Fly-BVI

[Robert Palmer]

So...

Who has the down-and-dirty on Fly-BVI in Tortola?

[1000tolevel]

Well here it is...

The fleet: When I as there (in the last 5 years), they had a C-404, an PA-23 Aztec, an Islander (no more) and a couple C-172. There was talks of a Caravan or a small Citation to come but I don't think it's happened yet.

The flying: VIP charters across the region but mostly to San Juan, PR, St-Thomas, USVI, St-Maarten, and Antigua. Also some local trips and sightseeing on the 172's.

The schedule: 6 days/week, 1 on call (off if not called). 8am to 6pm with later flying occasionaly, however the airport closes at 9pm (or used to).

The regs: They operate under FAR Part 135 IFR under the San Juan. PR FISDO.

The mins: FAR Part 135 IFR (1200 total, etc...)

The pay: When I was there, $2000/month ( As I said, it could have been 5 years ago). However, don't be fooled by the promise of more $'s if you fly more than 40 hours/month. They have a loophole out of it

The peeps: The Managing Director is John Kaikati, an American citizen. Very nice Christian. He will help you get settled, find a place to live, get your work visas. He is fairly well connected on the island. However, remember that he is there to make money. And he likes to have you on call most of the time, even in Summer (low season). But once again, a generous fellow. Just don't cross him, he might hold a grudge for quite a while. He has some allies, and then again. some ennemies...

The Islands: Probably the most pristine, beautiful, uncommercialized islands in the Caribbeans. No McDicks, Casinos, golf courses or Hard Rock Cafes there. What is there to do? Surfing, sailing, diving, swimming, bone-fishing and of course, drinking heavily. You might love it or hate it, depends what you make of it.

Cost of living: Somewhat high. You'll pay $5 for milk but $1 for a beer or Rhum-n-Coke. Rent is quite high for something decent. Fly-Bvi used to have a pilot house that cost like $300/month. I don't know if they still have it...


The benefits: Very low income tax (fixed 10% or so), health insurance, workers comp, social security ( all through the Gov't, just like Canada).

Overall a good experience if you can take it with a grain of salt, relax, be in no hurry and like to drink. Oh, and by the way, if you are a single male, don't go there thinking it will be like frat party. Single girls are pretty inexistant, local girls don't "date" foreigners unless you can promise them a US or Canadian passport and will support their whole family. As far as tourists go, sorry, no single ladies. Glad I brought my girlfriend over. Some people never leave, some never return.

However, according to some friends still living down there, the local gov't is trying to phase out expat workers from the island, pilots included. I know of only three local native pilots on the island, so I don't know how it's going to happen.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to post more or send private message.

Ciao

L.

[B Sousa]

Check it out......... www.fly-bvi.com
All is well in the islands, a bit of rain today.............

[Rosbif]

Have they now abandoned the requirement for you to fly night freight to Antigua as "part of the job"? That was the deal when I was there. A crazy Norwegian ex cop was actually happy to do it !! (no avgas at the airport. Where does it come from?)
I didn't want to be shark food, so I left.
It's a shame, really, because it is a nice place, and much prettier than the Turks and Caicos . (Also BVI's, but not operating under the FAA)
Also, the name you give is not the name of the guy in charge at the time. This must have changed.
There's a little beach bar at the end of the road right by the airport, if you go. Very nice people.

[enicalyth]

Bar is still there. De Loose Mongoose. Oh those sand jiggers though!

[JamaicanPilot]

Would love to come to Tortola and do some flying. Can someone let me know exactly what would be required to convert my Jamaican C.A.A. CPL? Do I need an OECS License? etc...