Kyle, the answer is: yes, absolutely. First, the procedures are a snap, simpler than your flight from Tennessee to Key West. Second, it's safe. You're never more than 50 miles from land, you're on a twin, you're over warm waters (not around Iceland, while ferrying an aircraft to Europe) and with minor preparations it becomes super safe. While some concern on your part is understandable, the statistics indicate that controlled ditching is as survivable as an emergence ground landing away from an airport. I'd much rather ditch into warm waters on good weather than do an emergency landing at night or over mountainous terrain.
Go to
www.SkymasterUS.com and read the "Bahamian Flight Procedures" page, the "May 2005 SOAPA Bahamas Side-trip" page and the "Ditching: Avoid & Prepare" page. Then decide. Three years ago we held our Skymaster Fly-in and Meeting in Treasure Cay, Bahamas, and several contributors to this Board (including Larry and Keven) went. Perhaps they'll pop in and share their views.
Ernie
03-18-05, 12:55 PM
Threaded Mode