Page 4 - Volume 15 Number 3

editor’sbriefing2011 Goal: Burn Some AvgasIn December 2010’s Editor’s Briefing, I mentioned I was working on my list ofmemorable places to fly in the coming year. I think my spouse passed it off as idle dreaming. When I began making plans, he realized I was serious. Honey, we are going to burn some avgas making memories this year.First up, I’m attending the Citation Jet Pilots Association’s regional gathering in Houston this month. Hosted by CJP member and CJ owner-pilot Stuart Fred, the three-day event includes a Texas-style barbequeEllington Field, a tour of NASA’s airport facility, and a single- pilot safety standdown led by former chief astronaut Charlie Precourt. The first 10 CJP members who signed up will get a flight in an L-39 Russian jet trainer. Unfortunately, that won’t be me; let’s just say not everyone in my house was on board with my 2011 resolution in a timely fashion. Just the same, the event looks to be educational and a lot fun with a great group of owner-pilots. If you are Citation owner, or plan to be one, check out CJP’s series of events this year.Also this spring, we are making plans to fly to the Out Islands of the Bahamas. This being our fifth flight to the islands, I was looking for a unique experience. I studied the Bahamas and Caribbean Pilot’s Guide and talked to Florida-based friends who make the hop regularly. Staniel Cay caught my eye. Located in the Exumas, this tiny island is surround by many smaller islands and that gorgeous Bahamas water. The 3,000- foot runway dissects the island and is convenient to everything. Unfortunately, due to “commitment issues” mentioned above, all the best accommodations were already booked. We’ll save Staniel Cay for another trip.Plan B eventually led me to Fernandez Bay on Cat Island. Having heard good things about the area, I called and was fortunate to talk to Donna who helped us put together a rental house deal.Since our last trip to the Bahamas in 2006, several requirements have changed. For one, it is advised to purchase your Customs and Border Protection private aircraft decal several weeks inadvance. In the past, we would buy one at an airport of entry in Florida prior to our hop over to the islands. However, it was easy to order one online. The $27.50 decal covers all overtime charges you may incur with Customs during the entire year.Second, it was somewhat unclear whether you should have a radio operator’s license and radio station license. The United States eliminated the requirement for a radio license years ago, but some sources say the Bahamas still require it. Although I’ve never been asked to present either by Bahamian customs, I’ve heard of several incidents where the agent “fined” the aircraft owner several hundred dollars because they did not have them. The one-time $100 application fee on the FCC Web site seemed like good insurance.The last big change is the eAPIS, Electronic Aircraft Passenger System. eAPIS is an online customs reporting system required for all international departures and arrivals. For first-timers, you must enroll and activate an account. Then you can file a report electronically, which includes the names of the pilot, crew and passengers, and the dates and times of departures and arrivals.If you use FltPlan.com for filing flight plans, they can also file your eAPIS manifest for you. FltPlan.com takes much of the information required by Customs and automatically transfers it to the eAPIS manifest form. They also store the eAPIS required information so you are not manually typing in passenger information each time and possibly introducing an error. There is also comfort in knowing they have your back. After you file the eAPIS manifest through FltPlan.com you will get two confirmations, an email from Customs and an independent confirmation on your Active Flight Plan List and eAPIS page. Both confirmations let you know your manifest has been received.Look for a “Great Getaways” article regarding Cat Island, Bahamas in an issue later this year.After planning these two trips, I realize I still have nine months in which to make many more aviation memories. Not to worry, honey, I bet I can come up with few ideas.Dianne White Editor2 •• ­TE MARCH 2011WWIINN&& TTUURBIINN