At Focus Air we used to go to Vira Copas often as a wet lease for Arrow Air (Big A). I don't remember the approaches there, but be ready for a lot of non-radar environment and full procedure turn approaches.

In terms of Panama, when I went there in the Classic, we all dirtied our laundry taxing to the Cargo ramp (up the hill). The taxiway seemed to me to be only 50 feet wide, and the 747 wing gear left-to-right distance is 47 feet if I remember correctly. I have heard that they widened that taxiway but I havent been there in 18 months so I wouldnt know.

Downtown Panama City is muy caliente. Lots to do, but keep a hold of your wallet and probably best not to walk alone if you are going to wear your levi's, white sneakers and have a paperback under your arm.

As I recall convective activity all year -round in both Panama and along the equator, so take your dramamine if you get air sick, and enjoy the booze and pretty woman..and keep and eye on your EGPWS and TCAS, it's a free-for-all down there.

FF