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Pilot’s daring quest to land on three private Bahamas islands ends in failure

From denied permissions to $350 fees and violent rain, one pilot’s dream of touching down on secluded islands turned into a high-flying lesson in persistence. The aerial footage? Priceless.

In this image there is a lake and there are small islands in it. On the left side there is a...
In this image there is a lake and there are small islands in it. On the left side there is a caution board. On the right side there is grass on the ground. At the top there is sky.

Pilot’s daring quest to land on three private Bahamas islands ends in failure

A pilot named Bruno set out to land his small aircraft on three private islands in the Bahamas. His journey faced unexpected hurdles, from strict privacy rules to sudden weather changes. Despite careful planning, none of the landings went as intended.

Bruno aimed to touch down on Scotland Key, Spanish Key, and Walker's Key in his 1978 Grumman AA-5B Tiger. His first attempt on Scotland Key, owned by musician Pitbull, was blocked. The owner refused permission, keeping the island off-limits.

Spanish Key, a resort island, did allow a landing—but only after charging a $350 fee and requiring customs clearance. Before Bruno could proceed, another obstacle arose. Walker's Key, owned by Texas billionaire Carl Allen, granted permission without a fee. Just as Bruno prepared to land, a heavy rainstorm rolled in. The sudden downpour forced him to abandon the attempt. Though none of the landings succeeded, Bruno still managed to film sweeping aerial views of the Bahamas during his flight.

The trip ended with no touchdowns on private ground, but Bruno returned with footage of the islands from above. Strict access rules and unpredictable weather played key roles in the outcome. The experience highlighted the challenges of reaching some of the world's most secluded spots.

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