Smokey Joe Posted October 23, 2014 Share Posted October 23, 2014 It’s always tricky flying into Cuba. There is this mythology that there’s an embargo between the US and Cuba. The fact is that we fly into Cuba all the time, but it’s like a date with your mistress – you have to keep it on the QT. We don’t fly into Jose Marti; instead, we fly into the little backwaters like Cayo Coco. Keep it low profile. Don’t embarrass the politicians. There was a time when Cuba was the strongest economy in the Caribbean. The Mob and the American Fruit Company were doing a land office business and the casinos were hopping. The Batista government was corrupt and brutal, but Cuba was a capitalist paradise. Then the Castros took over and froze the place in 1958. From that point on, we’ve done this little dance than we weren’t really flying into Cuba when, in fact, we were and we do. Sometimes the client is the CIA and sometimes it’s the Castros. We don’t ask any questions as long as the credit card clears. This flight was a group of diplomats returning home from the UN, with a cargo hold full of Apple electronics for the first family and friends. Whenever I fly into Cuba I carry a satchel full of Ben Franklins in case some local official wants to impound the plane. It happens all the time. It’s amazing how well the filthy capitalist cash can grease the skids in this socialist workers’ paradise. I bill it to the custormer when I get home. They never complain. Pre-flight at the crack of dawn. There's not enough coffee in the world... Waiting on the runway for permission to launch There's nothing like a Caribbean sunrise Climbing to 25K feet doesn't take long in the 1900D That's Cuba there off the starboard You see what I mean by a "back water"? On the ground. Let's see how long it takes for the plane to be impounded. lol Maintain thine airspeed, lest the ground rise up and smite thee. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomMarius Posted October 23, 2014 Share Posted October 23, 2014 Nice series. Never let politics get in the way of a good flight! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adamb Posted October 23, 2014 Share Posted October 23, 2014 Outstanding flight and shots Syd!! :) [sIGPIC][/sIGPIC] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NMLW Posted October 23, 2014 Share Posted October 23, 2014 Very nice early a.m. shots and a good narrative to go with them Syd. Well done. :cool: :D Larry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peer01 Posted October 23, 2014 Share Posted October 23, 2014 Well done indeed Syd :cool::cool::pilot: [sIGPIC][/sIGPIC] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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