The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

ABOUT 50 American pilots are flying into Abaco from Florida as part of a special Fly In programme to celebrate the US Independence holiday.

Veteran pilot Capt Mark Steinberg is leading 54 persons on 24 planes to Treasure Cay on a 90 minute flight from Fort Myers.

The Ministry of Tourism is sponsoring a Bahamas beach barbecue in Treasure Cay today for the pilots, who started arriving on Wednesday and will leave on Sunday.

This year, 15 new pilots are among those participating.

Capt Steinberg, chairman of the Bahamas Ambassador Fly In programme, and chief pilot Greg Rolle, who also serves as Director of Sports for the ministry, will assist them as they make their way across the Gulf Stream at an altitude of 3,500 to 5,500 feet.

The pair will offer advice on navigating the territory they are flying over.

“They will educate the new pilots on the geography of the Bahamas as well as assist them with the procurement of necessary approvals from departments of Customs and Immigration,” said Earnestine Moxyz, manager of public relations at the Ministry of Tourism in Plantation, Florida.