will flag it in green and ask you to fill it out if you try to move onto the next page. Just hit next again and you can continue without that field being filled out.

Do you have a 2011 customs decal attached to the aircraft?

Feel free to ask more questions. :)
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yes I am signed up for eapis, have my CBP sticker and both FCC license for me and my plane
 
Coming back in, many of the airports in the Bahamas have phones available specifically to call US Customs.

I haven't launched from Daytona before, but both Banyan at Ft. Lauderdale Executive (KFXE) and Volo Aviation (now APP Jetcenter) at Ft. Pierce (KFPR) have rafts available.

I'd recommend having a portable 406 PLB on your person, and actually wear the life vest while flying over water.
 
From where will you leave the Bahamas? Many of the FBOs there are very familiar with the process and will help including having a line to call customs. If not leaving from someplace equipped for that, be sure to look into all the requirements and be familiar. The FBO in Nassau did all that for me last time I was there and had the phone that directly dialed customs in Florida for me.

Best,

Dave
 
gprellwitz said:
I'd recommend having a portable 406 PLB on your person, and actually wear the life vest while flying over water.
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I definitely agree with the 406 PLB. We keep one in the Aztec and one in the 310. I take the one from the 310 with me when I fly the Navajo. Nice to have.

Make sure that your life vests and raft are readily accessible. I know one person who brought his along - of course, it was in the nose baggage area.
 
Yeah I am just gonna buy a 406 hand held (waterproof one) and I will just be going to nassau for the first trip. Will have jackets and raft close by.
 
dennyleeb said:
Yeah I am just gonna buy a 406 hand held (waterproof one) and I will just be going to nassau for the first trip. Will have jackets and raft close by.
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I've been to enough safety meeting discussing (and demonstrating) this that I now actually wear the life vests when over water. Trying to unbuckle and put one on while flying the plane when the engine goes out shortly after takeoff and you're at low altitude? No thanks.
 
gprellwitz said:
I've been to enough safety meeting discussing (and demonstrating) this that I now actually wear the life vests when over water. Trying to unbuckle and put one on while flying the plane when the engine goes out shortly after takeoff and you're at low altitude? No thanks.
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Yeah I plan on 14k plus before turning over water. But get the point.
 
Why cross from Daytona? That just increases your over water exposure for no great benefit, and you're in a lower traffic (water born) density area than if you leave south of say Palm Beach or even Vero Beach. Several So Fla FBOs rent life rafts, Banyan at FXE is one of them. In Ft Lauderdale there are a few places to rent safety gear.
 
Henning said:
Why cross from Daytona? That just increases your over water exposure for no great benefit, and you're in a lower traffic (water born) density area than if you leave south of say Palm Beach or even Vero Beach. Several So Fla FBOs rent life rafts, Banyan at FXE is one of them. In Ft Lauderdale there are a few places to rent safety gear.
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Was not planning on starting the crossing at Daytona. I would like to stop somewhere close to it get some gas, and a life raft. This way when I turn to cross say over West Palm I will be a cruising altitude (14-18k ft) and at cruise speed for the over water part.
 
dennyleeb said:
Yeah I plan on 14k plus before turning over water. But get the point.
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I challenge you to get to 14K before turning over the water on the return trip! Many of the Island runways depart directly over water in at least one direction, if not both. At 200' up, when your engine quits, you're getting wet!

Oh, and I wouldn't count on ATC clearing you to 14K before you get overwater even on the outbound leg without having some good evidence that they'll do that. I never tried, so can't speak to it one way or the other.
 
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gprellwitz said:
I challenge you to get to 14K before turning over the water on the return trip! Many of the Island runways depart directly over water in at least one direction, if not both. At 200' up, when your engine quits, you're getting wet!

Oh, and I wouldn't count on ATC clearing you to 14K before you get overwater even on the outbound leg without having some good evidence that they'll do that. I never tried, so can't speak to it one way or the other.
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return trip would be a bit difficult since i fly a 182 and not a f22

i usually fly through southern florida at those altitudes with no problems I dont see how it would be any different than those trips (key west, ft myers)
 
gprellwitz said:
Oh, and I wouldn't count on ATC clearing you to 14K before you get overwater even on the outbound leg without having some good evidence that they'll do that. I never tried, so can't speak to it one way or the other.
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dennyleeb said:
return trip would be a bit difficult since i fly a 182 and not a f22

i usually fly through southern florida at those altitudes with no problems I dont see how it would be any different than those trips (key west, ft myers)
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Sounds like you have the evidence I spoke of. Good to know!
 
dennyleeb said:
I go through a lot of O2. No point in having a turbo unless you fly above 12k feet.
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Depends on the airplane. The Navajo really does best between about 8 and 12k. It will do 15k or better (BTDT), but it actually is happiest in the 8-12k range, and gets the best speed around 14k.
 
Ted DuPuis said:
Depends on the airplane. The Navajo really does best between about 8 and 12k. It will do 15k or better (BTDT), but it actually is happiest in the 8-12k range, and gets the best speed around 14k.
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was just speaking of myself, no exp w others
 
Two people in a 182.... Where do you put the raft, and how do you get it out if you end up having to put the bird in the water? Back seat, I presume... Wondering if you'd get the raft out in time. Totally agree with wearing the vest, with signaling mirror, whistle, 406 plb attached. Wearing a camelback with fresh drinking water under the vest might not hurt.
 
TangoWhiskey said:
Two people in a 182.... Where do you put the raft, and how do you get it out if you end up having to put the bird in the water? Back seat, I presume... Wondering if you'd get the raft out in time. Totally agree with wearing the vest, with signaling mirror, whistle, 406 plb attached. Wearing a camelback with fresh drinking water under the vest might not hurt.
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Yeah just in the back seat, they fold up pretty small.
 
Filing a VFR flight plan might help you go more direct if that's what you're looking for. On our flight to Bimini from the west coast of FL we got sent in every direction before crossing west palm.
 
Mike5250 said:
Filing a VFR flight plan might help you go more direct if that's what you're looking for. On our flight to Bimini from the west coast of FL we got sent in every direction before crossing west palm.
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will be doing ifr flight plan

thanks
 
TangoWhiskey said:
Ok, that makes sense. I was imagining them being bulky and large, like an extra large suitcase.
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no, the ones i have seen for planes are more compact than ones for boats which tend to be bigger
 
gprellwitz said:
Sounds like you have the evidence I spoke of. Good to know!
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I wouldn't bother to climb with a well found aircraft, it's not worth going over 7000'. From 7000' the likely hood is you will find a boat or ship to ditch near that will be able to pick you up. From 7000' you can also clear the Gulf Stream, but I still wouldn't do it single engine if the northerly wind component is above 12 knots. If it is, it will be rough in the Gulf Stream, rough enough to get you killed on the pick up. The bigger the ship, the better chance they have a fast rescue boat with a trained crew, so if you can fly base/final just over the height of their wheelhouse 100' offset to the side that you need to turn to. If you have altitude to spare, cross his line of travel or even spiral down in front of them. If you have the choice of a ship or a green landing craft, take the ship lol, it's a long rough ride on G&G's landing craft.

What you have going for you in the Bahamas is warm water. You need a smoke and pyro flare for "the last mile" of a pick up in rough weather. If you have the choice, you want to do it on a still air day, or a southerly breeze, or even direct east, just not strong ene,ne, or even moderate ne or n. When the wind sets counter to the current, it beats us up on big boats. A pick up out of the water is life threatening, you better be ready. That's why ships are best, they'll launch a RIB and have guys to snatch you. We had a helo pilot pop the floats right out infront of us one time. I had a 200 tom crane. We just pulled up alongside swung a sling over to them, the pilot wrapped it on the hub and we just lifted them on deck. 5 people rode an autorotation into the GOM and didn't get wet. The water was like a millpond out there that day though. When the seas are over 6' it becomes hard to see you, that's where smoke and flares come in. If you're going to have a 12ga flare pistol, buy at least one SOLAS grade parachute flare. They come in a tube. The people that rent you the raft probably can also rent you an Olin flare kit, which since you will have to fly in the day, will be good enough. A dye pot is nice as well because it also usually has shark repellant. Now I have heard, heard mind you, that having 9v batteries in your pockets repels sharks.... Now I see where the claim may have some validity because the sharks have a galvanic sensitive organ similar to nerve that runs around their equator. I could see where 9 volt batters in salt water could set up a current field that a shark may not like. OTOH, it may set up a current field that makes it horny...:eek: I have no clue...

Best thing is to have a vest that also contains a manual trigger CO2 built into it. Flares and floatation should be on you, but even in winter, the water is warm enough...

:idea:Oh, if you ditch next to a cruse ship, you'll probably get a cruise out of it...:rolleyes:
 
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some good points there Henni
I like flying high where ever I go this would be no exception. I am gonna get a PLB before I go. Maybe try to find a deal at oshkosh.
 
dennyleeb said:
some good points there Henni
I like flying high where ever I go this would be no exception. I am gonna get a PLB before I go. Maybe try to find a deal at oshkosh.
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If you make it to Ft Lauderdale, there is a shop called Sailorman on Hwy 84 near Andrews. They buy close out lots of stuff, if they have one it will be the lowest price you will find. You can haggle there too... If they don't have one, they've got good deals on them up the street at 84 inflatables. Remember, PLBs get them to the area, the smoke and flare gets the guys in the rescue boat to you.
 
I like a mirror and panel also. Maybe because it got me out of Laos on strings once <g>
On a bright day, a mirror can be seen miles away; the panel is good closer in. They don't run out either <g>. Everything has pluses and minuses. I put a mirror and panel in a pants pocket. If all else is lost, I have something with which to signal.

Best,

Dave
 
Dave Siciliano said:
I like a mirror and panel also. Maybe because it got me out of Laos on strings once <g>
On a bright day, a mirror can be seen miles away; the panel is good closer in. They don't run out either <g>. Everything has pluses and minuses. I put a mirror and panel in a pants pocket. If all else is lost, I have something with which to signal.

Best,

Dave
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Mirrors are great for signalling aircraft that may or may not be looking for you. They don't work well for signalling boats though as it'll flash on and off like every reflection on a wave as you bob up and down in the sea. Smoke=Good in the day, and a dye marker is about a billion times more visible in the water to an airplane that is looking than a mirror.
 
I'm not disagreeing with you Henning! I completely agree, but carry a mirror and panel in a pants pocket for the reasons you mentioned. I have a survival vest with smoke and flares also along with some survival gear.

Best,

Dave
 
Dave Siciliano said:
I'm not disagreeing with you Henning! I completely agree, but carry a mirror and panel in a pants pocket for the reasons you mentioned. I have a survival vest with smoke and flares also along with some survival gear.

Best,

Dave
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I wasn't disagreeing with carrying a mirror either, there's actually a few thing you should be carrying and on your body. That's why the survival vests with floatation are a good thing.
 
The mirror I have can be aimed very well. Has a little hole in it and can effectively direct light at someone assuming it's reasonably sunny and, like you said, you're not bobbing in higher waves. On aircraft, I focus just to one side so as to not put it right in the eyes of a pilot when they get closer in. Very effective when conditions are conducive. I use the panel to actually mark my position.

I've used flares and strobes in the past and all are very effective under certain conditions. I've landed a helo to a strobe in the jungle at night shooting only to the strobe; eerie stuff from the helo pilot standpoint.

You make excellent points and I've taken note of them.

Best,

Dave
 
Dye packs are great. I can see how they would help you get spotted from the air. Do you release their contents when you hear rescue choppers nearby, or what's the "trigger" you'd use?

c2ca8fdeeec19ef280db4742d65d_grande.jpg
 
Ah, thanks Grant. I thought we were still talking about water recovery and location identification. My mistake, thanks.
 
TangoWhiskey said:
Ah, thanks Grant. I thought we were still talking about water recovery and location identification. My mistake, thanks.
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No, I think I was wrong, because he mentions having it in a pants pocket. Probably a miniature version of the same sort of thing, though. Something to increase the surface area to make it easier to spot.
 
Yes, a colored panel that can be unfolded and contrasts with surroundings; easier for the eye to pickup than one's attire. The time I used it, I was completely cammoed; all the more reason to have a bright panel when wanting to be seen.

Best,

Dave
 
Henning said:
Mirrors are great for signalling aircraft that may or may not be looking for you. They don't work well for signalling boats though as it'll flash on and off like every reflection on a wave as you bob up and down in the sea. Smoke=Good in the day, and a dye marker is about a billion times more visible in the water to an airplane that is looking than a mirror.
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Markers are good for close in. Give me a signal mirror and I will hit the pilot or observer from miles away.
 
Doggtyred said:
Markers are good for close in. Give me a signal mirror and I will hit the pilot or observer from miles away.
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I'll take both thank you. A signal mirror costs $2, a dye marker another $5. They'll both fit in the same pocket.
 
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