TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums British Virgin Islands Michelle and Barack are heading to Necker

If you see anyone who looks like Michelle and Barack in the North Sound, it's probably them. I just read that they are headed to Necker Island.

Seems So.

http://www.tmz.com/2017/01/23/obamas-richard-branson-island/

http://flightaware.com/live/flight/MVGAL/history/20170123/1830ZZ/KPSP/TUPJ Landing in 5

So much for a golfing vacation! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

That's a expensive charter!

A Falcon 900 is a step down from Air Force One but I don't think he has to report donation to the Federal Election Commission any more.

It would be interesting to see the reaction of anybody hanging at the Trellis Bay dock right now. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

There were a lot of cops around Trellis Bay this afternoon.

Maybe they'll pop over to LB to catch Beans!

I wonder how much of a "heads-up" they gave the Secret Service? It's cold and clear in the desert now (relatively speaking for those in the North).

Quick call from Sir Richard, and plan changes are in order.
Charter flight to EIS, check.
Charter or Coast Guard hilo flight to Necker, check.
Don't leave the private island? -- Secret Service win!

If I were them, I wouldn't miss a trip to Leverick Bay.... Just sayi'n

I will predict that they will show up at Leverick or Cow Wreck before the week is out. It is very hard for ex-presidents to transition out of the hand shaking mode. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Beautiful day here on Virgin Gorda at the South Sound Villa.
Hope they enjoy the great weather and get a round of golf in at the Mine Shaft. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

Would be a delight to meet them..they deserve a luxurious break! Nick..if you see them by them a drink on me!

I don't care what side of the fence you're on, 8 years in that job have to take quite a toll! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />

OK, so first off, I am always fascinated with jet service information as it relates to the EIS airport that gets posted here.

For the folks on here that know your stuff can you indulge me?

1 - TERPS and GPS/RNP etc., et all....why is it that the 900 Hawker (V-GAL in particular) doesn't need to use these types of approaches...because it's private?

2 - Is EIS lighted at night, can it be, does it need to be?

3 - Aren't night landings at EIS subject to fines/fees?

4 - Are jet pilots (or all pilots) landing at night at EIS required to maintain any special certification for this?

5 - Though I am not a pilot, I'm assuming landing at night at EIS is Instrument approach...it looks like there are all sorts of instrument approach varieties...what is used for EIS?

Thanks in advance.

Will do Mal. They were doing Beans but we are fully booked....man???

Golf, Anguilla has a really nice golf course. St.Maarten has a cow pasture which they call a golf course.

Agreed, but not sure what that has to do with them going to the BVI???

L. Smith was in Sunny Caribbee this morning buying BVI souvenirs.

L. Smith???

Carol, didn't think he would ever come because there was no golf courses her in the BVI's

OK

Carol, this is what it has to do with a golfing vacation

OK, missed that.

Easy to take a helicopter over to STT and Play Mahogany Run!

EIS is lighted but does not have an instrument approach. Jets can still land as long as weather conditions are up to visual flight rules (VFR). May be an extra fee for the lights but no fines as long as the airport is open. As long as conditions are VFR night landing at EIS is fairly simple. Making a turn over Fat Hog Bay you have about a one mile final. Potential for a strong cross wind would be the tricky part.

Actually today they've been landing from the direction of Marina Cay and taking off toward Tortola.

Pretty sure it's just money/power talks. The rest of us couldn't ride a donkey down the runway at night.

There are no instrument approaches due to terrain at EIS. All approaches are VFR only. VFR approaches can be conducted day or night. EIS is normally closed from 2100-0700 however the hours can be extended with prior permission. The airport has standard lighting for night operations. There is also a visual glide path indication.
The big difference between a airline and corporate operation is the airline is on a fixed schedule. Larger airlines are very reluctant to serve a airport without a instrument approach because any weather can cause expensive diverts that snowball. Crews and aircraft end up out of position. Those diverts can quickly eat up all your profits.
Most approaches in the US are somewhat of a hybrid approach for both corporate and airlines. You are on a IFR flight plan and use instrument rules. If the weather is VFR controllers will give you vectors to the airport until you report it in sight. They clear you for a visual approach and kick you loose at that point. If the field is below VFR mins then they will clear you for a instrument approach however this reduces the arrival and departure rates for airports so they stick with visuals as often as possible..
Airports in regard to your qualification question for corporate or private operations do not require special quals however the better operations will have a system like the airlines where airports considered difficult will have some additional requirements. Usually this is reading a briefing guide. Airline operations require a special airport qual program. Depending on how difficult the airport is it may be simply reading a briefing guide all the way up to a dedicated simulator ride followed by a first entry with a check pilot. EIS would certainly be a special airport for any major US airline.

Might wave and smile..but next to seeing hostility, the last thing they want to deal with is fawnng syncophants on vacation. If see them..and I doubt anyone does..give a thumbs up and keep your distance and go about your bidness if you like their administration. if you did not like what happened the previous 8 years, respect what I and many others like about the BVI..annonimity! Say nothing and go about your Bidness.. They did not come to a private island to deal with either luvers or haters..leave em alone in the unlikely event you see them.

Interesting perspective. I actually believe Barack and Michelle are probably very social folks..if they do go out in public I think they would expect and be happy to meet a few folks. I have met two former Presidents ..one ( Nixon) was pretty hostile..the other Ford was on a golf course and could not have been more charming.Just my 2 cents worth.

I hear they are planning to check out The Elmtones in CGB this Friday night. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

We reserved space at our table..the Secret Service will have to use the Happy Table..

How exciting! Please do post a note after..

Dang, Mal! Bucket list stuff. Good memories to be made.

Got room for 2 more? We got in a couple of hours ago!

We'll add two more..

There go the seats for the Obama's....

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Taking a picture might be kind of gauche, but we sure would appreciate a brief report on tonight's festivities! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Smile.gif" alt="" />

For real???