Comments on: You WILL go to the Dominican Republic http://blog.aopa.org/blog/?p=1331 Online perspective from the editors of "AOPA Pilot". Sat, 25 May 2013 04:43:43 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 By: Richard Theyerl http://blog.aopa.org/blog/?p=1331&cpage=1#comment-97761 Richard Theyerl Thu, 16 Dec 2010 16:45:21 +0000 http://blog.aopa.org/blog/?p=1331#comment-97761 My experience with flying into the Punta Cana airport in the Dominican Republic has caused me to vow to never return. In 2007 I was enroute from Florida to the British Virgin Islands. Punta Cana was a fuel stop for me. Upon arrival we were met on the tarmac by an “official”who bore no uniform nor identification. When I informed him that I only needed to clear customs and purchase fuel I was led through the public areas of the airport to all manner of office where I was required to pay one fee after another which varied in amount from $12 to $50. All these fees were cash only. Once I had coughed up over a hundred dollars in landing, customs, departure, tourism, etc. fees I was taken back out to my aircraft (where my wife and two young children were left sitting under the wing on a blistering afternoon) and the fuel truck was summoned. Once the plane was refueled I was informed that they could only accept cash. At one point in time I gave one of my “handlers” a $50 bill so that he could get change for me but he was never to be seen again. I had no small bills remaining after my escapades in the terminal so I paid a $612 fuel bill with seven $100 bills. Of course there was no way of making change so that was that. Away I flew with a very bad taste in my mouth and a vow to never return. Until general aviation pilots are treated fairly by D.R. customs officials I don’t see the D.R.’s tourism woes to change anytime soon. If you go, take plenty of cash in small bills and prepare to feel violated.

]]> By: Coby Sena http://blog.aopa.org/blog/?p=1331&cpage=1#comment-96849 Coby Sena Tue, 31 Aug 2010 21:32:46 +0000 http://blog.aopa.org/blog/?p=1331#comment-96849 Last year I enjoyed a flying vacation in the Dominican Republic in a Cessna 180. It was one of the most enjoyable flying vacations I have ever taken. The country is beautiful, the people friendly, and the flying spectacular. Next January I plan to do the trip again in my own Cessna 182 (as a flight of two with my friend in his Cessna 180.)

I highly recommend the DR as a flying vacation destination. We are looking for others to join us… you can check out the website http://www.flyskyhoppers.net.

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