POA Caribbean Adventure Caravan

gprellwitz said:
Bouncing this to the top with a hot tip I just got from Jim Parker that might have us change the itinerary a bit. The originally planned route had us stopping at Providenciales in the T&C.

Turks and Caicos Airport Fees Out of Control!!

Fly your plane (less than MTOW 6,000 lbs) to Providenciales for a four night holiday with one pilot and three passengers and pay $485 in airport fees;

Arrive or depart after 4:30 or on weekends or holidays and pay an additional $45 in overtime fees;

Stop for fuel and pay $282 in airport fees;

Comparable fees in the:
Bahamas: $115
Dominican Republic $40
Puerto Rico $20.20
Fuel Stops $0
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Thanks, Grant!! :yes:
 
Ugh! From Jim Parker...
For Immediate Release​
​
406 ELT Required by The Bahamas February 1, 2013​
and by Mexico by June 1, 2013​



Caribbean Flying Adventures (CFA) successfully collaborated with Civil Aviation authorities in the Dominican Republic and The Caymans Islands to obtain a waiver from the 406 ELT requirement. The Dominican Republic waiver is indefinite. The Cayman Islands waiver is valid through December 1, 2013 but will almost certainly be extended. CFA will work to insure that this happens.

Unfortunately, the waiver for an installed 406 ELT for the Bahamas will expire February 1, 2013 and for Mexico June 1, 2013. In order to be legal, pilots who want to fly to the Bahamas or Mexico will must install a 406 ELT.

CFA researched this issue and found that the U.S. Coast Guard continues to utilize the 121.5 frequency in their search and rescue operations. Thus, mandating the installation of the 406 ELT makes little sense for island flying. Additionally, ICAO experts have concluded than an installed ELT is useless once the aircraft sinks after the passengers have safely exited the aircraft. A hand held personal locator beacon then becomes the optimal search and rescue tool.

The bottom line is that pilots do not need to spend thousands of dollars installing a 406 ELT in order to fly to the Dominican Republic, The Cayman Islands or Puerto Rico. But beginning Feb 1, 2013, they do need to spend the money in order to fly to the Bahamas.
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flyingcheesehead said:
Hmmm. The Mooney's got one, but none of the club planes have one yet.
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I don't think any of our planes have one yet, but I left a message with the president to find out for sure. Since it's about 656NM from FXE to the Dominican Republic, it's approaching the range of the plane, and we'd be hosed if MDPP didn't have fuel for some reason. I don't like being over water like that without a bunch of alternatives. We could stop in Provo for fuel, cutting off 150NM, but then you're dealing with those ridiculous fees.
:mad:

Maybe we'll just skip the Caribbean trip and go to Bozeman in July for the 99's conference!
 
Somehow, I just noticed this thread.

We're in the "definite maybe" category. But I'm not going to put us on the list until it gets closer. Seriously doubt we'd be able to do the full two weeks, but maybe a week or so.
 
Yeah, the 406 ELT thing may end up being a deal killer for some... or, motivate them to get one! :) Appreciate the continued intel, Grant!
 
I'm pretty sure, judging by the bank account and the timeline, that we're moving from "maybe" to "no". Just keeping appropriate updates going here. :(
 
denverpilot said:
I'm pretty sure, judging by the bank account and the timeline, that we're moving from "maybe" to "no". Just keeping appropriate updates going here. :(
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I'm not Positive we'll be able to go either... May just end up flying commercial to St. Martin, which is the end goal for our journey anyway. No final decisions yet, though...
 
Well, at least the 406 issue is no more. Good news:

www.CaribbeanFlyingAdventures.com
For Immediate Release

406 ELT Required by The Bahamas February 1, 2013
and by Mexico by June 1, 2013

Caribbean Flying Adventures has been informed this evening by the Director of the Bahamas Civil Aviation Department that it will extend the Feb 1, 2013 deadline for installing 406 ELT's in aircraft flying to the Bahamas.

Even better news is that this waiver extension will be likely long term, removing uncertainly in the short term about flying your plane to the Bahamas.

For those pilots who were rethinking 2013 travel to the Bahamas, the coast is clear. Go for it.

And check out my two favorite places and FBO's in the Bahamas.* Click here for my pilot's guide and then click on "Bahamas" under "Recommended Destinations."
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I'm still trying to find a friend to go with me. I'll probably fly straight to the Bahamas and make sure the beverages are cold for when the rest of the caravan arrives.
 
I realize I am coming in the tail end of the thread but a friend and I have discussed doing a trip to the Bahamas. Looking for two more?
It may very well coincide w/ SNF dates but there is flexibility. What is your itinerary and official date?

Day #1- Fly from CT and overnight in Ft. Lauderdale. Grab raft and safety gear
Day #2- Depart Ft. Lauderdale D> Bahamas. Still working on Islands and accomdations & open for suggestions.
Day #3, 4 & 5 Hang in Bahamas. Plan on diving and bringing gear
Day #6- Depart Bahamas back to FL, clear customs and work our way back up the East Coast.
 
Dave Theisen said:
I'll be your friend! :)
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If I don't find anyone you can go with me. My current plan is to get to Freeport April 1st and then leave the Bahamas on the 6th and fly back home.
 
DavidWhite said:
If I don't find anyone you can go with me. My current plan is to get to Freeport April 1st and then leave the Bahamas on the 6th and fly back home.
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No thanks, I'd want to be PIC. :)

Seriously, thanks, but if I went to the Bahamas without them, I'm afraid my wife and daughter wouldn't be here when I got home. I plan on taking them out there over the summer.
 
DavidWhite said:
If I don't find anyone you can go with me. My current plan is to get to Freeport April 1st and then leave the Bahamas on the 6th and fly back home.
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You gonna go any farther? I won't be able to make the whole caravan, but I'd like to do part of it.
 
I don't get the resistance to having a 406 device. IMO if you don't have one you should not expect an SAR effort.
 
flyingcheesehead said:
You gonna go any farther? I won't be able to make the whole caravan, but I'd like to do part of it.
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Probably not. I'll go down to Nassau for a few (maybe three?) nights. SnF is the following week so I probably won't even fly all the way back to Texas.
 
Henning said:
I don't get the resistance to having a 406 device. IMO if you don't have one you should not expect an SAR effort.
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I bought a waterproof 406PLB at Oshkosh this year for this trip. I'm also gonna get one of those nice inflatable life vests I can wear in the plane while I'm over the water.
 
My annual on the Mooney is in February and I will probably upgrade to a 406 ELT too.
 
Henning said:
I don't get the resistance to having a 406 device. IMO if you don't have one you should not expect an SAR effort.
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I haven't seen any resistance at all to having a 406 device, in fact I have 2 of them (Personal Locator Beacons). However, none of the rentals I have access to have 406 ELTs installed, and I have no control over getting them installed. Plus, an installed 406 is going to go down with the plane to the bottom, and won't be very effective down there. A PLB, OTOH, will be with me. I'm the one that I want rescued, not the plane. The insurance company can worry about finding and rescuing it!
 
DavidWhite said:
I bought a waterproof 406PLB at Oshkosh this year for this trip. I'm also gonna get one of those nice inflatable life vests I can wear in the plane while I'm over the water.
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Do NOT get the Auto-inflate one, Manual inflation only. You don't want the hydrostatic Release tripping it while still in the plane. However, if you can find a good deal on cheapie auto inflator vests you can build a cheap life raft out of the whole airplane by tossing in a couple cases.
 
Folks, can I get a quick show of hands of those that are greater than 75% sure they'd want to do this trip? Again, it's pretty free form for the participants--I'm not planning any joint adventures, housing, stops, itinerary, meals... that's all for individual participants to coordinate. If you want to just do the Bahamas for 3 days, great... if you want to take two weeks and go slow through the islands, or bee-line to the BVI's and spend all your time there, great. The idea of this trip is to cross off a bucket item list, and be in the same area at the same general time frame.

If individuals post their itineraries and share their contact information with each other, they can plan to meet up as desired.

Right now, I'm simply trying to get a list together of those that are fairly certain they'd want to go.

As far as Teresa and I, our current plan is to fly commercially to Tampa on March 29th, get checked out in the T182 at Atlas Aviation (http://www.atlasaviationinc.com), then depending on weather head out Saturday or Sunday 3/30 or 3/31 for the Bahamas before continuing down to St. Martin. I have the plane booked through Sunday April 14th. Sun 'N Fun runs April 9th-14th, not a chance coincidence... we'd have the option to attend if we wanted or needed to head back to FL early due to weather or whatever. Flying the Keys would be fun, too.... very fluid plans.

While I won't be doing planning for others, I'll be compiling a list of links and useful resources, the "must do" items (eAPIS, C&BP stuff, etc.), and we can continue to share nuggets of stuff we learn (such as what Grant has shared above).

If you have room to take another person and want to ride share/share costs, say so! Maybe somebody can fly to Florida and join you on the adventure.
 
Can't believe this trip is only 4 months away! I'm getting pretty excited. My itinerary has a lot of wiggle room but I think my final destination is going to be Atlantis in Nassau. I do have an extra seat. I think it might be filled (unfortunately not with a smokin' hot CFI) but a really good friend. We'll be able to find plenty of floozies down there.
 
I have training that I need to attend in FL the week before SNF. While that works out great to go to SNF, Bahamas is out for me! Have fun!
 
DavidWhite said:
Can't believe this trip is only 4 months away! I'm getting pretty excited. My itinerary has a lot of wiggle room but I think my final destination is going to be Atlantis in Nassau. I do have an extra seat. I think it might be filled (unfortunately not with a smokin' hot CFI) but a really good friend. We'll be able to find plenty of floozies down there.
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That's great, David! The Mooney needs to meet the Caribbean!
 
I did a Caribbean Adventure about 4 years ago. I got about 7 guys from red boards to go. We all met in Key West went out the first night and continued over Cuba to Grand Cayman Islands the following morning. It was pretty organized and terrific.

I think hotels averaged about $175 per night with our group discount, the taxes at the airport were about $40 ea. (I hear the Bahamas is $120 ea person not ea plane).

So plan your fuel: hotel: meals: airport departure taxes which could add up in a multi stop tour.

Someone should call and confirm the airport taxes, available fuel; fuel prices, negotiate a hotel rate ahead of time.

The Grand Cayman's Chamber hosted a Rum Punch reception for us as we arrived at the airport.

I looked into renting an Arrow from Tamiami and no one would consider as their insurance wouldn't allow it since we were leaving the country. So they said. I ended up flying my Comanche from Wichita which added 3500 nm round trip to the ordeal and expense.

Anyone wanting to make most or part of the trip tax deductible can contact the Bahamas/Haties habitat for mankind and possibly drop off supplies from the FT Lauderdale to Bahamas or to Haties on the way down.
 
I'm in. I was already planning on being in FL for a couple of weeks at the beginning of April for vacation/trade show/SnF so it works quite well.
 
gprellwitz said:
Bouncing this to the top with a hot tip I just got from Jim Parker that might have us change the itinerary a bit. The originally planned route had us stopping at Providenciales in the T&C.

Turks and Caicos Airport Fees Out of Control!!

Fly your plane (less than MTOW 6,000 lbs) to Providenciales for a four night holiday with one pilot and three passengers and pay $485 in airport fees;

Arrive or depart after 4:30 or on weekends or holidays and pay an additional $45 in overtime fees;

Stop for fuel and pay $282 in airport fees;

Comparable fees in the:
Bahamas: $115
Dominican Republic $40
Puerto Rico $20.20
Fuel Stops $0
Click to expand...

The information above wasn't matching what I was seeing at the Provo FBO's website, on their fees page. So I wrote them, with the scenario above, and received the following reply and updated fees for the Provo airport for GA aircraft under 6000#:

My apologies for the late response, Our website is still in the process of still being updated sorry for the inconvenience .


Below is a breakdown of what the tech stop would be

Handling would be $22.00 and that would be waved
Landing fee-$15.00
Air Navigation-$6.00
Customs-$115.00
Customs Overtime-$15.00 * Please note that this would be charged if arriving after 4:30 Mon-Thursday* Each way
Immigration-$30.00 *Please note that this would be charged if arriving after 4:30 Mon-Thursday* Each way
And a 15% charge
Avgas Fuel-$ 6.77
$100 customs clearance fee for tech stops is waived if only staying 60 minutes

Would it be possible to update us of your arrival as holiday rates may no longer apply


Below is a breakdown A "four night holiday"

Handling would be $35.00
Landing fee-$15.00
Air Navigation-$6.00
Customs-$115.00
Customs Overtime-$15.00 * Please note that this would be charged if arriving after 4:30 Mon-Thursday* & Friday after 4:00pm Each way
Immigration-$30.00 *Please note that this would be charged if arriving after 4:30 Mon-Thursday* & Friday after 4:00pm Each way
And a 15% charge
Holiday overnight parking-$18.00 a night
Avgas Fuel-$ 6.77
Would it be possible to update us of your arrival as holiday rates may no longer apply



Please review and advise us in case of any changes. Thank you!

Best regards,

Kittraina Moore
Provo Air Center
One InterIsland Plaza
Phone: 649-946-4181
Fax: 713-4575215 or 649-946-4040
Mobile: 649-331-4041
Email: concierge@provoaircenter.com
Website: www.provoaircenter.com
FBO Operation Hours: 07:00AM - 12:00Z - 07:00PM - 00:00Z
Customs and immigration overtime applies on Monday-Thursday before 8:00am and after 4:30pm.
Friday- before 8:00am and after 4:00pm
All day overtime on weekends and holidays.
The following fees may apply to your trip:
ATC/FBO overtime: after 7:30pm ($850.00 per hour/holiday period).
Gov't fees: Landing fee (based on MTOW) see website, charter/landing permit (for part 135) $200.00, air navigation fee (per landing) $6.00, customs fee $115.00, customs overtime each way $15.00, immigration overtime each way $30.00, departure tax (per pax) $40.00 and Departure Tax II -Airport Development Fee (per pax) $20.00.
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We're still thinking about it. We also have a trip to Bozeman MT that we want to do. We're now thinking about flying commercial to each of these and then renting a plane when we get there.

Troy, sorry to hear that! But does this mean that the T182 is available at Atlas? What were their checkout and international policies like? The rate is about 20% higher than we pay for the Bo ($165 for a trip like this, vs $199 for the T182), but it would save about 18 hours of flying, which would be a plus.
 
gprellwitz said:
We're still thinking about it. We also have a trip to Bozeman MT that we want to do. We're now thinking about flying commercial to each of these and then renting a plane when we get there.

Troy, sorry to hear that! But does this mean that the T182 is available at Atlas? What were their checkout and international policies like? The rate is about 20% higher than we pay for the Bo ($165 for a trip like this, vs $199 for the T182), but it would save about 18 hours of flying, which would be a plus.
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Grant, their T182 should be available. I haven't released the reservation yet, but if you want it, I can coordinate transfer. Checkout seemed simple--show up, fly with their instructor. International policy was liberal. I had negotiated a dry rate (to simplify cash / credit card international fuel purchases) and a daily 2 hour minimum.
 
The 182T I had reserved through Atlas Aviation is now available if somebody wants it. I canceled my reservation.

Contact Kristy Bolingbrook (kristy@atlasaviationinc.com) to get a login to the scheduling site and work out details for the checkout and a dry rate / 2-hour daily minimums.
 
I'm definitely out, as I will be in the middle of recovery from being under the knife.
 
All right folks, we're getting closer - Let's get the list up to date!

EdFred said:
I'm in, as I don't have to clear it with anyone.
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Lance F said:
Normally I don't plan 2 weeks out, much less 2 years. But in general count me...IN.

Sue, too.
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JOhnH said:
When the idea for this trip first came up I didn't think there would be any chance we might be able to make it. But it looks like Leslie and I just might.

Would a Cessna 172 be able to keep up with everyone else? What is the latest count of "probables"?

Curious though, the timetable mentions Friday, 1st. But that occurs this year. It is still for 2013 isn't it.
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Ted DuPuis said:
Somehow, I just noticed this thread.

We're in the "definite maybe" category. But I'm not going to put us on the list until it gets closer. Seriously doubt we'd be able to do the full two weeks, but maybe a week or so.
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TangoWhiskey said:
Bump to the top! Please keep the "how to add a row" instructions. I know there were several others who said they'd be in on this trip. Please include your POA username in the second cell, and PM me your email address / phone number... we'll have some telephone planning sessions as we get closer to get group consensus on trip details.
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POA Caribbean Adventure Caravan Participant List
[ROW][CELL] Who [/CELL][CELL] POA Username [/CELL][CELL] How Many? [/CELL][CELL] Any extra seats? (#) [/CELL][CELL] Aircraft type [/CELL][CELL] Confidence (High/Med/Low) [/CELL][/ROW][ROW][CELL]Troy & Teresa W[/CELL][CELL]TangoWhiskey[/CELL][CELL]2[/CELL][CELL]1[/CELL][CELL]182[/CELL][CELL]High[/CELL][/ROW][ROW][CELL]Grant & Leslie P[/CELL][CELL]gprellwitz[/CELL][CELL]2[/CELL][CELL]1-2[/CELL][CELL]Bonanza?[/CELL][CELL]Med/High[/CELL][/ROW][ROW][CELL]Ben & Jen C[/CELL][CELL]EvilEagle[/CELL][CELL]2[/CELL][CELL]2[/CELL][CELL]Bonanza 36[/CELL][CELL]Med/High[/CELL][/ROW][ROW][CELL]Kent & Kelsey[/CELL][CELL]flyingcheesehead[/CELL][CELL]2[/CELL][CELL]no[/CELL][CELL]M20R[/CELL][CELL]High[/CELL][/ROW][ROW][CELL]Template Row - Your name[/CELL][CELL]POA Username[/CELL][CELL]How Many[/CELL][CELL]Extra Seats?[/CELL][CELL]Aircraft Type[/CELL][CELL]Confidence (Low/Med/High/Done Deal)[/CELL][/ROW]

How to add a row: To add your name to the list of those planning to fly on the POA Caribbean Grand Adventure Caravan, reply to this post, copy the entire template row, insert a copy of it just above the template row, and replace the placeholders with your information before saving your post. Please include your POA user name in the second cell.

flyingcheesehead said:
So I'd love to do this, BUT...

Well, I have this amazing girlfriend that I want to take on all of my future adventures. She's a middle school teacher (band director). April is kinda, well, difficult. Of course, going to the Caribbean in the 5 weeks she has off in the summer is probably not much fun... Sigh. :dunno:

I guess I should get to planning the Alaska trip in 2014/2015.
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Well, she's my fiancée now, and it turns out her spring break is the first week of April. After that, I have a trade show in Nassau from the 7th-10th, and Sun 'n' Fun is the 9th-14th! I don't think this could have been timed better! So, the current plan is to take the Mooney down and do all three, sending Kelsey home on a human mailing tube on the 7th so she can get back to work and I'll do the show and Sun 'n' Fun. :goofy:
 
POA Caribbean Adventure Caravan Participant List
[ROW][CELL] Who [/CELL][CELL] POA Username [/CELL][CELL] How Many? [/CELL][CELL] Any extra seats? (#) [/CELL][CELL] Aircraft type [/CELL][CELL] Confidence (High/Med/Low) [/CELL][/ROW][ROW][CELL]Troy & Teresa W[/CELL][CELL]TangoWhiskey[/CELL][CELL]2[/CELL][CELL]1[/CELL][CELL]182[/CELL][CELL]High[/CELL][/ROW][ROW][CELL]Grant & Leslie P[/CELL][CELL]gprellwitz[/CELL][CELL]2[/CELL][CELL]1-2[/CELL][CELL]Bonanza?[/CELL][CELL]Med/High[/CELL][/ROW][ROW][CELL]Ben & Jen C[/CELL][CELL]EvilEagle[/CELL][CELL]2[/CELL][CELL]2[/CELL][CELL]Bonanza 36[/CELL][CELL]Med/High[/CELL][/ROW][ROW][CELL]Kent & Kelsey[/CELL][CELL]flyingcheesehead[/CELL][CELL]2[/CELL][CELL]no[/CELL][CELL]M20R[/CELL][CELL]High[/CELL][/ROW][ROW][CELL]Dave White[/CELL][CELL]David White[/CELL][CELL]2[/CELL][CELL]no[/CELL][CELL]M20P[/CELL][CELL]High[/CELL][/ROW][CELL]Template Row - Your name[/CELL][CELL]POA Username[/CELL][CELL]How Many[/CELL][CELL]Extra Seats?[/CELL][CELL]Aircraft Type[/CELL][CELL]Confidence (Low/Med/High/Done Deal)[/CELL][/ROW]
 
What's the exact dates again?
(Too lazy to read through)
 
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