ADVENTURE TRAVEL:
PUNTA CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
This is the second in our new series on interesting places to visit in your Twin Commander, authored by Air Journey founder Thierry Pouille (www.airjourney.com). Air Journey offers both guided and concierge international travel adventures for general aviation pilots.
A general aviation friendly place in the Caribbean is Punta Cana on the east coast of Hispaniola, home of Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
Nearly 800 nm southeast of Florida, Punta Cana is a friendly general aviation destination. The Dominican Republic has made a commitment to make it easy for general aviation pilots to visit their island. For example, the government has waived all the fees for pilots, airplanes etc.
The only small catch in Punta Cana is that you would have to be directed to the general aviation parking area, where an airport bus will come and pick you up at no charge. Then, however, you will have to go to the main airline terminal to clear customs and immigration and upon returning you will have to find the ATC office to file the flight plan.
I prefer instead to go to the General Aviation FBO. Their very nice-looking attendants will take care of all clearing and flight-plan-filing duties for less than $100.00 while you enjoy air-conditioned comfort.
Make sure to take cash with you since they only accept fuel cards, not VISA nor American Express credit cards.
There are a number of hotels and resorts near the airport (less than 20 minutes away). If you like the idea of a small (165 rooms) all-inclusive resort with a golf course, spa, and beautiful setup, the Cap Cana Sanctuary is for you. Give us a call and we will secure an attractive rate and upgrade on your behalf.
For the return to the U.S., there is a great option often overlooked but very worthwhile. You are just 80 nm from the airport of Borinquen (TJBQ) in Puerto Rico. It is a U.S. airport of entry, and has cheap jet fuel (on July 14 the cost was $3.85 a gallon). From TJBQ you can fly back to any place in the U.S. since you already have cleared U.S. customs. Take advantage of the range of the Commander and fly deep in the U.S.!
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