Single engine rental place in Florida to go to Bahamas?

[EK380]

I know the question has been asked in the past, however these things are quite dynamic in today's economic times.... so here I go again:

I'm looking for a competitive ( not the cheapest) rental place that can rent me a PA28, C172 for a flying holiday in Florida, during about 10 days. Wishing to take the aircraft to the Bahamas and some other sightseeing in Florida. Planning to fly about 3 hours a day, so can live with a min 3hrs/per day.

Any recommendations?

FYI, I'm a European airline captain (A330-A340), current on single-engines, who has done similar trip on the US West coast in the past.

Thanks,
EK380

[MarkR1981]

Haven't been there, but was looking at this Fishe Flying Holidays which looks very good value for money considering the accomodatation and private runway are included

I spoke to him via email, apparently fuel is approx $30/hr in PA28 Warrior. Happy Days!

[Booglebox]

I got some good block hourly rates from Orlando Flight Training. Be prepared to haggle! Also, be nice to the girl behind the desk as she is all-powerful.

[Cruisin@2k]

Would also recommend Fishe Holidays.

Oli, based in the UK, is a nice guy to arrange it with and Steve & Antonia, in Florida, are nice people to get you checked out and settled into the accomodation. Spent a great 2 weeks flying from there last Autumn.

[dont overfil]

I'm off to the Bahamas again in 8 weeks for 10 days touring.
Renting from Air Orlando at Executive KORL. I've been using them since 1997 and have had faultless service. 2 hour daily minimum and choice of Cessna, Piper and Cirrus.
On line booking at wwwflyairorlando.com
DO.

[SNS3Guppy]

I've made that flight many times in multi engine airplanes, but I wouldn't do it in a single.

[Fuji Abound]

I've made that flight many times in multi engine airplanes, but I wouldn't do it in a single.

Why?

Wouldnt do it in a single in any circumstances, or wouldnt do it without a raft?

Sincerely interested in your views have thought about it but not yet found time. Plenty of flying time in the past in Florida and the other end of the WI between islands - some in singles and some twin time.

[Pilot DAR]

I have flown my C 150 (from Canada) to th Bahamas, with no problem. Life jackets, no raft. Whatever you fly over should be considered for risk, in a single. 50 miles of ocean, well populated with boats is less preceived risk to me than some of the much less welcoming territory I've flown (including the everglades).

It was a rewarding trip, I'm happy we did it....

[alphaLaura]

I highly recommend SunQuest Aviation who are based at North County Airport, Palm Beach. They are fantastic people and have a great range of SE aircraft.

SunQuest Aviation, South Florida Flight School, Aircraft Rentals and Travel Charters

[EK380]

Thanks for all the feedback so far.... Keep it coming!

FYI, Feel safer over 50nm water than over rugid terrain in a single... And yes have done both!

[Runaway Gun]

I can definitely recommend Oli at Fishe. Top guy.

[jkveenstra]

Last month a friend of mine went to Miami to fly to the Bahama's as well.

He used: Dean International

Great C172 with G1000
He had to pay the fuel price difference extra.

Hope it helps.

[Katamarino]

I have, in the past, used Palm Beach Flight Training at Palm Beach Flight Training

They have a larger fleet than most (12 C172s, 3 C182s, and a few others), and almost all the aircraft are pretty new. For example, the majority of the C172s are the SP model, which is nice. I rented one of their C172s for a 5 week trip to California and back, so they are fine with long rentals! They are also ideally located for departures to the Bahamas.

[Dr Esteban]

hello all.

I am planning a similar trip for next year, however I have a couple of questions.

I understand that most rental outfits require you to fly to/from the Bahamas
under IFR. I currently have a JAA ATPL with a current IR on the A320series and
a S/E piston rating. Once I convert my licence to an FAA PPL will I have to do
an IR on a S/E piston or will my A320 IR be sufficient?

Thanks in advance.

Doc.

[dont overfil]

I've never heard of this requirement unless you intend to fly at night.
D.O.

[S-Works]

Once I convert my licence to an FAA PPL will I have to do
an IR on a S/E piston or will my A320 IR be sufficient?

If you are doing a 61.75 validation then to add Instrument privilege you will need to sit the IFP Exam and do an IPC.

If you are doing the full FAA PPL then you will need to do the IR exam and checkride.

I can highly recommend Pelican Aviation at North Perry. In fact I will be there end of next week.

[Dr Esteban]

@ dont overfill

Unfortunately that's what most rental outfits have as a requirement, even during daylight hours...

@ bose-x

Thanks for the info. I'll probably apply for a private pilot certificate under 61.75.
On my current licence I am only instrument rated on the A320, however in the
States I will have to fly IFR on a Single Engine, will I have to do a full IR or can
I get away with just doing an IFP+IPC?
And, if so, what do these exams entail and will it be too much hassle just to
get to the Bahamas and back?

Cheers..

[HighFlyer75]

If sorting out an FAA IR turns out to be too much hassle and you really want to tour the Bahamas then you could always fly to Nassau commercially (flights are pretty cheap from Miami and Orlando) and rent a plane there without an IR. I rent regularly from Welcome to Prestige Air Ltd. - Prestige Air Ltd.. The planes are older Cessna 172s but I haven't had any trouble with them and the guy who owns them is happy for them to be taken for overnight trips. At least it gives you the chance to see the (spectacular) Bahamas even though you don't get to fly there yourself.

Having said that, it's that time of year now where there is a lot of rapid cloud build up without much warning so an IR would be a good thing to have. My own flying has been curtailed over the last few weeks as I don't have an IR and I never know if I am going to be able to get home if I go to one of the other islands for the day.

[dont overfil]

Air Orlando definately do not require IR. They have Glass cockpit C172s, DA40s and SR22s.
There is also a flight school at Winter Haven whose name escapes me with no IR requirement,
D.O.

[Dr Esteban]

Guys,

Thanks for your help. We'll be planning our trip over the next few months.
I might need your help in due course!

Cheers