Registration Details

This package contains everything you'll need to register for the Cayman Caravan.  If you’re wondering why we need all this information, it’s because we're dealing with three governments and about a dozen different agencies.  We've learned by experience that each has its own unique requirements, so we've tried to break things into manageable, logical pieces.  Instead of you having to enter your address six times on six separate forms, you only have to give it to us once.

We'll be providing you with Customs and Immigration packages printed and ready to go.  We're sure you'll agree that it's better to fill out our forms in the comfort of your home rather than on a hot airport  ramp.  You'll be rewarded with a seamless clearance through Customs at both ends.  Caravaners always tell us it's well worth the effort.

Please print as clearly and legibly as you can or have someone with a better hand fill out the forms.  This is important to avoid errors.  Once a typo or a transposed N-number is in the system, it's devilishly hard to correct it.

About This Package
These forms represent the basic aircraft registration package.  The registration fee is $479.00 per aircraft until Thursday, May 18, 2006.  After that date, the late fee applies.  The late fee is $50.00 per aircraft, so it pays to register early.  The fee covers the following services:

The Cuban government reserves the right to charge pilots for use of its airspace.  However, during the 16 years we've organized the Caravan, they've never levied these charges for non-commercial aircraft.  Any charges levied by Cuba, or any other government or agency, are in addition to the Caravan registration fee.

A number of Caravan participants have phoned or emailed us to report receiving an airspace use invoice from Jamaica, billing either $12.00 or $24.00 for IFR services in the Kingston Flight Information Region (FIR). We have investigated these invoices and we're told that they are legitimate charges which Jamaica is authorized to collect under ICAO regulations.  If you have received the invoice, please pay it promptly.  This will help you avoid any problems on subsequent trip to Grand Cayman or elsewhere in the Caribbean

Survival Gear
We can provide rental survival gear, including rafts and vests as well as discount survival kits for purchase.  You can pick up and return these items in Key West.  If you wish, you may obtain this equipment from other sources or provide your own.  Also, we have very competitive prices on Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) as well as Winslow and Survival Products liferafts.  Call or email for details.

Due to the larger number of aircraft which fly on the Caravan, the supply of rental rafts may be limited.  That's another reason to register early.  If we can't supply a rental raft, we'll try to provide a source that can.

But the one unbreakable rule for Caravan operations is this: We require that all aircraft carry liferafts and personal floatation devices for each occupant.

Obviously, carrying a small raft in your aircraft at all times is a good idea and if you'd like to purchase one, we can offer factory new liferafts at rock bottom discount prices.

Aircraft & Pilot Information
The Key West to Grand Cayman flight is well within the capability of most light aircraft.  You'll have to fly the trip over Cuba IFR so make sure both the pilot and the aircraft are IFR current.  U.S. Customs requires that aircraft returning to the U.S. have 12-inch N-numbers and an exterior dataplate with serial number, aircraft type and so forth. If your aircraft lacks either, Aerographics (800-336-9633 or www.aerographics.com) can provide them.  In addition, make sure the following documents are aboard the airplane: permanent registration certificate (not a pink temporary copy), airworthiness certificate and FCC aircraft radio station license.  The radio license is no longer required for domestic flights but they are required for international flights.  The pilot should have an FCC restricted radiotelephone license.  If you don't have one, contact the FCC at 888-225-5322 and ask for the necessary forms or log onto tohttp://www.fcc.gov/formpage.html.(A local flight school may also have them.)

Insurance
We have found that most insurance companies will cover this flight  .But from time to time, Caravaners encounter problems with their underwriters  .In any case, be sure and check before you register and let your carrier know you'll be making the trip.  If there are questions or problems, contact us at (843) 342-4439 and we'll help you get squared away on insurance.

We also recommend that you check with your health insurance provider to confirm non-domestic medical coverage.  Advise your passengers to do the same.

Passports
To enter the Cayman Islands and return to the U.S., pilots and passengers will need proof of citizenship in the form of a passport or birth certificate (with a raised seal).  You don't need both, just one.  However, beginning in December of 2006, you will be required to have a passport.

Your Flight Information Package
We will acknowledge receipt of your registration package by postcard shortly after we receive it, whether you mail the forms or register on-line.  However, the acknowledgement won't be sent until all the paperwork is in order, including the registration fees.

Your Cayman Caravan flight information package will be mailed to you no later than May 25th..

Cancellation Policy
Over the years we've been organizing the Caravan, we've learned that events beyond the control of the pilot (mechanical, weather, family matters) result in cancellations.

We will refund in full any cancellation made by Thursday, May 18, 2006.Cancellations made between Thursday, May 18, 2006 and Thursday, June 01, 2006 will receive a 50 percent refund.  After that, we will be unable to refund registration fees.  Please note also that Thursday, June 01, 2006 is the absolute, no-kidding deadline for registrations.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, we do ask that you not change your Caravan flight date after registration.  This will help us avoid any errors with your flight plan or overflight permit.

However, if unavoidable mechanical or weather problems cause delays, just advise us and we'll adjust accordingly.  Please, don't push on if you feel conditions are unsafe merely to meet a schedule that can be changed if absolutely necessary.

If you prefer to leave from an airport in Florida other than Key West, we can arrange that.  Just tell us what airport you'd like to leave from and your desired time and date.

Arriving in Key West
Plan on arriving in Key West before noon on Monday, June 12th.  The earlier you can arrive in Key West, the better.  Actually, we recommend that you plan to arrive as early as possible – Friday, Saturday or Sunday.  Having a little extra time can make all the difference when the weather turns a bit nasty, or you have a little mechanical issue that needs tending.  Besides, there’s plenty to do in Key West.

We'll meet you at the airport (our staff will be there beginning Monday morning, June 12th) and provide a ride to the hotel.  If you arrive early, the friendly folks at Island City Flying Service will be more than happy to assist you.  On Monday, we will conduct a poolside survival and raft demonstration at Key West.  We’ll also have seminars on ditching and thunderstorms.  These seminars begin at 2:00 PM.  That evening we'll provide a detailed pre-flight briefing after the dinner buffet at the Doubletree Grand Key Resort.  If you don't want to join us for the buffet, you can still attend the briefing.  The buffet starts at 6 PM, and the briefing starts at 7 PM sharp.

Departures from Key West will be on a carefully planned schedule.  We will try to honor all requests for departing Key West at a specific time.  If you absolutely need to depart at a certain time, please let us know as soon as possible; we'll do our best to comply.

We hope the foregoing answers your questions about the Cayman Caravan; we're looking forward to meeting you in Key West!

We hope you'll agree that the Cayman Caravan and the Cayman Island's aviation friendly attitude makes for an exotic and exciting get away destination.