In addition to the standard [[Certificates and Documents for International Flights]], flight operations in the Bahamas require additional documents and equipment to be carried, in accordance with Bahamas Civil Air Regulations (CAR) OPS 2A - General Aviation Operations (Aeroplane). These regulations are very similar to the international standards and recommended practices contained in ICAO Annex 6 Part II. Current regulations can be accessed via the Civil Aviation Authority Bahamas website: [[Acts and Regulations – Civil Aviation Authority Bahamas](https://caabahamas.com/current-bills-schedule/)]() ![[bahamas equipment general.png]] ![[bahamas documents.png]] # Crew and Passengers CAR OPS 2A.424(c) requires "appropriate licenses for each member of the crew" to be carried; this includes the pilot certificate and medical certificate. Unlike most other foreign countries, the Bahamas recognizes the US **sport pilot certificate**, and allows operation under **BasicMed**. Appropriate navigation charts are also required, per CAR OPS 2A.402(d)(3). A child traveling with only one parent must have a notarized and signed letter from the absent parent granting permission for the child to travel; see: [[Unaccompanied Minors - U.S. Embassy in The Bahamas](https://bs.usembassy.gov/unaccompanied-minors/)]() While generally not required for private aircraft, the cargo manifest and passenger manifest described in CAR OPS 2A.424(g) and (f) can be made on Bahamas Customs Department Forms C8 and C9, respectively. # Aircraft Documents The aircraft registration certificate, airworthiness certificate, and radio station license are required by CAR OPS 2A.424(a), (b), and (e), respectively. Operating limitations (airplane flight manual, supplements, placards/markings, weight and balance data) are required by CAR OPS 2A.301(d) and CAR OPS 2A.402(d)(1). ![[bahamas operating limitations.png]] ## Noise Certification Noise certification information can usually be found in section 4 of the airplane flight manual, under "Noise Characteristics". ![[bahamas noise certification.png]] ![[C208B noise characteristics.png]] ## Journey Log Book CAR OPS 2A.402(d)(7) requires a journey log book to be maintained for all aircraft engaged in international flights. The contents of a journey log book are described in CAR OPS 2A.802. ![[bahamas journey log book.png]] ## Interception, Search and Rescue CAR OPS 2A.402(d)(4) and (6) require the procedures and visual signals used for interception to be carried on board. CAR OPS 2A.402(d)(5) requires the ground-air signal codes for search and rescue to be carried on board. These can be found in CAR OPS 0 Appendices 1 and 3: [[TABLE OF CONTENTS](https://caabahamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CAR-OPS-0-Rev-01.pdf)]() # Equipment Basic equipment requirements for VFR and IFR flight are located in CAR OPS 2A sections 404 through 408, and are generally similar to the requirements of 14 CFR §91.205. ![[bahamas IFR equipment.png]] ## Flotation Gear A life jacket or individual flotation device is required for each occupant of an airplane, except for a multiengine landplane **NOT** conducting an extended flight over water. Life raft(s), survival equipment, and signaling equipment may not be required in all cases, but are **highly recommended**. ![[bahamas flight over water.png]] ## Oxygen Bahamian operating rules, and the associated equipment requirements for supplemental oxygen differ from US regulations, for both pressurized and non-pressurized airplanes. In particular, cabin pressure altitudes requiring the use of supplemental oxygen are considerably lower than allowed by 14 CFR §91.211. ![[bahamas oxygen requirements.png]] ## ELT, Transponder, ADS-B Bahamian regulations concerning ELTs and transponders differ from the requirements of 14 CFR §§91.207 and 91.215. At the time of writing, there are no operating or equipment rules that require ADS-B within the Bahamas. ![[bahamas ELT XPNDR.png]] # References - [[TABLE OF CONTENTS](https://caabahamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CAR-OPS-0-Rev-01.pdf)]() - [[Anx.06.Part.02.Cover.7th edit...](https://caabahamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CAR-OPS-2A-Rev-02.pdf)]() - [[The Bahamas Private Pilot Guide - Flying Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.bahamas.com/getting-here/private-aviation/pilot-faqs)]() - [[bahamas-pilot-guide-2018-2019-web.pdf](https://www.banyanair.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/bahamas-pilot-guide-2018-2019-web.pdf)]() - [[Microsoft Word - Anx.06.Part.02.10th Edition.Amdt.36.alltext.en.docx](https://ffac.ch/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/ICAO-Annex-6-Operation-of-aircraft-Part-II-International-General-Aviation.pdf)]() ### By Kevin Sakson