Where is the Dominican Republic?
The Dominican Republic shares the
island of Hispanola with Haiti. Next to Cuba, it is the
second largest island in the Caribbean. 650 nm from Miami,
it is only a 189 nm further southeast from the Bahamas. At
130 kts, with a quick fuel stop in the Bahamas, it takes
less than 6 hours to fly from Miami to the famous resort of
Puerto Plata. The route of flight is over the 600
islands of the Bahamas with land in sight over 90
percent of the time.
Airport fees? Seven of the eight
international airports are fee free for aircraft weighing
less than 30,000 lbs. La Romana (private airport) has very
modest fees for GA aircraft ($6 landing fee for a C172, for
example).
Customs and immigration hassles?
There are
none. Arrival/departure procedures for the Dominican
Republic are hassle free and the least cumbersome of any
island in the Caribbean. The pilot and co-pilot present
standard General Declaration forms and pilot licenses if
asked. Then they hit the beach. Passengers complete the
standard immigration/customs cards which are readily
available at all the airports.
Fuel availability and prices?
Fuel is
readily available at all the major tourist destination
airports from Esso and Texaco. AvGas prices are only
slightly higher than in the Bahamas. Jet-A is among the
cheapest in the Caribbean.
Air traffic control services? All air
traffic controllers speak English. There are 25 different
commercial airlines flying to the Dominican Republic every
day.
Airport Security? All the airports are
protected by full time, trained security guards or military
personnel.
406 ELT’s? The 406 ELT is not required
by the Dominican government for private, GA aircraft.
Experimental Aircraft? Experimental aircraft have
unlimited access to Dominican Republic airspace and
airports.
Flying between airports in the Dominican
Republic? It’s easy!! Get in your plane, call the
tower on the radio and take off.
Nights Flying? All the international
airports support night time arrivals and departures.
IFR flight plan required.
Weather?
There are “Met” offices at all the
international airports, but current internet weather charts
provide a comprehensive picture. You can also receive a
useful briefing from the Leidos flight service
specialists (1-305-233-2600).
