Build this Plane and FLY to the Bahamas - Light Sport Ocean Crossing

[@lesb3481]

Before I retired recently as a professional pilot, I flew to the Bahamas and many other islands in the Caribbean over the years in multi-engine turbines, however I've never done it in my own aircraft, nor in a single-engine piston. That said, I own a V35 Bonanza and I'm planning to do my first private trip later this year to Marsh Harbour , so watching your trip to Bimini was very interesting. Thanks!

[@johnkoz34]

I just made a similar trip in an RV 12. Great video! One note, on your life jackets, disable the automatic feature. (Not all life jackets like that can be disabled. You have to be sure and buy one that is auto or manual). You do not want the life jacket inflating while you are still in the cockpit with the plane upside down. You will never get out of the plane.

[@FloridaFlying]

Thank you, I agree with this. I thought about it afterwards and I will plan to disable the little float valve

[@TheShays]

Good point! ☝️

[@seanyounk1]

I'm impressed with how well the larger numbers actually turned out.

[@mh53eflyguy]

Personally, I would have climbed higher that 4,400' for the crossing. I say that but I know you said fuel was an issue. I would rather have altitude as a friend, regardless of the ELT you showed. That said, it's a risk regardless. I might have climbed at least double that, some for the cooler temperatures, some for the gliding range increase. I did a lot of flying around the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, and I would not cross it under 7,500', just in case. With the Diamond Katana I rented, that would get me either on the shore, or close enough to wade out. When I was stationed in Jacksonville, I thought of renting a plane and flying it to Bimini, but the place I rented it from told me if I broke down there, I was responsible for getting it back. My pockets are not deep, and my bank account agreed! Interesting view regardless, and now you have this experience to build on and learn from and provide guidance to others.

[@vansrv12is30]

Fantastic. Loved that adventure gotta love the little RV12's.

[@janallen6165]

Great video! Love the detail and your mounted camera coverage was so clear!

[@WayneLynch69]

From Cape Canaveral, it's enjoyable to see the local origin. Not a pilot but enormously enjoy the vicarious.

[@steini6771]

Outstanding! Thank you both.

[@realediciocco1598]

Planning and preparation are keys to a successful mission like this. Very well done.

[@FloridaFlying]

Thank you, great to hear from you again

[@TheRealChetManley]

This was awesome! What a great adventure.

[@tomdchi12]

That sped up single shot from Bimini to the Florida coast was great!

[@joewilliams4142]

Great job ! Fun video and well done. Gosh that water looks so good.

[@mattcollins4550]

Another awesome and inspiring video Pedro!

[@FloridaFlying]

Thank you Matt!

[@steve9173]

That was awesome! I want to make that trip with my son soon.🙂

[@FloridaFlying]

Thank you! You absolutely should. That sounds like a great father son adventure

[@bdwillis8284]

Very cool video, enjoyed it.

[@FloridaFlying]

Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it

[@flyhighsted6225]

Nice flight can’t wait to do the same one day

[@deltadeltas4558]

Nice video. Very informative. I’d be careful with the automatic inflating PFD’s. In the event of a water landing and what may be an “ unusual attitude “ of the cabin in the water, if the PFD’s inflate before you exit the aircraft it may be very difficult to get out.

[@FloridaFlying]

That thought did cross my mind. Maybe next time I’ll make sure it isn’t armed beforehand

[@tktailslideproductions7280]

“Where ya headed?” “Bahamas!” “………. Okay” 😂😂😂

[@alphaadhito]

That short pause got me, lol 😂

[@sickoffraud]

Absolutely beautiful 😍❤️

[@EricHaskins71]

Sweet I can't wait to fly my light Sport Remos back home to FL from Oregon ......... I want to do this trip from KZPH

[@rebelyell22]

Art is great. So much help with all the eapis stuff

[@LokiDWolf]

I love this!!! I was wondering if you used AP for the most part? Great editing by the way!

[@FloridaFlying]

Thank you very much! I used autopilot for about 75% of the way there. Then the flight from KFXE back home to X21 was almost all hand flying. It was a bumpy day with a lot of skirting around clouds and storms.

[@f.n.schlub]

👏👏👏👏👏 CONGRATULATIONS 🎆🎆🎉🎉🎊

[@pachabeche]

Of course when i'm not there you have your kees... how convenient!

[@teslascoop2177]

Nice!

[@publicmail2]

I carry a hand axe in case you need to break out of canopy. Looked enjoyable.

[@ReyesJim]

Great Video!

[@ridenfly]

Great video!

[@ronniethepilot]

Enjoying. Your videos brother. I see your flying out of there now from apopka. I’m a private pilot also and I drive thru Arthur dunn daily I would love to meet you brother sometime can you get with me or where can I contact you

[@steveasher9239]

woohoo🌎!!!!!

[@ElvisRandomVideos]

What did you need to send to the Bahamas to land there? Are you a sport pilot or do you have a private pilot license?

[@FloridaFlying]

You don’t have to send anything to the Bahamas beforehand. There is just some easy paperwork you will fill out at customs. I am a private pilot but sport pilots can fly there no problem

[@oogie-boogie]

@@FloridaFlying could you do this in a ultralight? they don/t have tail ##s

[@onebravotango]

Did you go in as sport pilot or private pilot?

[@FloridaFlying]

I flew in as a private pilot but a sport pilot can do the same. Light sport aircraft and pilots are allowed to fly to the Bahamas. The process is the same.

[@onebravotango]

Thank you for the confirmation. I think Bahamas is the only country which allows sport pilot.

[@johnperry5102]

why does it take so long to take off in that very small plain

[@kevinswanson3910]

Satellite phone would be good to have

[@johncurcio3621]

With your recourses, why not just buy a Lear Jet. You would get there a lot faster.

[@FloridaFlying]

I wanted to buy a 747 but unfortunately they are discontinued. Same with the Lear jet :(

[@frankgordonsmith4795]

how would you open the canopy if the plane fliped over in the water

[@FloridaFlying]

I would have to unlatch it before landing. It would not be fun

[@ColinGriffin-tl6oi]

How much did one night cost in bimini...

[@FloridaFlying]

$250 beachfront apartment style

[@ColinGriffin-tl6oi]

@FloridaFlying that is cheap not bad thanks

[@ColinGriffin-tl6oi]

@@FloridaFlying do they have any deals going on for the winter that u know about

[@ColinGriffin-tl6oi]

Ok did it include everything..

[@rockeyroy1]

too many cuts to few actual flight images

[@Mrflynlow]

I am glad you made it, but what did it prove?? That your willing to risk your life just to say you did it???

[@swiftadventurer]

ya, so what... he wasn't proving anything; least of all to you or me. He took a calculated risk and prepped for it. The same thing happens from the time YOU'RE getting in the car to drive to the hangar until YOU'RE arriving back home. So what. 🙄