HTML Copyright © 2001-2002, awsltd.netISLAND RAMBLES
by Bill Durrell
Abroad And Back
When an unplanned trip to see family in Wilmington N.C. disrupted our
island routine we started calling airlines to schedule a flight. After
wading through the rigours of seemingly endless security checks to get down here we weren't exactly thrilled with the prospect of repeating the ordeal.
After being presented multiple plane changes and astronomical round trip
fares on commercial airlines I went to seek the advice of solution wizard
Sinclair Frederick. "Vintage Props", he replied, and immediately brought
them up on his computer to check the availability of flights. The very name Vintage Props caused me some concern but Sinclair, seeing the expression on my face, assured me that they ran an excellent airline.
Within minutes Francine and I were booked to Daytona Beach and held an open ticket back to Treasure Cay. Daytona Beach is Vintage's furthest flight north making driving a rented car the balance of the trip both enjoyable and convenient. They have two flights in and out of Treasure Cay daily originating from New Smyrna Beach, Daytona Beach, Melbourne, Orlando, and Tallahassee.
Our 11:30 departure on a nine passenger King Air plane was on time as was
out arrival. We were "in the soup" all the way to Daytona. Our young pilot,
Corey Lexell, reassured us this was not unusual and also volunteered that
King Air is arguably one of finest small twin airplanes flying today.
A week later we returned from Orlando. Our flight left from a private
departure point away from the main terminal allowing us to again avoid the nuisance of endless lines and multiple security checks.
When reporting our pleasure in finding Vintage to friends we ran across a
number of residents who use their service and take advantage of free
parking at the company's centre in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.