As a holiday spot Barbados has just about all one could ask for, and a couple of years ago I vowed to fly around the island when I returned. I missed the opportunity last year, but have now at last logged half an hour or so in the resident C172 at the Barbados Light Aeroplane Club.
I met my instructor Alex Bailey on the apron on the south side of Grantley Adams International Airport one breezy day in May earlier this year.
Alex and the Cessna
After a brief chat about my flying experience and what I wanted to do in the flight, we walked over to preflight the Cessna. Within minutes were were taxing out to the long runway (09/27) and moments later we were airborne.
Heading north, past Bathsheba
With some fast departing commercial traffic taking off behind us we were instructed to perform a couple of orbits to the south before beginning our island tour by flying north along the eastern coast.
Port St.Charles
We turned west to cross the parish of St. Lucy, then turned south to follow the western coast back towards Bridgetown. The west coast is by far the more popular area for tourists as the calmer waters of the Caribbean Sea are ideal for sailing and other water sports. After a few orbits over the beautiful bays it was time to begin our approach back to the airfield. While keeping an eye out for another commericial flight on a long final approach we manage to slip in front and land in good time.
A satisfied customer
Post landing checks done, and the aircraft parked and secured. Time to return to the water’s edge for a cool beer.
That was a very enjoyable flight. Alex mentioned that learning to fly in Barbados is a good test of navigational skills as there are very few landmarks between the islands, and the navigation on your qualifying cross country has to be spot on if you’re to make it to your destination!
