Frequently Asked Questions

Inevitably pilots registering for the Cayman Caravan have questions about how things work. Here are some questions we hear frequently:

How far is it from Key West to Grand Cayman?
It's 330 nautical miles, due south. This is well within the capability of most light single-engine aircraft. The longest overwater leg, 170 miles, is south of Cuba. About 70 miles of the trip is over Cuba.  The longest possible routing, on the return flight, is 345 nautical miles.

Can I depart from an airport other than Key West?
Yes, we can make arrangements for departures from any airport within Florida or elsewhere. All we need to know is your date and time of departure. The only limiting factor is your non-stop range.

Do I have to return to Key West when I come back to the U.S.?
No, but we recommend it. Because of drug interdiction activity in the southern tier, this is a touchy issue with U.S. Customs. By prior approval, you may re-enter the U.S. at any of the ports of entry within U.S. Custom's Florida district. However, we recommend Key West, simply because we've made arrangements with this port of entry to expedite Caravan flights. If you re-enter elsewhere, you’ll need to make prior arrangements with Customs. We’ll tell you how to do that in the Caravan flight guide.

Can I return to the U.S. on any day I like?
Yes, you can. However, to avoid complications with Cuba overflight permits, we recommend sticking to your original plans. We can make changes--and have done so--but it's better to avoid it, if possible. The two busiest return days will be Sunday, June 18, 2006 and Monday, June 19, 2006. Returns to the U.S. are at the discretion of the pilot but most pilots organize informal Caravans for the return trip.

I'm a little worried about this Cuba business. Is it really safe to fly over Cuba?
Absolutely. In over 10 years of dealing with the Cuban government and ATC, they have been unfailingly polite and helpful.

What if I have to ditch? Are rescue services available?
Because of the heavy drug patrol activity, the Florida Straits are well covered by search and rescue services. Moreover, the U.S. Navy usually conducts exercises at NAS Key West during June and has a SAR helicopter on hot standby. South of Cuba, the U.S. Coast Guard has mutual assistance arrangements with the Cuban government to fly SAR missions all the way to Grand Cayman, if necessary.

How's the weather in June?
Hot, with occasional showers. June is the beginning of the rainy season in Grand Cayman, but that usually means sunny days with brief tropical showers. There are often thunderstorms over Cuba, but, as in the U.S., it's quite easy to deviate around them. Cuban controllers are very helpful, in allowing deviations. From time-to-time, an early season hurricane or tropical depression generates widespread rain and clouds, but in our experience, conditions have usually been flyable.

Can Cuban controllers help in avoiding weather?
Only to the extent that they will readily approve deviations. Cuba’s ATC is secondary or beacon radar only, so it’s incapable of seeing any weather. Using radar, Stormscope and your eyeballs, you can easily navigate around difficult weather.

What if I have to cancel after registration?
Since we don't put pressure on any pilots to fly in weather they're uncomfortable with, we've maintained a generous cancellation policy. We will refund in full any cancellation made on or before Thursday, May 18, 2006. Cancellations made between Thursday, May 18, 2006 and Thursday, June 01, 2006 will receive a 50 percent refund. After Thursday, June 01, 2006, the wheels will be in motion and we will be unable to refund registration fees.

If I'm delayed by weather, can I change my Caravan day?
No problem. We can make the arrangements if you give us a call advising of the delay.

Who makes the go/no-go decision as far as weather is concerned?
You do. Although the Caravan may fly in poor weather, that doesn’t mean you have to or you should. You remain fully responsible for your own decision to go or delay. If you decide to delay in Key West, we will have staff available to assist you until you’re ready to go. Simply put, don’t fly if you’re not comfortable with the weather.

What about all the charts and stuff? Where do I get this information?
Your Cayman Caravan registration fee includes a full chart package, including approach plates and a detailed flight guide. You don’t need to buy any charts except what you’ll need to get to Key West before departure.

If I have an emergency, can I land in Cuba?
Yes, you can. Over the years, five Caravan aircraft have landed in Cuba with mechanical or other problems. The Cuban authorities helped them with repairs and got them back on their way within an hour or overnight. Three large airports along the way--Varadero, Havana and Cayo Largo Del Sur--have excellent runways and repair facilities available.

Can I fly to Grand Cayman on my own?
Sure. You'll need to arrange your own overflight permit and file the necessary flightplans. Many Caravaners, having done the trip once with us, fly to the Cayman Islands regularly. During the Cayman Caravan, because of the congested traffic in the Giron Corridor, pilots tell us it’s far more convenient to simply let the Caravan do all the organizational work.

How much is fuel at Grand Cayman?
Fuel prices vary. Recently, it was $4.87 U.S. per gallon for Avgas, and $3.30 for Jet-A. Plan on some additional fees at Grand Cayman, to include $10 for a landing fee (under 4000 pounds), $5 per day for parking, $5 to spray your plane for bugs, a $10 ramp fee and a $5 navigation fee. (The bug fee may be waived.) These are CI dollars; exchange rate is $1.25 U.S. to $1 CI. (If you charge the gas, it'll cost a dime extra per gallon.) Should you require it, maintenance and repair (and very limited hangar space) is available at Owen Roberts Airport through the FBO, Island Air.

How about Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, can I fly there?
Both out islands make good day trips. The Brac has a jet-capable runway and fuel is available. Little Cayman has a hard pack strip that's relatively well cared for although there are many loose stones. We advise caution when operations into this field with low wing aircraft or those with little prop clearance.