In February 1996, the Cubans shot down two civilian Cessna Skymasters operated by Brothers to the Rescue. Even though the incident created tense relations between the United States and Havana, flight operations through the corridors remained business as usual. During our visit to Cuba four years ago, they told us the Caravan is a major event and the controllers actually look forward to it. For two mornings in a row, Caravan pilots launch out of Florida for the Caymans. Cuban IFR procedures are pretty straightforward.
Controllers are friendly and speak good English.
The Cubans use a very sophisticated radar and data-processing system that certainly equals their American counterparts. Pilots in the Caravan will be cleared into the Giron corridor. Giron, by the way, is the Cuban name for the Bay of Pigs beach, over which the corridor used to pass. The infamous landmark is clearly visible off the left wing. Short final for runway 8 at Owen Roberts Airport in Grand Cayman typically passes over clear, turquoise water, dotted with cruise ships and all varieties of pleasure craft.