By Pablo Garcia

For the 9th year the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation has hosted the annual Familiarization Trip (FAM trip) to the Islands of the Bahamas. The goal of this trip is to educate individuals on how easy it is for private pilots to fly their aircraft to and around the islands. The 2011 FAM trip included flights to Nassau, North Eleuthera and Bimini.

We started on Thursday August 18th with a briefing at Banyan’s Sabal Palm Conference room.  Greg Rolle introduced all of the participants to the ambassadors and support staff from the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. We also discussed the requirements, itinerary and all other information pertinent to the trip.

Upon reaching Nassau International Airport, some of us had to hold in the air due to bad weather conditions at the destination, but after a brief moment we were able to land safely at the Capitol’s Airport.

We enjoyed lunch with the local authorities of the Civil Aviation Department and the Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism.  They gave presentations about the many activities and improvements the local government has accomplished to make private flying to and from the Bahamas as smooth as possible.

Since weather conditions deteriorated, arrangements were made for us to stay in Nassau that night instead of trying to get to Treasure Cay where the airport was closed due to bad weather and low visibility.  We got to enjoy Nassau night life at the Wyndham Resort and enjoyed a night tour in the downtown area.

Pilots receive a full briefing from Greg Rolle of the Bahamas Tourism office at Banyan Air's superb facility

“Too much fun!” was a common exclamation of my Alaska ultralight friend, Mike Jacober. His signature phrase ran through my head as 18 airplanes, mostly LSA, arrived at the Freeport, Bahamas airport for the first Sport Pilot Fly-in over December 10-12, 2010. *** For many this was their first flight over the ocean (including yours truly). It isn’t far — 85 nautical miles, less than one hour — and it isn’t hard (unless you go for a swim en route… none of us did, thank goodness!). But flying out of sight of land, even for a short time, is rather attention-getting.

*** A number of us gathered at Banyan Air Service at the Fort Lauderdale Executive getting first-class treatment and fuel discounts from this “gateway FBO” to the Bahamas. Bahamas Tourism/Aviation director (and fellow pilot) Greg Rolle gave a thorough presentation of the requirements to fly internationally. Each pilot had to complete lots of government forms but they weren’t too difficult and the great help made it go quickly. Then, we all gathered our resolve, fired up our engines, and took off across the Big Drink. Of course, this is nothing for those few LSAers who have crossed the Atlantic andPacific, but it had me on my toes and I suspect most of us felt similarly.

The Light Sport Aircraft group departing from Banyan Air Service

*** An hour later, we landed one after another at Freeport to a warm reception by Bahamian authorities and tourist office staffers. We breezed through Customs and waiting taxicabs took us to a deluxe resort where we could all revel in our satisfaction of making the ocean-crossing voyage. Jacob Peed of Aviators Hot Line / Light Aviation Edition provided customized tee shirts for all participants with their aircraft name and N-number. Nice idea, Jake! *** Thanks for this great experience go to Randy Hansen and David Oord of EAA who worked with the Bahamas Tourism team to make the Sport Pilot certificate accepted at all airports throughout the islands. All participants have many people to thank but the Bahamas team leaders include Greg Rolle and Leonard Stuart (photo).

You — nor any Bahamian officials — have ever seen this: a row of LSA at the Freeport airport.

*** Continuing Bahamas Fly-ins and other LSA activities are planned and if you get the chance, be sure to take the opportunity. Special thanks to Breezer Aircraft USA boss, Mike Z, who loaned me a Breezer, and who very competently helped me prepare for the flight. Mike’s enterprise plans regular Bahamas fly-outs and you should contact him for advice. He’s a wealth of knowledge, having lived on and sailed throughout the islands for five winters.

Enjoying the night life near Lucaya Resort. Pictured are (R-L): Mike Z, Jacob Peed (kneeling), Bahamas rep Leonard Stuart, Randee Laskewitz, and Dan Johnson.

To read more blogs by Dan Johnson, visit his website at www.bydanjohnson.com.

by Chloé Foster

Thursday 8-26-10

Today was the first day of the Familiarization Trip to the Bahamas, over 40 people with a total of 9 planes met at SheltAir at FLL. SheltAir provided a continental breakfast of juice, coffee, and bagels while Greg Rolle from the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism debriefed the group. Greg went over the plans for the trip, handed out name tags and agenda booklets. A representative from both SheltAir and the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism spoke to the group and after everyone had filed their eAPIS we were ready to go.

The flight was only about 45 min long, and we enjoyed perfect conditions. We landed in Freeport at the Grand Bahamas Airport and were greeted by a representative of the airport, line service technicians and a photographer. The line tech took our bags and after a few snap shots we were whisked off to Customs. Right outside of Customs the feel of the Bahamas was already in the air as we were greeted with Bahama Mamas and conch fitters. The passengers enjoyed the sun and music, while the pilots went inside to meet with Customs. After everyone went through Customs we boarded a bus to The Radisson Our Lucaya Resort.

The bus ride from the airport to the resort was short and the driver gave a nice overview of the island and what it had to offer for both pilots and tourists. Looking out the bus, you knew you were in the Bahamas. The houses were bright Caribbean colors of green, pink and blue.

Upon arrival at the Radisson Our Lucaya Resort it was obvious that it was a five star hotel. Checking in was quick and simple and the resort representatives directed everyone to their rooms. We all received ocean view rooms and the view was spectacular. It over looked the horse shoe pool that ran up to the ocean front.

Lunch, hosted by the Grand Bahamas Ministry of Tourism was a working lunch and Round Table Seminar. Greg Rolle led the discussions and Karen Seymour from the Grand Bahamas Ministry of Tourism welcomed us to Grand Bahama. We went around the table and everyone introduced themselves and the company they represented. There were over 40 aviation representatives.

After a short detailed presentation from James Turner, the Commerical/Business Development Director for The Grand Bahama Airport, about the island and all it has to offer, a number of the pilots/groups who lead fly-ins to the Bahamas had a lot to say about today’s reception at the airport. A number of concerns were addressed as well as a lot of positive feedback.

After the round table everyone was given about 1 ½ hours for leisure time so they could explore the island, sit by the pool, take a dip in the ocean or go shopping.

Everyone met back in the lobby later that afternoon to be transported to the Airport for a happy hour outside of thetower. We had the opportunity to tour the inside of the control tower, something that many of us had never had the chance to do before. The Grand Bahama Fire Department did a demonstration and everyone watched the sun set over the runway.

Then it was back to Port Lucaya for dinner at Luciano’s. Dinner was hosted by the Grand Bahamas Tourist Office and the Grand Bahama Promotion Board. The restaurant was excellent and the food was delicious. Everyone had a wonderful time and it gave everyone a chance to mingle.

After dinner several people chose to enjoy the night life, and others headed back to the hotel to rest up for an early start Friday morning.