Bucket List: Journey to the Keys

The island chain beckons, extending Florida's reach into the Caribbean.

Julie Boatman

Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at 02:31 PM ET

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A pilot's view of Marathon Key [Credit: Jim Barrett]

Key Takeaways:

Flying to the Florida Keys necessitates careful planning due to proximity to the ADIZ/Cuban airspace, required overwater safety gear, and checking ahead for potentially high and variable fuel/parking costs at major airports like KMTH and KEYW.
Florida Keys Marathon International Airport (KMTH) and Key West International Airport (KEYW) are the primary public-use airports, offering FBO services with considerations such as distinct parking arrangements for aircraft types at KMTH and temporary FBO facilities/variable fees at KEYW.
The Keys offer diverse flying experiences, from navigating the visually striking Overseas Highway to extending flights to remote Dry Tortugas National Park (requiring a DVFR flight plan) or utilizing private airfields like the Ocean Reef Club and Summerland Key.

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The ocean takes on a range of colors as you approach it from the tangle of land and water composing Florida’s southernmost end. The tones run from steel gray to cerulean blue to baby turquoise, depending on the winds, the waves, and the clouds above.

On this late morning approach, as we fly in as a two-ship in a loose route formation from Dade-Collier airport (KTNT), the Caribbean turns to cobalt as we leave the Everglades behind and scoot towards the furthermost inhabited island in the chain that lies ahead of us.