General Information
Flying in The Bahamas is truly simple and well within the capabilities of the lightest single-engine aircraft. Leaving the east coast of Florida, first landfall occurs at Grand Bahama Island (60nm) or Bimini (50nm). While conditions are typically VFR, GPS is the most reliable and accurate method of navigation, and GPS will get you to even the most remote of our islands.
Nassau, New Providence Island and Freeport, Grand Bahama Island are the major population centers. Flight operations are conducted within the equivalent of a U.S. TCA with radar coverage. There are approach control, tower and ground frequencies. Nassau and Freeport both offer Flight Service facilities. Nassau is the seat of Government, the hub of commerce and the busiest airport with the most airline traffic.
The other 58 airports in The Bahamas are uncontrolled and use standard procedures. All pilots monitor Common Traffic Advisory Frequency, CTAF 122.8, advising position and intentions. Left traffic patterns are used, pattern altitude is 1,000' AGL. Outbound traffic announces before occupying runways (there are no taxiways except at Nassau and Freeport) and depart straight out or turn left, climbing above pattern altitude as soon as possible.
VFR night flying is prohibited in The Bahamas, during official sunset to sunrise. Controlled airspace requires VFR minimums of 1,500' and 3 miles clear of clouds. The VFR minimums for uncontrolled airspace differ from the U.S. requirements of 1.000' and one mile clear of clouds and in sight of land or water.
Mandatory Requirements
You must file a U.S. International Flight Plan before departing the U.S. and your first point of arrival in The Bahamas must be at an Airport of Entry (AOE).
Each person aboard the aircraft must have a valid passport.
Return to the U.S. requires an International Flight Plan filed to the most convenient U.S. Airport of Entry. You may advise U.S. Customs and Border Protection of arrival ETA by including the word ADCUS (Advise Customs) on your Flight Plan. In addition, you must call U.S. Customs and Border Protection and give at least one-hour notice prior to arrival.
All airplanes must have a transponder, 12" registration numbers on the plane, and one U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person. Life rafts are suggested but not required.
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