Flying with a Pony.

[Skookumchuck]

I removed the valve, cover the hole with 2" electrical tape, leave both ends folded bag for easy removal as a hint to the TSA agent, and have never had a problem in many flights. I sling mine tho. Mounting on back tank has disadvantages.

I don't like to sling my pony because when vis localy is really poor I like to hug the bottom and the valve tends to get banged.
I don't expect to do a lot of solo dives, but there will be days when my buddy won't be able to dive and I want to have the option. I'm now thinking I'll bring my tank bands and some D rings and sling one of those little 63's and if thats uncomfortable then I'll make new dive buddies.

 

[BHB ScubaTroll]

I don't like to sling my pony because when vis localy is really poor I like to hug the bottom and the valve tends to get banged.
I don't expect to do a lot of solo dives, but there will be days when my buddy won't be able to dive and I want to have the option. I'm now thinking I'll bring my tank bands and some D rings and sling one of those little 63's and if thats uncomfortable then I'll make new dive buddies.

I certainly understand what you mean, but it is often recommended to sling your pony as this is the best way to detect issues in the pony should they occur on a dive (such as a leak from the first stage, etc.). I am not the dive police and am only demonstrating one of the reasons to sling a pony. I know DD learned to sling his pony due to a near miss he posted on this very board.

To keep this post on subject... Current TSA rules concerning the US and Bonaire say that cylinders (ie scuba cylinders) must be relieved of pressure and the valve removed in order to transport via airline travel.

 

[helimvee]

I have taken my pony to Bonaire in the past but on the last couple of trips I rented from Walt at RT.

When I flew out of Canada (Toronto) I packed it in checked luggage. I removed the valve and wrapped the opening with a couple of layers of plastic. I printed the rules and wrapped them around the tank. No problems.

When I flew out of the USA (Buffalo) I took it in my carryon prepared the same way. I made sure to tell security in advance and they were not concerned about it. They were more interested in my UW video housing.

With the new security measures, they are supposed to be restricting what luggage/items can be carried on for flights into the USA. In theory you should not be able to carry a pony in carryon, although on my last trip from Bonaire you would not even have guessed that the rules had changed as almost everyone had big roller bags.

Remember that you will need to get it filled when you are there. BDA did it for me on a couple of trips, although I had to "encourage" them. You'll also need to get a VI done when you get back.

I always dive with a pony in Bonaire, solo or otherwise. I find it easier to just rent the 27CF for the week from Walt and sling it. It has never been a problem. I have considered slinging a 63CF, but lugging the video housing is bad enough. If I did not have the camera that is what I would do. It costs nothing and all you have to bring is some rope a couple of snapes and a strap.

Where are you staying?

 

[BHB ScubaTroll]

helimvee, thanks for the information!

We will be traveling to Bonaire soon, and I will be making a number of solo dives. Knowing that Walt at RT will rent me a pony means I can add additional camera equipment for the trip...

 

[Skookumchuck]

We'll be staying at Buddy Dive from the 13th to the 27th of November. Will you be there? CoolTech, would you have a link or title to Dandy Don's post? I have a 50 cubic foot tank that I think I'll try slinging at Porteau tommorrow and see how I like it.
Thanks to all, Andrew.

 

[BHB ScubaTroll]

We arrive the evening of the 26th... I don't have a link to Don's 2004 post

 

[Slamfire]

Andrew,

I have a couple of plastic tank screw-in plugs. These screw in place of the valve so that no junk comes in. They are for shipping out tanks. If you want to I can give you one of these when we go out diving next weekend.

Overall, I've brought in 3 tanks into Canada from Honduras. Obviously, you have to take the valve out. In place of the valves I hand-tighten a screw-in plug. I think I brought them over in American Airlines. I called in AA before hand to find out about all the implications. The lady on the phone told me the airline would charge me additional money just because they were scuba tanks. Then she proceeded to tell me in a "conspirational" tone that if I wanted to avoid the charges I could pack the tanks inside a bag/suitcase and not tell the AA counter people about the tank. Do tell the security people about it, though.

So I packed the tank in old suitcase and another in the well worn Mares gear bag I took on our Zodiak dive trip with you. I had no problem whatsoever. My sister brought in the 3rd tank for me in another trip. She failed to mention the tank to security and was paged in from the gate to meet security and explain the tank. She did. They took the plastic plug out and examined the inside and then the trip proceeded without any other incidents.

 

[helimvee]

helimvee, thanks for the information!

We will be traveling to Bonaire soon, and I will be making a number of solo dives. Knowing that Walt at RT will rent me a pony means I can add additional camera equipment for the trip...

Email him in advance to ensure he will be at the shop when you are there.

 

[DandyDon]

Haha, it has been a long time, but I still find new ways to screw up. Try to not repeat the old ones.

Will you be there? CoolTech, would you have a link or title to Dandy Don's post?

Rather bad example of cowboy diving, hard headed posting, and a few others problems - rather embarrassing, but in case you'd like to show it to someone who could learn from it. http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/ne...sometime-s-just-one-things-after-another.html The title alone is a too common theme in accidents. I've heard it's a common joke on one of the self righteous boards, or used to be anyway.

I did finally learn to open my cumberbun, leaving the top strap in place but able to learn my tank over so I can reach my back gas valve, and I suppose this could work with a back strapped pony - but I'd want to practice that if I did. I like slinging mine tho, so I can easily see and reach it all.