Recently we received an informative email from a San Salvador resident and Bahamian pilot on flight instructions if you plan on traveling to get to Rum Cay, Bahamas.

Airports surrounding Rum Cay

You can leave directly from the U.S. non-stop to:

Stella Maris = MYLS / SML (more information)
Stella Maris is located on the North-end of Long Island and has a 4000 ft runway 13 / 31, Avgas and Customs/Immigration.
(note : during the winter months, expect cross winds from the left -NEasterly- when landing at Stella Maris. It gets a bit bumpy on short final due to hills and large trees off to the left and the winds just roll over them making it quite some “work” to keep level, sometimes )
 
You are required to land at an airport of entry, such as Stella Maris before continuing to any other islands/airports.
 
RumCay = MYRP / RCY (more information)
Runway length of 4500 ft with 09 / 27 orientation. 
Official Website: http://www.rumcayairport.com.
 
Both airports are nicely paved without any holes or stones on the runway.
 
Exuma = MYEF  / GGT (more information)
Is also an option about 25 miles further west than Stella Maris. Also Avgas, Customs.
Exuma however does not use Unicom = 122.8 as RumCay and Stella Maris does.
Exuma has an advisory frequency (tower) at 118.0
 
Once you clear customs into the Bahamas, you fill out either a cruising permit or a transire for the inter-island flight(s) to RumCay.

Flight Plan!
 
You must file an international flight plan  305-233-2600  Miami FSS for the flight to the Bahamas. Flight plan cancellation with Nassau Radio 124.2 is difficult close to the destination. No matter where you end up flying to, you can call EXUMA TOWER at 118.0 shortly before landing at Stella Maris and ask them to close the flight plan OR call Nassau Flight Service from Stella Maris.

There is a direct dial telephone ( it actually works ) in the customs area, you punch #31 and it dials  242-377-7116  by itself. This telephone also dials US-customs at the various airports for the required one-hour-prior-arrival report requirement!
 
Enroute, if you fly below 10,000 ft contact Nassau approach at 121.0 some 35 miles from Nassau for the “transition” through their TMA airspace…

When you get to Rum Cay make sure to fly over the town of Port Nelson on the SE side of the island to get someone to come out to the airport. The airport is not quite walking distance from the settlement.

Well, that’s it. We hope these instructions and tips will get you to Rum Cay by air. Leave a comment for us if this article has helped you find a little corner of paradise.