Rules governing flight operations and air traffic services in the Bahamas are generally similar to those within the United States. Applicable regulations are found in the Bahamas Civil Air Regulations (CAR) ATS - Air Traffic Services, and OPS 0 - Rules of the Air. 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/)]() # Airspace ## Air Defense Identification Zone - ADIZ Prior to transitioning the ADIZ, aircraft must be on an active IFR or DVFR flight plan, squawking a discrete transponder code, and maintaining two-way radio communications with the appropriate air traffic facility. See 14 CFR Part 99 and AIM 5-6-4 for more information: [[National Security and Interception Procedures](https://www.faa.gov/Air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap5_section_6.html#$paragraph5-6-4)]() ![[ADIZ.png]] ## Flight Information Regions ![[bahamas FIRs.png]] The Nassau FIR (orange) extends from the surface, up to and including 6000ft MSL. The Miami Oceanic FIR (dark blue) begins at the surface outside of the Nassau FIR, or above 6000ft MSL where it overlaps with the Nassau FIR, extending to an unlimited altitude. ![[bahamas airspace jurisdiction.png]] ## Rules Bahamian designations for controlled and uncontrolled airspace, and the associated operating rules are generally similar to those within the United States. ![[bahamas airspace classification.png]] ![[bahamas ATS.png]] ![[bahamas visual flight rules.png]] ## Control Areas - CTA ![[bahamas CTA.png]] Control areas (CTA) are simply areas of controlled airspace; in most cases, their function is similar to class E surface and transition areas in the United States. ATC communications are not required within Bahamian class E airspace under VFR. ## Terminal Control Areas - TCA ![[Nassau TCA.png]] Grand Bahama and Nassau have Terminal Control Areas (TCA) surrounding their respective islands. This airspace is similar to class B airspace in the United States, and requires two-way radio communications with the appropriate air traffic facility. # Flight Operations ## Fuel Fuel is not available at all Bahamian airports, so this must be taken into consideration during flight planning. General airport facility information can be found in the Bahamas VFR Flight Planning Chart: [[bmot_vfr_flight_planning_chart_2018_-_2019-5f6df5ce395ff.pdf](https://e291f1206726d700191b-d0cedd1cc05016668dc83bc2742129e5.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/windsong/media/bmot_vfr_flight_planning_chart_2018_-_2019-5f6df5ce395ff.pdf)]() Fuel requirements are very similar to those in 14 CFR Part 91, however, IFR alternate requirements are different. ![[bahamas fuel requirements.png]] ![[bahamas IFR alternates.png]] ## Arrival Freeport and Nassau are the only airports with operating control towers, or instrument approach procedures. As weather permits, it is generally preferred to cancel IFR while airborne if landing at an airport without an operating control tower. Operations at airports without operating control towers are standard, with 122.8 MHz used as the CTAF. ![[bahamas aerodrome operations.png]] VFR flight plans are mandatory at Freeport and Nassau, and strongly recommended elsewhere. VFR night flying is not permitted in the Bahamas. ## Departure As weather permits, it is generally preferred to depart VFR, and request IFR clearance from Miami Oceanic Center above 6,000ft MSL, if departing an airport without an operating control tower. # 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)]() - [[Anx.11.Cover.en.(Front).cdr](https://caabahamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CAR-ATS-Rev-02.pdf)]() - [[Microsoft Word - NACCDCA5WP20](https://www.icao.int/NACC/Documents/Meetings/2014/NACCDCA5/NACCDCA5WP20.pdf)]() - [[bmot_vfr_flight_planning_chart_2018_-_2019-5f6df5ce395ff.pdf](https://e291f1206726d700191b-d0cedd1cc05016668dc83bc2742129e5.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/windsong/media/bmot_vfr_flight_planning_chart_2018_-_2019-5f6df5ce395ff.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)]() ### By Kevin Sakson