Chial Reserve is conveniently located just overlooking the Maya Flats Airstrip. This location makes it ideal for aviators seeking a home whereby can be near to their first love, their airplane. Light aircraft flying in Belize brings a level of joy and convenience to novice and experienced pilots alike. The views from above include amazing rainforests, waterfalls, rivers and gorges. It also includes overhead views of majestic maya temples poking out from the rainforest and natural limestone formations that can only been seen from the air. Along the coast, experience beautiful beaches, inlets and lagoons teeming with light tackle fish, while further out, one can fly low over the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere or can traverse three of the only natural atolls in the Western Hemisphere. One, atoll, the Lighthouse Reef, is home to the Great Blue Hole, made famous by Jacques Cousteau.
When Flying from the USA to Belize, there is a landing permission requirement in effect, but it does not apply to flights departing from the USA or Canada. Nonetheless, if you have the time, it does not hurt to give the authorities advance notice. You MUST enter and depart Belize through the Goldson airport (MZBZ). If you plan to fly to another airstrip in Belize like Maya Flats, then you need to advise Customs while completing the entry process.
As far as the best route for IFR, it is suggested you consider departing the USA via Key West. The southbound IFR route is EYW B646 VINKA B764 BZE. The northbound IFR route will be BZE B764 CZM G765 FIS. This routing is established in a letter of agreement between Havana Center and Merida Center (Mexico). However, even though G765 goes inside the Cuban inner-ADIZ, you DO NOT require a Cuban over-flight permit. If you are in a single engine, I recommend this route because it will put you much closer to land in the event of an emergency.
When I fly the southbound route, I request "Direct NOSAT" or "Direct EMOSA" upon reaching CANOA intersection at the USA-Cuba airspace boundary, depending on my destination. This saves you a little time by not having to fly to VINKA and also keeps you a little closer to the Cuban shoreline. The flight between Cozumel (CZM) and Belize (BZE) is a beautiful flight along the Riviera Maya and Costa Maya.
You should also be aware that you will be flying through Mexican airspace and will become liable for Mexican airspace fees. Although for your aircraft and route of flight these fees will not be very large, you will be liable, and the fees must be paid before the 17'th of the following month. If you plan to visit Maya Flats, you should check with the Belize aviation authorities as there may be some restrictions due to the altitude, and due to the schedule Caravan traffic.
There are a number of other nice places to visit like San Pedro, Cay Caulker and Placencia amongst others. The important thing is to decide what airports you plan to visit BEFORE you complete the arrival formalities as you need to have these airports designated in your Aircraft Clearance Certificate.
Now here is the best part - You can bring 1 Liter of wine per person into the country duty-free. HOWEVER! It just so happens that there is a Duty-Free store in the customs hall where you can buy up to 4.5 Liters of wine (in addition to the 1 liter you brought with you) and bring it into the country duty free. If you want to bring more than 1 Liter per person on board your aircraft the duty is almost 100%.
It is highly recommended that you consider using an agent in MZBZ to assist you with getting all of your paperwork straight and assist with getting your PAX from the commercial terminal to the aircraft. Maya Flats has ample parking for aircraft on a manicured grass field adjacent to the apron, or you can make arrangement to rent or purchase a hangar for long term stays.
Details on the Maya Flats Airstrip as follows:
Airport IATA code: CYD (San Ignacio Town, Maya Flats)
Runway Length: 2135 ft x 31 ft (651m x 9m)
Elevation: 351 Ft
GPS: 17.104872 Latitude
-89.101129 Longitude
GPS Code MZFS