Flight Plan Question

[beretta01]

Hey everyone...I tried asking this in the ATC forum, but I think I have a simpler way of stating my question! Does an ICAO International Flight Plan substitute for a DVFR flight plan? I know they only have an IFR and VFR box in this type of flight plan, but I've read in many places of people filing International FP's and DVFR FP's interchangeably when going to/from the Bahamas. Any help would greatly be appreciated!!

[BajtheJino]

To fly to the Bahamas you file either an IFR or a DVFR flight plan. You file with FSS and Miami Center handles you the whole time. I've flown over to Marsh Harbour (it's been 3-4 years) a couple of times and you never know the difference. Radar doesn't really work that well below 4-5,000 though. No big deal.

The last time I went we we're trying to leave around 9am and was trying to call customs (even the evening before) and couldn't get a hold of anyone at any of the phone numbers I had listed. Launched anyways, IFR back to FPR and when I got there the guy wouldn't come out to get us and then when we went in all he did was bitch! I later saw the guy confiscate this OLD guys-who was on portable oxygen-pills because he had more than one kind of pill in the same bottle.
Way to safeguard America buddy!

Anyways-AOPA has some excellent info on this. They have a phone number to call and will send you all the documents you need to clear customs there and tell you how to clear coming back. Worth the $39 right there!

[beretta01]

Thanks for the help! That's what I've been told, and then I started hearing about these International Flight Plans and that got me all confused. That answered my question but while we're on the topic...when are international flight plans used then?

[Mr.Maximus]

Documentation is simple - AOPA is a great source for this. As far as radar coverage, MIA's is from 7,000' and up. Ask for lower and your bound to get the "radar contact lost". Coming out, they won't acknowledge radar contact until 7k +. If your going out and there is wx, you can have MIA coordinate a handoff with Nassau - Nassau can get you down to 1,500' anywhere out there.

[BajtheJino]

Originally Posted by beretta01

Thanks for the help! That's what I've been told, and then I started hearing about these International Flight Plans and that got me all confused. That answered my question but while we're on the topic...when are international flight plans used then?

You would use one when flying from Non-U.S. territory. Used to fly from BVI to Antigua and that's when you'd file an ICAO flight plan. I actually never filed them. We had handlers do it for us. I would shade in the proper squares and what not but they would take it up to the tower (probably give the guy $50) and you'd hope it was in there when it was time to go. They pretty simple once you look at one. Only difference I remember was an area for Life Saving equipment and they wanted altitudes in FL above 3,000 or something ridiculous like that.

[beretta01]

I just called up FSS and they said that I would use an International Flight Plan. They said DVFR is only for domestic flights(ex. TPA to EYW).