Flying Around the Caribbean: Factors to Consider

Flying Around the Caribbean: Things to Consider

We recently had a client reach out to us and ask what factors he should consider when planning a trip flying around the Caribbean. There are many aviation enthusiasts who wish to explore the Caribbean. I have not done much flying recently but wanted to share some of my experiences and things you should look out for.

#1 Weather and Research: Preparation is key and I follow the app windy to see the winds and follow aviation weather reports. The weather can change really quickly in the Caribbean and there can be an intense cross wind when you land at some airports. Always do your own research and exercise caution.

#2 runways: There are many small runways in the Caribbean so it would be important to familiarize yourself with which ones are too small to land your plane or require a special permit to land. For example, Saba is the smallest runway in the world and St.Barts you require a special training to be able to land at the airport. If you are flying on a Piper Navajo some runways in the Grenadines or for example or Montserrat may be too short or borderline for landing

#3 Landing fees: Some countries have crazy landing fees and fees to maintain your plane at the airport. For example, Cuba has one of the highest landing fees in the Caribbean. Depending on the route you take if you are island hopping sometimes you have no choice but to stop at certain airports to re-fuel in which case you can expect to pay a fee. For example, Ochos Rio in Jamaica was expensive simply to land to re-fuel the plane to continue on the journey. Sometimes you are required to hire a handler while other times you can file paperwork yourself (this may be subject to change depending on the airport).

#4 fuel: If you need avgas or jet fuel it would be important to check if the airport does in fact have the type of fuel you need. It is always best to call and check in advance. For example, in the Bahamas sometimes it is indicated that they have a type of fuel when they don’t. It would always be best to contact the airport in advance to verify.

There are many Caribbean countries to visit:
Bahamas, Turks & Caicos, Antigua, St.Kitts & Nevis, Anguilla, St.Maarten, British Virgin Islands, Curaçao, Saint Lucia, Martinique, Gaudaleoupe, Grenada, Aruba, Jamaica, Cayman Islands and more

#caribbean #aviation #flying

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