Bahamas drones

[Gemini Dreams]

Would anyone care to share recent (2018) real life experiences with taking a drone to the Bahamas? I have read the rules on the Bahamas site. I have searched “Bahamas and drone” on here but didn’t find the answer.

Are you getting letter of approval?
Are you paying deposits?
Are you getting deposits back?
Are you getting checked by local police?

W

[a64pilot]

I can’t imagine as long as your not obnoxious with the thing that anyone would even care, get obnoxious and that may change.
However with the drone terrorist attack recently, they may become much more strictly regulated?
They have been used for nefarious things in the Middle East for quite awhile.

[Dave852]

The Bahamas concern is protecting their import duty. Folks were buying elsewhere and selling there for a profit.
So to combat this they want a deposit and to see the serial number. Understandable.

[karenmccraw]

Related question - can anyone suggest an inexpensive drone that I could get for the occasional "beautiful anchorage" shot? Will the $50-$100 versions from Amazon give me a decent way to snap a photo now and then?

[Franziska]

Hey Karen, just looked into buying one myself.
Guess 50-100$ will not cut it.

I'm looking into a used (or manufacturer refurbished) Dji Spark or Mavic.

Both provide reasonable good image quality. The Spark has the advantages of being lighter, smaller and cheaper. Drawback, it only has a 2 way gimble and is much more susceptible to wind due to its lighter weight and lower topspeed.
Further the gimble gets apparently locked at higher speeds sport mode which you might need when flying on slightly windy occasions.
Shaky fottage might occur than.

The Mavic seems much better but is considerably more expensive.

Maybe somebody has other alternatives. Would be glad to hear from someone using a Spark on a boat.

[jlcnuke]

This appears to be the best info I've found about bringing drones into the Bahamas:

https://uavcoach.com/drone-laws-in-the-bahamas/

I'm waiting on a response to my request currently.

Last december I knew a guy who brought his in. Customs didn't notice he had one, which is probably good since he didn't make any requests etc for permission. He had no issues though. I have read on drone forums of people having to wait at customs until they got permission, then having to leave a sizable deposit to bring the drone into the country. If I don't get a letter, I won't be taking mine on my trip there next week, not worth the hassle for some video and pictures if I'm not sure it'll go relatively smooth.

[jlcnuke]

Originally Posted by Franziska

Hey Karen, just looked into buying one myself.
Guess 50-100$ will not cut it.

I'm looking into a used (or manufacturer refurbished) Dji Spark or Mavic.

Both provide reasonable good image quality. The Spark has the advantages of being lighter, smaller and cheaper. Drawback, it only has a 2 way gimble and is much more susceptible to wind due to its lighter weight and lower topspeed.
Further the gimble gets apparently locked at higher speeds sport mode which you might need when flying on slightly windy occasions.
Shaky fottage might occur than.

The Mavic seems much better but is considerably more expensive.

Maybe somebody has other alternatives. Would be glad to hear from someone using a Spark on a boat.

I'd check Ebay for used DJI drones. They just came out with a new model so lots of people are upgrading. I've seeen $900 combo's up for ~$450 sometimes lately.

[jlcnuke]

A follow on to this thread:

I have just received my letter of authorization to fly my drone in the Bahamas for my upcoming trip.

I contacted them at dronesupport@bcaa.gov.bs

I included the following info:
1) My FAA Certificate number is [insert your info here]
2) Model # of my drone is COLOR="Red"][insert your info here][/COLOR]
3) Serial # of my drone is COLOR="Red"][insert your info here][/COLOR]
4) Proof of purchase/ownership COLOR="Red"][insert your info here - I attached a copy of the ebay sale purchase][/COLOR]

Additionally, they needed:

My FAA UAS registration certificate.
The dates I would be in the Bahamas.

Upon receipt of all the above, they emailed me the authorization number in a very timely manner.

[Palarran]

Great info. Thanks for posting.

[Poa]

Thanks for the information. I wonder if these requirements also apply to the DJI Mavic Mini that weighs less than 250g (8.82oz)?
I didn't see anything about a weight limit so far.