AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums The Cayes Ambergris Caye Toucan Fly

I do know that matt is VERY weather concious and even days that look just fine out to me a lot of times he wont fly cause the wind wont be going the right way, or too much of this or that ( I dont know).

I think what has happened since that last pilot died, the level of professionalism and quality of the service have gone WAY up.

AC

just cleared some out, shoot.

AC

I know nothing about the technical stuff, but I do have to say that I met Matt and chatted with him for a bit. He is very professional and a really nice guy.
I really want to do this and if the weather and money gods cooperate I will!

Hey everybody,
I'm one of the pilots flying for Toucan Fly, so you may see buzzing around from time to time in one of their colorful little birds. I was asked by a good friend of mine to get on here and see if I could set the record straight on a few matters.

First off, I would like to apologize for the lack of info and professionalism on our website. Trust me, I've been wanting to make some changes to it from the onset, but we're a small company with limited man-power and we've been buried in bureaucracy getting the proper authorizations in place for our up and starting business.

Secondly, both of the pilots currently flying these aircraft hold US ratings in proper category and class. We both have Certified Sport Pilot Flight Instructor Certificates in weight-shift control, and I'm one of maybe five people in the US who hold a weight-shift private pilot with night privileges.

These aircraft are typically referred to as "trikes" among pilots and categorized as "Weight-Shift Control" by the US FAA. I have personally flown these machines since 1995 when I began taking lessons. I soloed in 1996 and have been flying them regularly since. Since then I have acquired almost 2000 hours in just trikes. I have flown them all over the continental US, Hawaii, West Africa, Russia and Alaska. In the past 10 years I have also gained certificates in single and multi-engine airplanes, gliders, as well as received endorsements for water and snow operations.

Our other pilot has been flying trikes for 10 years and has held a private pilot certificate since 1984. I cannot attest to his experience beyond that, but I can say that he is by far one of the most methodical, conscientious, and predictable pilots that I have had the privilege of flying with.

We're both US FAA rated mechanics in this category of aircraft and work diligently to keep them maintained in safe operational condition. Our aircraft maintenance program either meets or exceeds the requirements placed on us by the aircraft manufacturer, US FAA regulations and the Belize CAA.

This brings us to my third point, which has to do with regulations. I see there are rumors that we are not bound by regulation - which, let me assure you, is NOT the case. We have to maintain current and legal US Pilot Certificates, maintain the aircraft in accordance with regulations placed on us by the US FAA, Belize CAA, and the aircraft manufacturer, and operate within the privileges and limitations placed on us, once again, by the US FAA, Belize CAA, and the aircraft manufacturer.

We by no means have a shortage of oversight and regulation to abide by.

On to the important stuff: Prices. We are currently charging Belize Residents $220 BZ and visitors $300 BZ for a 20-25 minute flight around the island. The passenger gets to enjoy the reef and lagoon like never before on these flights. We haul one passenger in each trike and always have two trikes in operation.

I hope this helped clarify some things. I'm off to the airport. Feel free to call if you have any questions: 632-0701.

Thanks a lot!
Matthew

Thanks for the info Matthew. Will definitely look you up next time.

For that rate: You can get 2 friends, take a 1hr local sightseeing flt (Blue Hole) in a real airplane (safety equipment, raft, jackets), with a Commercial or ATP rated pilot who is very familiar with Belize. An ICAO (internationaly) recognized Air Operators Certificate, insured and maintained as per ICAO regulations.

yeah cause soooo many people survive plane crashes.

also you are comparing apples to oranges. Thats like saying why ride a motorcycle when you can get in a station wagon.

blah

bing - i know bro, i was just busting your balls and trying to be clever while doing it haha.

AC