Cayman trip info request
 

We're planning a February trip to the Caymans. I need to speak to someone with experience! My e-mail is Gunman1F16@aol.com.
Thanks!

I'm in Miami, fly a lot to The Bahamas and have been to the Caymans (but haven't flown in). While I don't have firsthand experience, I know that it's a pretty straightforward trip. You need to be on an International flight plan, get Cuban approval for overflight at least 2 days in advance (which is routinely granted) and be cleared by the Cubans into their airspace. I have also heard (but not verified) that it's an IFR flight over Cuba, which may affect VFR-only pilots.

A good webpage on Cayman trips is at http://www.planeandpilotmag.com/cont...es/havana.html and has useful phone numbers. The return trip, especially crossing the ADIZ into the U.S., needs special attention. If you've never flown into the Caribbean and back, you might find two pages at www.SkymasterUS.com helpful. "Ditching Checklist" provides pre-flight preparations for over-water flights as well as ditching procedures. "Flight Procedures for The Bahamas" covers many of the procedures which will apply to a Cayman trip.

Incidentally, although I haven't announced it yet, I'm in the early stages of preparing a two-day, one-night escorted trip to The Bahamas for those attending the SOAPA meeting in Key West in May who can spare an extra two days (look in the Home page for the meeting announcement). It will give us a chance to apply these preparations and procedures, as well as fly over gorgeous turqoise waters, stay at beachfront villas for about $75, and enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Ernie

I went to the Caymans with the Cayman Caravan a few years ago. Great fun! And definitely a place I would like to go back to.

Theoretically you can go VFR, but on our trip all the VFR aircraft (all 2 of them) were turned back inexplicably by Cuban ATC.

AOPA has all the forms, and info, that you need, and I can't really add anything to what Ernie mentioned. Ernie is far more experienced at Carribean flying than I am.

If you want some first hand stories, call me at 503-693-7266.

Kevin

That's what I've heard, that it's got to be IFR. You'd think the Cubans would allow VFR with a squawk code and flight following (which to me is indistinguishable from IFR for purposes of directing the aircraft), but I understand that they don't. The Cayman phone numbers on the webpage I mentioned might be able to give an updated reading on this, if it's important to you.

Ernie

International flights across Cuba besides their permit has to be IFR, I have done it several times. Take with you, copy of all the documentation required on an international flight and be sure to comply with US customs regulations on your return trip.

Cayman trip
 

I've gotten in touch with the guy who arranges the Cayman Caravan, as it turns out, he's an old F-16 buddy and knows everything about getting to the Caymans! Thanks for all of your help and information!
Ron

Caymans Yeah!
 

Ron:

Good luck with your trip in February.

I have always wanted to do the Cayman Caravan, and hope to make it happen this year. Nice to see another Tennessean braving that Cuban airspace <g>.

Kyle Townsend
Lexington, TN