Anyone flown to Cuba or planning to, via general aviation from the United States? Directed at US Citizens primarily.
I'm ready. When can we? The embargo is done? Over? It's just another island now? Seems this would take some time.
I am very much ready to fly direct and not to have to originate in Canada or mex. I want to see what it all does to the cigar business? I will gladly pay the premium if the quality can come back
I know people who have done it. I don't think it's that big of a deal, once you secure the right permits. US aircraft overfly Cuba pretty much every day-- that's not a big deal at all.
My routing was KFXE to Baracoa, Cuba FL370, then at Baracoa it was VFR, down to FL180, continue on between Haiti and Cuba and then on to Gitmo. No overflights. Overflights are not a big deal, just costs money for a permit. The toughest thing was getting PPR number ( post prior release). Dealing with the State Department to allow clearance to get permission to land was another story. Gary Bobileff
Coming back is no problem, just E-file with Customs the same as any other entry.Pull into the blue box, officers check the passports, luggage gets unloaded and scanned inside the building, back in the aircraft, on to the next mission. All of which took 30 minuets. Easy! Gary Bobileff
Get a (US) overflight permit. Then you can go further north, where customs is much easier and you don't have to unload all the bags.
To clarify, I am curious as to flying GA over there for vacation. Without having to depart from MYNN or some other island first. And then there is the trade embargo. I've heard this can be done and recent news might make it easier, but I thought some member here might be in the know as to the particulars.
In my case, I was continuing on , going west to San Diego, KCRQ ( Carlsbad) from Ft. Lauderdale. Gary Bobileff
Me too, but customs in Orlando is much easier and more pleasant than anywhere in southern Florida. And, with an overflight permit, you can avoid Brown Field when coming in from the south in your area.
I landed at Brown for Customs, because to schedule Customs to be at CRQ, there's a $650.00 call out fee, as they have to drive from Brown to CRQ. Not worth it, as it's an 8 minute flight between Brown and CRQ. I won't burn $650.00 in fuel! Gary Bobileff