Bahamas - Nov 2012

[paulwerbin]

Definitely worth checking. Esp if you already see them booked. Staniel is pretty limited for a group. Stella Maris is pretty big and in my few trips there only filled up on New years. But obviously things can get busy. I am usually a last minute trip planner, but know that doesn't always work. Andros, Cat Island, Long Island, Eleuthera all have choices. There are houses on VRBO.com too. Nobody goes to Blackpoint, so if we want some small cottages and a boat for the week I can set that up when we get a head count and dates.
Jim, it sounds like you have a lot more planes to pick from than I do!

[jameseolsen]

Paul,

Fortunately, the real owner of the BE23 is a former airline pilot. He owns the BE23 (I just fly it and wash it) and a PA32 Piper Lance. He also manages and maintains a turbin Piper Meridian, an F-90 King Air (yes, the ridiculously fast and way overpowered, short winged King Air) that was purchased from Hendrick Motorsports, and the CJIII he flies and manages for a local doctor and car dealer. Needless to say, I get a good deal of free turbin and jet time on empty legs. I can fly and land the Lance and Meridian, but the King Air and the jet scare me to death. The King Air especially on take off roll. It feels like a dragster and has so much torque it wants to ground loop. Next step is the complex, high performance in Lance and I think that will end my upward airplane mobility. But I will sit right seat for the view (of the rapidly droping fuel gauges as I contemplate what I could do with the money the jet burns every minute).

[Challenged]

My birthday is in November and my wife has been bugging me to pick some place for us to go and celebrate. I was on a commercial flight back from AZ a couple of days ago and when I took out my Plane & Pilot magazine, the guy sitting next to me started talking about his Mooney and how he used to own a Sierra, then he mentioned how fantastic flying to the Bahamas is, and now I see this thread...I'm wondering if someone is trying to tell me something.

[paulwerbin]

Sounds like it's time to sharpen up your hand spear and clean your snorkle gear!

[Ed]

Well Carey, Looks like its time to go. My birthday happen to fall on this trip (11th). I might just have enough time to learn to dive before this trip(Paul, Ron).

[paulwerbin]

I have photo proof of you snorkeling Ed! From your first Bahamas flight.

[paulwerbin]

The June 2012 issue of Aviation Safety has a summary of over water safety equipment options. Whatever you choose to carry, it is good to know what is available.

[jameseolsen]

Just in case anyone does not know it already, Ft. Pierce is a jumping off point with customs and everything for the return. The FBO also rents anything you could want or need for overwater flights, rafts, locator beacons, etc., at relatively reasonable rates. Cheaper than buying them anyway.

[SkyMan]

Most likely if I go I'll depart locally here FLL, and meet the group either in the air or an Island. Has a decision been made which Island it will be for the first stop?
Or for that matter the itinerary. Paul mentioned Abacos.

[paulwerbin]

In the past we went to Abaco and stayed at Treasure Cay. This trip is still indecided but I am recommending Stella Maris on Long Island or perhaps Eleuthera or Cat Island for a more true Bahamas feel. But as far as I know the group still needs to decide what type of location they want. KFLL is a good starting point too. Great FBO service at Nationalthe Jet. KFPR offers a more northern departure point and cheaper gas. KFLL makes the flight shorter if heading to a southern point. Hotels available at both for overnight stays.