Why the Dominican Republic Was the Best Stop on Our Caribbean Flying Trip
A Story by Pete Craver
Editor’s Note: The following story was written by Pete Craver , a professional ferry pilot, instructor, aviation consultant, and founder of craveraeronautics.com following a multi-country Caribbean flying adventure. After visiting ten countries throughout the region, Pete shares why the Dominican Republic became the standout destination of the trip.
A Door Opens Over the Caribbean
BANG!
A loud whoosh of air flowed through the cabin, papers circling freely and startling both of us from our enroute cruise.
“It’s this d— door!” David shouted as he struggled in a losing battle on his side of the cockpit.
“Hey, slow down—pay attention!” I yelled over the droning engine and rushing wind while grabbing him firmly by the collar.
To his surprise, he looked down and discovered his seatbelt had come undone. Only gravity was keeping him seated as he leaned toward the deep blue Caribbean Sea below.
What followed would become one of the most memorable moments of our Caribbean flying adventure—and ultimately lead us to discover what may be the most pilot-friendly destination in the Caribbean: the Dominican Republic.
A Caribbean Island-Hopping Adventure
We were seven days into a round-trip Caribbean tour in David’s Cessna 210.
Originally planned as a flight to Brazil and back, insurance restrictions forced us to turn around in Tobago. Along the way we stopped in:
- Bahamas
- Turks & Caicos
- Puerto Rico
- Martinique
- St. Lucia
- Grenada
- Tobago
- Dominican Republic
- Jamaica
Our goals were simple:
- Learn how to self-handle international operations.
- Identify destinations worth returning to with family.
- Build experience toward David’s instrument rating.
While the scenery was incredible, we quickly discovered that international general aviation isn’t always easy.
The Growing Challenge for General Aviation Pilots
Throughout much of the Caribbean, mandatory handling services are becoming increasingly common.
Handlers originally existed to provide convenience by coordinating permits, customs, immigration, fuel, and airport services. For corporate operators this can be invaluable.
For small general aviation pilots, however, these services often add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to a trip.
Many destinations we visited strongly encouraged—or effectively required—the use of handlers, making even a quick fuel stop unexpectedly expensive.
By the time we were headed north from Tobago, we had already experienced significant frustration with this growing trend.
Discovering the Dominican Republic
A few days before our arrival, I connected with Franklin Polanco Jr. through FlyDominicanRepublic.com.
“Our questions were answered within hours”
We had heard reports that although self-handling was technically allowed in the Dominican Republic, some operators were steering visiting aircraft toward mandatory FBO services. Franklin provided clarity and practical guidance.
He explained that we could arrive through El Higüero Airport (MDJB) with straightforward procedures and reasonable fees.
Read FLYDR airport guide:
https://flydominicanrepublic.com/airports/la-isabela-international-airport-mdjb/
He even arranged for airport personnel to assist us after hours. That level of support immediately stood out.
Flying Into Santo Domingo
Our 5.5-hour flight from Grenada to the Dominican Republic was largely uneventful—aside from David’s door trying to leave the aircraft.
Fortunately, after fifteen minutes of wrestling the door through an open side window, he managed to secure it.
As the sun disappeared below the horizon, the island of Hispaniola emerged ahead.
Flying along the southern coastline toward Santo Domingo at night was spectacular. Millions of city lights sparkled below while countless stars filled the sky above.
It was one of the most beautiful arrivals of the entire trip.
The Best Airport Service of the Journey
Out of ten countries visited, our arrival in the Dominican Republic delivered the best service of the trip.
Shortly after parking, we were greeted by golf cart and escorted into a comfortable FBO facility. Universal Aviation quite literally rolled out the red carpet.
Instead of navigating the usual maze of customs, immigration, airport fees, and paperwork, we were invited to relax with refreshments while airport staff handled the process.
Twenty minutes later we were finished. As someone who is normally hesitant to pay for handling services, I have to admit the experience was exceptional and represented tremendous value.
If you’re comparing costs before your trip, see:
https://flydominicanrepublic.com/airport-fees-handling-costs-dominican-republic/
Dominican Hospitality Beyond Aviation
The highlight of our stop wasn’t just the airport experience.
It was the people.
Despite the late hour, Franklin Jr. took time out of his evening to welcome us personally. After checking into our hotel, we joined him for dinner in Santo Domingo, where we enjoyed traditional Dominican food including mofongo and chorizo.
Over dinner, Franklin shared the story behind FlyDominicanRepublic.com and his family’s long-standing efforts to promote general aviation in the Dominican Republic. His father, Franklin Polanco Sr., spent decades advocating for private pilots and working to remove barriers to aviation tourism throughout the country. The results are evident today.
Why Pilots Should Consider the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic offers several advantages for visiting pilots:
No eAPIS Requirement
Unlike many international destinations, the Dominican Republic offers a simplified arrival process for private pilots.
Learn more:
https://flydominicanrepublic.com/dominican-republic-entry-requirements/
Widespread Availability of 100LL Fuel
Pilots can refuel throughout the country and explore multiple destinations with confidence.
See our fuel guide:
https://flydominicanrepublic.com/100ll-avgas-dominican-republic/
Relatively Low Airport Fees
Compared with many Caribbean destinations, airport fees remain straightforward and affordable.
Airport fee guide:
https://flydominicanrepublic.com/airport-fees-handling-costs-dominican-republic/
Public Access to Charts and Aviation Information
Pilots have access to official publications and planning resources.
Resources:
https://flydominicanrepublic.com/dominican-republic-aviation-resources/
Multiple Airports Throughout the Country
The Dominican Republic offers a network of international and domestic airports that allow pilots to easily explore different regions of the country.
Airport Directory:
https://flydominicanrepublic.com/dominican-republic-airport-directory-2026/
The Truth About Avgas Prices
One concern frequently raised in pilot forums is the cost of avgas.
While fuel prices may be higher than some U.S. airports, pilots should evaluate the total cost of operating in a destination.
Many Caribbean locations offset lower fuel prices with:
- Mandatory handlers
- Facility fees
- Customs fees
- Security charges
- Parking fees
The Dominican Republic often compensates through lower operational complexity and broader fuel availability.
Read more:
https://flydominicanrepublic.com/100ll-avgas-dominican-republic/
Our Verdict
When the trip ended, one destination stood above the rest.
Out of ten countries visited, the Dominican Republic delivered the best overall experience.
The combination of:
- Aviation accessibility
- Outstanding service
- Friendly people
- Strong aviation infrastructure
- Beautiful scenery
- Authentic culture
created an experience that neither of us expected.
Both David and I left wishing we could have stayed longer.
And out of every destination we visited, the Dominican Republic is the one we are most eager to return to.
For pilots considering their first Caribbean adventure, begin with:
https://flydominicanrepublic.com/flying-to-the-dominican-republic/
Additional Pilot Resources
- https://flydominicanrepublic.com/airports/la-isabela-international-airport-mdjb/
- https://flydominicanrepublic.com/airports/las-americas-international-airport-mdsd/
- https://flydominicanrepublic.com/airports/punta-cana-international-airport-mdpc/
- https://flydominicanrepublic.com/dominican-republic-airport-directory-2026/
- https://flydominicanrepublic.com/airport-fees-handling-costs-dominican-republic/
- https://flydominicanrepublic.com/100ll-avgas-dominican-republic/
About the Author
Pete Craver is a professional ferry pilot, instructor, aviation consultant, and founder of Craver Aeronautics. He has flown aircraft throughout the United States, Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, and beyond, specializing in international aircraft ferry operations and pilot training. Through Craver Aeronautics, Pete helps aircraft owners safely transport and transition into new aircraft while sharing practical aviation knowledge through articles, guides, and real-world flying experiences.
About Craver Aeronautics
Craver Aeronautics is a U.S.-based aircraft ferry and aviation consulting company founded by professional ferry pilot Pete Craver. Based in Oklahoma, the company specializes in domestic and international aircraft deliveries, pilot transition training, flight planning, and aviation consulting services. Craver Aeronautics has conducted ferry operations throughout North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, and other international regions, helping aircraft owners safely relocate and take delivery of their aircraft. Through its growing library of aviation articles and pilot resources, the company also advocates for practical, real-world general aviation knowledge and international flying opportunities.
About Franklin Polanco Sr.
Franklin Polanco Sr. is widely recognized as one of the most influential advocates for general aviation in the Dominican Republic. A pilot, communicator, aviation promoter, and longtime advisor to the Dominican aviation community, he has dedicated decades to improving access, safety, training, and international awareness of Dominican aviation. Through his participation in major aviation events such as EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and Sun ‘n Fun, Polanco helped position the Dominican Republic as a welcoming destination for private pilots from the United States, Canada, and around the world. His efforts contributed to stronger collaboration between government agencies, airports, aviation organizations, and the private sector, helping make the Dominican Republic one of the Caribbean’s most accessible destinations for general aviation. In recognition of his lifetime contributions, the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC) named the main hall of the Higher Academy of Aeronautical Sciences (ASCA) in his honor in 2024.
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