First big int'l trip. Russia, France, etc. Any help?

[Bleeds On]

Leaving in June in a 560XL and planning CYYR-BIRK-EHAM-LFML-URKK-various Russia-EGSS and back through Iceland. Using Universal for handling. A few inquiries:
-We're negative HF and it's my understanding we don't need it with that routing, correct?
-Negative SMS program at the moment. Suggestions?
-For Russia, do we need a pilot-rated navigator or just someone fluent in English-Russian?
-Type-rated co-pilot may be on a temp cert due to separate type to be completed soon. Deal breaker?
-First class medical is past 6 months, do they care?
-Visas are being lined up for Russia. Anything else I should be concerned with?

Thanks

 

[K.V.]

One recommendation that I would make is, if your stop in EHAM is nothing but a tech stop, that I would seriously consider EHRD instead. Schiphol's a very busy airport and can be a pain in the a$$. Rotterdam is much easier. No slots, no permits, no traffic, no problem.

Regarding the HF, if you stay on the blue spruce route, you shouldn't need an HF.

SMS is not required in Europe, as of yet. (In fact, I don't *think* it'll be mandatory even after the deadline)

The Russian navigator need not be rated. Also, you only need a Russian navigator if the airport(s) that you're flying in and out of, are not "international" airports. From my understanding, the controllers aren't obligated to speak english unless it's an international airport.

Temporary certificate should be just fine.

No worries on the first class medical being over 6 months. It is good to have a first class medical though. Technically, The US first and second class medical certificates correspond to ICAO Class 1 Medical Assessment. However, even though a US first and second class medical certificate is the equivalent of an ICAO class 1 assessment, in some ICAO countries it may be easier for you to carry a US first class medical certificate than to explain to an inspector (in a foreign language) that a US second class equals an ICAO Class 1 from the rest of the world.

Hope this helps.

 

[rice]

Bleeds
I'm assuming you've completed an Int'l procedures course within the last 2 years. Get a hold of a SAFA checklist and make sure you've got all your doc's in hand.
If youre ramped in Amsterdam make sure you've used "some" O2. They have been known to check gauges. A friend was recently queried about his journey log and why he hadn't recorded his fuel at each waypoint. This was in a GIV. Guess they never heard of an FMS.
Have fun. Sounds like a good trip.

Does 850KOA have anything to do with APA or BJC?

 

[Bleeds On]

Awesome, thanks guys. My initial reaction to EHAM was "how 'bout Rotterdam". One guy is riding the airlines into EHAM. Maybe we can get him to take a taxi to EHRD.
I completed the Int'l course with ATI just under 2 years ago so I'm planning to refresh. I have the SAFA check printed out as well as an int'l ops book with all the applicable doc's. I think I'm covered except the SMS. I just don't want to overlook anything.
We cross DEN a lot and 850 has great range. Good time killer.

 

[Gulfstream 200]

I have actually had pretty quick turns at EHAM?....using runway 4/22 (?) and have done pretty good crew swaps easily as there is an OK hotel right across the street.

I dont know anything about your airplane, but can make Helsinki? Great tech stop.

Yes you will need a navigator depending where you go in Russia. Leave extra time ofr everything in Russia, especially once outside Moscow.

SMS wont likely be an issue, but I would get those medicals if you are over 40..yes I know about the FAA letter explaining validity, but why risk something so easy?

Make a SAFA book up, it will get all your docs in order and make it fast if anyone asks. Send your email if you want a copy of ours.

Sounds like a fun trip (minus Russia lol)

 

[AA717driver]

Universal won't contact Canpass for the tech stop in Goose. We stopped there the other night and they did a great job despite the arctic conditions. Canpass just wanted a phone call to verify all the pax but it was no big deal, just a surprise. (I've never had to do a tech stop there so it was news to me, too.)

We tried to talk the people into using EHRD but they insisted on AMS. Good handlers--LOTS of construction up around the G2 taxiway area. The controllers worked us to a better runway (18R will take you DAYS to taxi in--KLM departed on 36L yesterday and it was nearly a 40 min. taxi and this guy taxied like a SWA pilot with a hot date!)

What's up with a Russian navigatior? My former employer went there (to the hinterlands, too) and didn't need one. Brush up on your Russian procedures--meters and QFE.

Watch out for the beer over there. It's a whole lot weaker than ours--better drink extra.

TC

 

[njcapt]

Unless you're heading to the real backwater of Russia you won't need a Navigator/Translator. If you have Jepp charts for the airport it's considered an "international" airport and won't require the augmented crew.

Make damn sure you have a legible meters flight level chart and brush up on QFE operations. The advice given by most of the international procedures joints is correct. Use QFE below transition level, don't expect a reliable conversion to hPa - even if the charts say it's available. Brush up on your standard phraseology, too. Russian controllers know about 30 words in English - just aviation lingo - and will clam up if you use any American slang or abbreviate terms. Also, cleared to "xxx" means fly your flight plan route to the FIR exit fix (xxx), not fly direct.

Expect to be cleared for an approach while on a downwind vector without being turned for an intercept. You turn when you think it's appropriate and give yourself a 30° intercept to the final. Weird, I know.

Things might be changing with the advent of more western aircraft being used in Russia, but until recently all the ATC descent profiles were predicated on the brick-like flying qualities of old Soviet aircraft. They could perform five-to-one descents without issues, which the BBJ I was flying couldn't handle if it was shot out of the sky. You will have to pester the hell out of controllers going into large cities for lower altitudes in order to make crossing restrictions that the Tu-134's make easily.

Carry a bunch of extra gas going into Moscow. I was vectored for more than 40 minutes at FL1200 meters (about 3600ft AGL) going into Vnukovo one time just to get sequenced for the ILS24. Alternates need to be "International" airports and acceptable ones can be hundreds of miles away. If you need to divert, you WILL go to your filed alternate, not an acceptable one closer to your bosses car.

 

[ILOVEBEER]

I just did a tech stop in Petro, and my comrade had a temp certificate. Moscow said temps are ok for tech stops ONLY. You might want to look into that. You may need to throw out a few $'s to make it happen. Oh yeah, that reminds me, bring a $h!tload of cash.

 

[Bleeds On]

Few more ?'s:
Should a guy just have euros on hand?
Life raft....it'd be ideal to pick up in CYYR and drop in EHRD and vice versa. Any companies that do that or should we just keep it the whole trip?
Shots, etc. Where can we find the requirements?

 

[Gulfstream 200]

Euros keep the Russians moving faster, if at all....but dollars also work anywhere, just dont think that $10 goes far anymore...you can use any currency in Europe for tips. Credit cards for everything else, including cabs etc.

There's just no need to carry around 10K in cash anymore like the old coots used to when flying their fancy G-II's around the world (they have these funny things called ATMs now)

Just be sure your handler secures credit etc for fuel/handling/landing fees/catering in out of way places. The only place in the world I ever had to pay anything in cash was Indonesia and Nigeria...and this was 5+ years ago.

Handler/CDC can likely advise on shots. ARINC has a decent summary on their site - but I would personally just call my own Doctor. If you have the standard Hepatitis etc shots you are likely all set.

 

[Bleeds On]

Now we're looking at Kiev when we leave Iceland. Oslo would be a perfect tech stop from BIRK and from what I see there's VHF coverage BIRK to ENGM. Anything I should be concerned with here besides more cold water?

 

[AA717driver]

ENGM is the better airport, IMO. (Admittedly, it's been 20 some years since I've been...) Fornabu (sp?) is "downtown" and has less runway.

Kiev is a nice airport with a big ramp near the airline terminal so it's a short ride for the pax. Very good ATC.

If you want the pax to clear customs through the VIP lounge (as opposed to standing in line with the Babushkas) make it clear to your handler (I think you said Universal?) and make it clear repeatedly.

We "assumed" and Mr. Big had to spend some quality time with the Proletariats. I heard about that one... :erm:

Anyway, the local handlers will gladly run them through the VIP lounge and it will make their lives (and yours) much better.

We stayed in the Radisson SAS which was nice. It was only for one night and rainy so I cannot comment on the city. Our mechanic was chomping at the bit to get to a "Night Flite-like club" so you may have a better time than we did.

TC

 

[2000Easyguy]

ENGM is the better airport, IMO. (Admittedly, it's been 20 some years since I've been...) Fornabu (sp?) is "downtown" and has less runway.

Kiev is a nice airport with a big ramp near the airline terminal so it's a short ride for the pax. Very good ATC.

If you want the pax to clear customs through the VIP lounge (as opposed to standing in line with the Babushkas) make it clear to your handler (I think you said Universal?) and make it clear repeatedly.

We "assumed" and Mr. Big had to spend some quality time with the Proletariats. I heard about that one... :erm:

Anyway, the local handlers will gladly run them through the VIP lounge and it will make their lives (and yours) much better.

We stayed in the Radisson SAS which was nice. It was only for one night and rainy so I cannot comment on the city. Our mechanic was chomping at the bit to get to a "Night Flite-like club" so you may have a better time than we did.

TC

Kiev (UKBB) is great. expect holding point 16 (Shut dwn engines) then tug to stand. Point 16 is app top of 18R. Then tug to stand. Fairly great handlers.
The city is about an hour. But, there's a very nice hotel/B&B close by. I recommend. No worries, all is fairly straightforward.

Edit: Moscow in plan? UUWW is only NDB Rnwy 01/19 2030 meters(6600)ft.
just a heads up.

 

[gear_guy]

EHRD is great. KLM Jet Center can do all your handling if you call them direct. Customs closes at 10pm if its your first stop in Europe. I have been there probably 15 times and only 1 visit from customs. You could probably be in/out in 20 mins. easy.

If you are NBAA member you should check out the slides from the recent Intl Ops conf. It had some good info on Russia.

I would get the SAFA checklist and review it before dept.

 

[Bleeds On]

OK, looking at approaches in Russia. The chart lists QNH and QFE in feet, but meters is just in a little conversion box on the side. We have the ability to switch to meters on the PFD and I'd planned on doing that til I saw the charts. I would assume that while enroute you're getting altitudes in meters so I'd like to leave it in meters. So my question is this...what SOP do you guys use? I'd rather not continually do conversions or switch the PFD back and forth. Maybe pencil the meters equivalent at each fix?

 

[landlover]

OK, looking at approaches in Russia. The chart lists QNH and QFE in feet, but meters is just in a little conversion box on the side. We have the ability to switch to meters on the PFD and I'd planned on doing that til I saw the charts. I would assume that while enroute you're getting altitudes in meters so I'd like to leave it in meters. So my question is this...what SOP do you guys use? I'd rather not continually do conversions or switch the PFD back and forth. Maybe pencil the meters equivalent at each fix?

is there a conversion feature in the FMS on your airplane? Most of the altitudes in russia that are assigned are odd, (11,600m = 38000ft) but are very close or equal to even altitudes in feet. we can only display both (meters and feet) on the pfd and use the FMS to convert. I think moscow and st.pete are the only two that allow you to get a visa on arrival so be sure to take care of that before departure.

 

[Bleeds On]

is there a conversion feature in the FMS on your airplane? Most of the altitudes in russia that are assigned are odd, (11,600m = 38000ft) but are very close or equal to even altitudes in feet. we can only display both (meters and feet) on the pfd and use the FMS to convert. I think moscow and st.pete are the only two that allow you to get a visa on arrival so be sure to take care of that before departure.

We have a UNS-1esp, but I'm not sure if it does the conversions. Probably does but I'll have to look into it. When you enter yours on the FMS for conversion, does it set your altitude select? We can switch our tape from displaying feet to showing meters instead, which I'd prefer if that's what I'll be assigned. Unless the Russians really are as robotic as everyone says and you'll never get any altitudes other than what's listed.
The visas are already in for processing. Thanks for the heads up though.

 

[Bleeds On]

OK I'm wrong, feet isn't replaced by meters on the PFD, it just adds a meters box above feet.

 

[landlover]

Bleeds, our airplane does the same with adding a meters box. this is why we use the converter in the fms, we still have to select altitudes in feet for the autopilot. Also note, i believe that you have to enter and exit russia over the very same way point according to the flight plan routing sent in with the visa application, so sending in a dummy route may not be a good idea.

 

[Bleeds On]

How about VAT in the EU? We will be 91 only, carry no EU nationals, and make one stop in France to meet with a client. In terms of "importing the aircraft", does it even apply to us? A 20% VAT on aircraft value will obviously scrub the trip, but I don't think we should have to deal with any VATs other than on fuel, etc.