Title27

Me and three friends have been tossing around the idea of renting a PA-28-181 out of KBDR and flying down to SXM, spending a day or two, flying up to Nassau, spend a day there, and fly back to Connecticut. Obviously I've never done anything like this, and have a few questions. These pertain to the first leg down to SXM. I can figure out everything else.

How many stops should I make down the eastern coast? In the Carribean? Anyone recommend any good FBOs to stop and get a bite?

How much fuel can I expect to burn?

Should I file a VFR Flight plan the whole way?

Lastly, is there a VOR approach available at SXM? I don't have much information on the airport. As well, how do they handle GA traffic?

Any help is appreciated.

Planespotta

I read that they have a VOR/DME approach, and that they do accept GA traffic, but I'm not 100% positive about that.

Title27

Thanks. I'm pretty sure they do as well, but I wanted to make sure there weren't extensive landing fees.

FlyerJosh

You're probably going to pay a pretty penny to fly around to some of the caribbean destinations, but I don't know about all of the various fields.

I just finished a trip down to Nevis and Turks/Caicos Islands, and certainly some things were easier than others and some places are easier than others.

As a general rule, you'll need to be on a flight plan of some sort any time you are operating in Caribbean airspace. If you have an IFR rating, personally that's the way that I would go since then you don't have to worry about coordinating ADIZ stuff as much.

It's been a little while (over 8 years) since I've flown a light Piper- refresh my memory about the fuel capacity and endurance that you get in the model you fly. IIRC, you can get about 4-5 hours endurance if you lean it out so you're talking 500-600 NM range right? Maybe less depending on payload?

So realistically speaking, you're talking fuel stop in NC (RDU), fuel stop in N. Florida (JAX), fuel in the Bahamas somewhere (MYNN), fuel in Grand Turk (MBPV) then maybe on to St. Maartin? (Maybe a stop in PR for fuel). Realistically you're looking at 6 legs to give you enough fuel for comfort (at least based on 500-600NM max range- IE legs of around 500 NM + reserve). In all, you're talking about a long trip, with a good portion over water with multiple international overflights (not that overflying is a big deal since for the most part you're talking to US [Miami/San Juan] controllers). Realistically speaking, an entire half of the trip (maybe more) to SXM/TNCM is over the islands from the point where you go "feet wet" down in FL somewhere south of Daytona.

Keep in mind too, that you're probably going to want to hug coasts and island hop as much as you can, just in case something goes wrong along the way! (Not to mention the need for life vests and maybe other survival gear, depending on the routing - ie raft).

If you want to go, I'd recommend that you spend $50 to purchase the Bahamas & Caribbean Pilot's Guide. I used it on my last trip down to the islands, even with worldwide Jepp service and professional flight planning. I found that in the weeks leading up to the trip, it was just easier to call down to the local FBO's and ask my questions of them. (The guide has FBO numbers, airport numbers, customs numbers, and little bits of info on each airport and island. Think of it as a poor man's A/FD for the Caribbean area).

There are other customs requirements (particularly if you are flying further east into a territory that is part of the Eastern Caribbean States). These nations require you to provide advance notice of your passengers as well as some preliminary info (passport numbers, date of birth, etc) before you arrive.

My suggestion is plan a trip out to the Bahamas first. I know you have a long way to fly, but consider island hopping around the western caribbean first before you go for a longer trip. That will complicate things a lot less, as well as take a lot of the stress out of planning the trip.

ToiletDuck

Make sure you know the laws well. I don't know if they are all FAA destinations or not. I've just had experience flying in Mexico and can tell you there are many different rules that seem to only come to surface by word of mouth. I'm not saying not to do it as I'm definitely the adventurous type, but make sure you cover your basis. There's a reason why Jep and Universal offer these services to people traveling international.

Cubdriver

You didn't say much about the airplane you plan to rent but I wouldn't launch off shore in an old piston single if it is old. Twins and newer singles would be my minimum equipment for over-water flight. An acquaintance of mine flies Bahamas every year and he uses a new Skylane G1000 that he rents. He says he feels fairly safe- the G1000 has Nexrad weather and he carries a good raft.

Ziggy

Everything you've mention can be done. But I would highly suggest you make a real effort at planning the details. Asking how many stops one should make, or how much fuel may be required is not a good way to start off.
This can all be answered by what routes are suitable, weather, and other details. Also face to face time with other pilots who have completed this type of flight can be very beneficial. Lots of people/pilots do make these journeys and they are not to difficult. Considering that you will be staying within the U.S. Territories. But still prudent planning can and will be your savior.

ToiletDuck

www.fltplan.com is a good place to setup your flight plan and http://aviationweather.gov/ for images and future weather outlook. I did quite a bit of offshore flying at one time in a single and even had the engine start to quit once. Luckily I was only 15 miles out and able to pretty much glide back barely making it to an airport. It's a pucker factor that's for sure. The only reason I was out there was because a helicopter went missing. Anyway unless it's for gas, or even then, and engine doesn't just quit on those things. You'll get sputtering or rough running with sounds before they go out. If you do fly a single make sure you do your run-ups and comply with over water regs.

SecondLife

You might find some useful information here: http://www.caribbeanflyingadventures.com

wmarti31

I guess they do accept GA traffic:

http://www.airliners.net/photo/Untit...ext_id=0960691