Thorp Air Command - T18.net

I have discussed the proposed Bahamas trip with Mike Z., our guide. Here is the proposal:

Time frame - 11 thru 15 April, 2017 (week following Sun 'n Fun).
Rough itinerary -
- Meet Tuesday, 11 April for briefing and social in Lakeland, FL.
- Depart for Bahamas Wednesday, 12 April.
- Return to USA Sunday, 15 April.

This plan gives us four nights in the Bahamas.

We need your input as to what you want to see/do while in the islands - Beach, air tour, snorkel? Class of resort?

Once we get a consensus of desires, we can put together a good trip.

Mike and I are looking forward to hearing from those interested.

_________________
Bob Highley
N711SH
SN 835
KLAL

We are in! We will have to be back home on the 15th, but can hash our departure out when the time comes.

I know I definitely want to do some serious aviating while we are down there and Amanda will want as much time in the sun as she can get, other than that we aren't to picky!

Thanks Bob for working on this! I think it will be a trip of a lifetime!

David and Karen are definitely in. I would like to do some island hopping and Karen wants some beach time. We have only snorkeld a couple of times but that sounds fun too. As far as accommodations we don't need anything fancy, I mostly only intend to be in the room to sleep anyway. I like the idea of moving the departure date closer to S&F but am aware you need to have time to put things away there afterward. We will make the timing work no matter when. Thanks!

Ditto to what David said, plus at the end of the day an adult beverage that comes with an umbrella in it.
Would like to explore the islands.

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Bruce Finney
N18JF T-18C #262
Yelm, WA USA

I chatted with Mike again yesterday and departing Tuesday and coming back Saturday is doable. Some of us have key roles in Sun 'n Fun and need to put some of the toothpaste back in the tube before we can go.

Now is not too late to get a passport. Other things to check on include a radio station operator's permit, insurance coverage, and customs stickers. We can source life vests and temporary 12" numbers later.

_________________
Bob Highley
N711SH
SN 835
KLAL

I have received some info on Bahamas flying from the tourist bureau. Please PM me with your address so I can shoot a copy to you. Mike Z and I are putting together a draft itinerary that will include island tours, night activities, beach time and other great island fun.

_________________
Bob Highley
N711SH
SN 835
KLAL

Dang that sounds like fun
Cubes

One thing I'll mention that I'm sure Mike is well aware of. Even the 'smooth' runways in the Bahamas are pretty damn rough. They hitch is that the really cool islands tend to have the bad runways. I've done this a few times and in all cases it's been in a retract with fat tires a forgiving gear and obviously no wheel pants. Considering our stiff gear and low hanging footwear.. I recommend we stick to the best of runway surfaces. The option of going pant-less is there too but I'd rather patch fiberglass/paint then fly my airplane around half naked!

_________________
Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

We have discussed the runway situation and are in agreement that good tires are a must.

_________________
Bob Highley
N711SH
SN 835
KLAL

I have polled all of my Bahamas experienced local pilots here in Florida and they all recommend The Green Turtle Club off Abaco Cay. (greenturtleclub.com) This destination has been there for a long time and has a bit of everything that is Bahamas. The area around it makes for great flying, formation, air to air pictures, you name it. Mike Z is working with the resort to get us all inclusive great rates with some added bonuses.

List of those who are going so far:

Bob Highley, Bill Williams, Derek Fritschle, David Read, Bruce Finney, and Mike Z.

We can fit one or two more planes, so if you want to go, now is the time to pipe up.

Here is the draft itinerary for the Bahamas 2017 Thorp Trip:

April 5 Wed -- Ministry of Tourism, Bahamas sponsored gathering during night air show Sun 'n Fun. (pending)
April 7-8 Fri Sat -- Aircraft prep.
April 10 Mon -- Trip Briefing and Dinner at KLAL
April 11 Tues -- Depart Lakeland (KLAL) for Treasure Cay Airport (MYAT). 258 NM, 1.7 Hrs at 150kts true. Check-in and let the fun begin.
April 15 Sat -- Depart Treasure Cay Airport (MYAT) for U.S. Customs and Immigration at Ft Pierce (KFPR). 166 NM, 1.2 Hrs. Proceed on course for final destination.

Here are some things to start working on , if you haven't already done them:

Passport.
Customs Decal from DTOPS.GOV.
FCC Station License, FCC Radio Operators Permit. (If someone has a gouge on this, let us know.)
12" N numbers. I am checking with the local paint shop about temp numbers. We export a lot of planes from LAL and they put temp N numbers on all the time.
EAPIS. This is done up to Thirty days prior to departure. We can do this here at LAL prior to departure. If you plan on doing this yourself, list your passenger as crew. Saves a lot of hassle.

ARRG! There's rum to be had, Mon. More later.

_________________
Bob Highley
N711SH
SN 835
KLAL

Don't forget to put the Waltons on that list!

_________________
Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

And Lee + one Walton!

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Bob Highley
N711SH
SN 835
KLAL

Hopefully I'm not over stepping. You guys seem like an experienced group of pilots. The FCC radiotelephone operator permit is easy. Send them some money and they send you a "permit". Mine hasn't been checked by anyone in the world in 10 years. Not sure about the FCC "station license". I don't have that, unless the radiotelephone op permit includes it. I believe you can file an EAPIS on FltPlan.com. I haven't personally used it, but have heard it is easy to use. A lot of places stamp you in, AND out now. So be sure to get stamped out, or at least ask before you launch for the mainland. Also, you might check the customs hours of op for your return. I've never cleared at FPR. Probably open on Saturday, but ya just never know. We always call US customs at least 2 hours prior to arrival. I've found that when we clear, if we have all of our paperwork in order and are waiting with it and a smile, things go smoothly and painless. We print and fill out our US customs declaration prior to landing and that seems to speed up the process as well.

Have fun guys! I'm jealous that A) I don't own a thorp, and B) I'm not flying it to the Bahamas.

Regarding the 12" numbers We may be able to get away with cleanly applied 2" painters tape (many colors available). The 12" Numbers are only needed when we return to the US. I had used white electrical tape one time .. the customs guy was not too happy about that but sort of laughed it off. I think if we can make painters tape look respectable that's a quick cheap and easy on the paint solution (see ex: MILITARY style pic).

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Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

I think it would be hysterical if you showed up at Customs with all the AC having the same N number !

RB
Jester