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Caribbean to Central America and Back

Discussion in 'Aviation Chat' started by Thunberg, Apr 12, 2014.

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  1. Thunberg

    Thunberg Karting

    Jun 19, 2004
    65
    RI
    #1 Thunberg, Apr 12, 2014
    I've flown a good bit in the Caribbean, have been in the Turks and Caicos (airport MBPI specifically) for the past few months, and am looking for any feedback on a proposed flight from here to Costa Rica to look at some property, then back to the US via the West side of Cuba.

    Proposed route: http://skyvector.com/?ll=18.09294807083927,-83.42871094097782&chart=302&zoom=11&plan=A.MB.MBPI:A.MB.MBPV:F.MY.ALBBE:F.MK.BENET:A.MK.MKJP:A.MR.MRLM:A.MR.MRAN:A.MR.MRLB:V.MN.MGA:F.MH.LIBIS:V.MH.TNT:V.MH.BTO:F.MH.LANDA:F.MM.XOREN:V.MM.CZM:F.MU.EMOSA:F.MU.VINKA:A.K7.KEYW

    Plan would be leave in the morning, 2 hours to Kingston, JM for fuel, 3 hours to Limon to clear Costa Rican customs, then a quick hop to my destination near Lake Arenal. Heading back to the states the first stop would be Liberia, CR for fuel, then 2 hours to La Ceiba on the North coast of Honduras for the next fuel stop, then 3.5 hours to Key West.

    Few questions:

    1. Being a US citizen, is the proximity to Cuba of the route I've chosen an issue?
    2. I've never flown in Central America, for IFR flight plans is it point to point, or could the leg between Libera and La Ceiba be direct?
    3. ICAO flight plans are filed with the tower at each airport, correct?
    4. Any other thoughts or suggestions?

    Thanks in advance for the help.
     
  2. kylec

    kylec F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Jun 9, 2005
    3,670
    Orlando
    #2 kylec, Apr 12, 2014
    Why are you stopping in Liberia for fuel on your return trip? Are you unable to leave with full fuel?
     
  3. Thunberg

    Thunberg Karting

    Jun 19, 2004
    65
    RI
    #3 Thunberg, Apr 12, 2014
  4. MarkPDX

    MarkPDX F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Apr 21, 2003
    15,111
    Gulf Coast
    #4 MarkPDX, Apr 12, 2014
    You seem pretty well clear of Cuba... Flying through Haiti might as well be uncontrolled airspace in my experience. Watch out going into Jamaica as I have had them give vectors/altitudes which coincided with terrain which is something most place seem a little more conscientious about.
     
  5. donv

    donv Two Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Jan 5, 2002
    26,107
    Portland, Oregon
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    Don
    #5 donv, Apr 12, 2014
    I've not done it, but I have heard Cuba is no problem, as long as you get the overflight permit-- which should also be easy to get.
     
  6. Jason Crandall

    Jason Crandall F1 Veteran

    Mar 25, 2004
    6,375
    ATL/CHS/MIA
    Full Name:
    Jason
    #6 Jason Crandall, Apr 13, 2014
    I've flown these areas a lot. Looks good to me. Just be sure to call ahead and ensure they have fuel. Keep a stack of General Declarations on the plane. No matter what happens, act like you know what you're doing. You'll have plenty of stops with 10 guys meeting you at the plane all carrying machine guns. Just smile and wave.

    Bring pesos for Mexico.

    PM me if you need a Cuban Overflight permit. Looks like you don't need one though.
     

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