AN INVITATION FROM THEBAHAMAS MINISTRY OF TOURISM

GENERAL AVIATION 2009 - Greg RolleGENERAL AVIATION 2009 - Greg Rolle

Come and Discover the 700 Islands Of

The Bahamas

1. Very short distances over water– 46 nm to Bimini– 60 nm to Grand Bahama Island

2. Beautiful scenery3. Multitude of airports4. Good facilities for General Aviation5. Easy custom, arrival and departure

procedures6. No landing fees at Gov. airports7. Fuel cost similar or lower than the US

Flying to the Bahamas is relaxing!

Government is Investing:1. Installation of e-APIS Computer

Kiosks2. Upgrade of our “RCO” for Better

radio coverage throughout the Islands

3. Exemption from Mandatory 406mhz ELT

4. Infrastructure and Logistic For General Aviation

5. Bahamas Host Program 6. Availability of phones at All

POE’s

Flying to the Bahamas is relaxing!

Bahama Out Islands

RCO’s

General Information

Government Airports:-All airport owned and operated by the Bahamas Gov’t

ALL Pilots are welcomed

Private Airports:-Airport independently owned

MOST welcome visiting pilot.

Airports Of Entry (AOEs)- Airports with Customs and Immigration facilities- Must be used for your first and last stop (just like in

the US)

Getting to Florida the Hardest Part of the Trip

1. Aircraft must have a 12’ “N” Numbers2. NO need to depart from an AOE 3. File International Flight Plan

• Note: IFR flight plan mandatory for landing AFTER official sunset

4. Register Firearms with US Customs prior to departure.

5. Aircraft custom “Decal” Can be purchased at any Custom Office

6. Carry: Pilot License, Medical, Aircraft registration, Aircraft

Airworthiness certificate, and Insurance

Departing From the US

Grand Bahama Island

En route to the Bahamas

1. Must have Coast Guard approved life jackets for each person on board.

2. Activate your flight plan before leaving Florida on 122.2, 122.4 or 126.7 (Miami Radio).

3. Prior to landing, close your flight plan on 124.2 or 128.0 (Nassau Radio). If unable to close in the air, call 1-800-WXBRIEF or 242-377-7116

4. Forms to fill out: It’s very simple!• Three (3) copies of C7A General Declarations form• C7A form is also a cruising permit to fly to other Bahamian airports• One Bahamas Immigration Card per person

1. First land at an AOE

2. CLOSE flight Plan

3. Present Identification• Pilot License• And for US Citizen: Proof of Citizenship Passport or

Birth Certificate and Picture ID• For non US Citizen: Passport

4. Present forms:1. Three General Declaration2. One Custom card per person

5. Be cooperative with Customs and Immigration. All will be very happy to help you.

ENTERING The Bahamas

LANDING in The Bahamas

Controlled Airports:- Nassau and Grand Bahama International- Contact approach control or tower approximately 25nm out

for landing instructions.

Uncontrolled Airports:- Announce: Aircraft, Identification, Location and Intentions

over Unicom frequency 122.8.- Fly over airport at 1,000’ MSL and enter LEFT traffic

pattern.- All landing and takeoffs at uncontrolled field should be into

the wind.

The Exuma’s

Experimental Aircrafts – Standardized Validation

1. A valid Certificate of Aircraft Registration 2. The nationality and registration marks assigned to

the aircraft by the FAA 3. Special Airworthiness Certificate4. All validation must be carried on board the aircraft5. Experimental Operating Limitations6. Pilot’s License7. Medical Certificate

Visiting the Islands

For those private aviators who have not had the pleasure of visiting The Bahamas and would wish to do so, please be advised that upon initial arrival into the country, each aircraft is required to proceed directly to a Port of Entry. Customs procedures at a Port of Entry are simplified to the extent that upon completing the Report Inwards (Customs Declaration C7A), subsequent voyages throughout the country emanating from initial arrival are made easy as the General Declaration Form (C7A) also serves as an Inter-Island movement form (Transire). This process therefore eliminates the issuance of a new form upon visiting each island of the archipelago. It should be further noted that those aviators who are flying for pleasure or recreation only are not required to pay any Customs overtime fees, regardless of the Port of Arrival/Departure during any time of day.

Mr. Anthony AdderleyComptroller of CustomsBahamas Customs Department

Visiting The Islands

1. No Landing fee – – for single engine private planes under 6,000 lbs. on a non-

commercial trip at any Government owned airport. – Landing Fee may apply at private airports.

2. No Overtime Customs & Immigration Fee – For private aircraft visiting The Islands Of The Bahamas where the

pilot declares that he/she does not receive any remuneration and the flight is for recreational purposes

3. No Tie Down Fee– At any Government owned airport. Tie Down Fee may apply at

private airports.

Staniel Cay

Visiting the Islands

Fuel: Available on many islands – Max 20 minutes from fuel.

Night Flying:– Only Nassau and Freeport have lighted runways that allow flying at night. – FBOs: Five established FBOs ( Two in Nassau, One in Grand Bahamas

Islands, Two in the Out Islands)

Maintenance and Repairs:– Mechanics will fly from Nassau with parts etc. Price similar or lower than in the

US.

Runways Length: Average 5,000 FeetWeather Information:

– 1-800 WX BRIEF – 1- 242 377 7178– 1- 242 377 7116

Departing the Bahamas1. Must Depart from an AOE.

2. File an International Flight Plan at 1-800-WXBRIEF,

3. CALL / Advise US Custom give ETA and A/C + PAX details and get “code” from Custom Officer

4. Presents Forms:• Give One copy of Gen Dec• Turn in immigration card.• Show Copy of Flight Plan

5. Pay Departure taxes $15 per person over 6years old.

Norman’s Cay

Hope Town - Abaco

Departing the Bahamas

1. After Take off:• Activate flight plan by contacting Nassau or Freeport

Radio on 124.2, 128.0. If unable to contact Nassau or Freeport: Miami Radio 126.7 or 122.4.

2. For flight following: Nassau on 121.0 or Miami on 125.7

Entering the US1. Get transponder code from FSS 126.7 Miami Radio 15 minutes

before penetrating the ADIZ from flight Service NOT from approach.

2. Close flight plan in the air on 122.2, 122.4, or 126.7. If not able, close at Customs office with 1-800-WXBRIEF

3. Land at an AOE such as OPF,MIA, FLL, FXE, PBI or FPR.

4. Wait for custom for Instruction in “penalty box”:1.Walk to Custom and leave A/C doors open2.Or take all your baggage and go directly to Customs

5. Prepare U.S. Arrival Report and Customs Declaration cards (in advance if possible).

Bahamas Fly-in

• Only 46 nm from the Florida Coast !

• Great experience• Fun event• Superb way to discover

the Islands• Comfortable and scenic

accommodations• Desolate beaches• Snorkeling, Diving,

Fishing, Boating

Bahamas Fly-in

A great way to:1. Introduce you the pilot, your family and friends to some

of the most beautiful and relaxing places on earth. 2. Meet other pilots while Islands hopping.3. Explore more islands4. Go to places most tourist will never see

Ideal For: 1. First-time flyer to the island2. Flying Clubs and Associations 3. Flyers fearful of flying over water by themselves4. Pilots seeking to discover new places5. Pilot looking for camaraderie and fun6. Past Bahamas Fly-in participants

Bahamas Fly-in

FORMAT: Lead Pilot Provides:

Full Pilot Briefing (at airport of Departure) Walk you through the simple paper work (at Arrival)

Selection of FBO along East Coast Bureau of Tourism Provides

Escort upon arrival for custom etc

ITINERARY: Will be sent to you on receipt of registration fee

LISTING of all water and sports activities (and prices) Sent ahead of time to allow for early booking.

·

Bahamas Fly-in

PRICE: Registration Fee: $40.00

Plane, Bahamas Fly-in T-shirts and Fly-in bag Maps and charts, approach plates, frequencies,

etc.... Forms for Bahamas and US Custom Escort

More Information:1. www.bahamas.com/flying2. Phone: 1-800-32-SPORT3. e-mail: grolle@bahamas.com

Visit Booth B72

For Additional Information :-

• Visit Our Website www.flying.bahamas.com• Phone: 1-800-32-SPORT• e-mail: grolle@bahamas.com

REMEMBER:

• Flying To The Islands Of The BAHAMAS:– Close– Fun – And It’s Easy

THANK YOU!!