China trip

[Jetdriver69]

A question for the China experts. We haven't flown this trip in a while, but do the Russians still tend to keep you at lower altitudes for the crossing from ZBAA across toward Alaska? Our non stop trip is at max range for the GV and I dont want to make a fuel/customs decision at the last minute to go into PANC. Thanks

 

[jet2work]

Yes and No..

Yes, but.... The Chinese will drop you down from 12500 Meters to 12100 before you reach ARGUK. No use trying to talk them out of letting you stay up. There must be an LOA in effect between the CAAC and the Russians. Unless you can get to 14100 Meters (probably not that soon after takeoff) you will be forced to go down. The good news is that if you are traveling back late at night, you can usually talk them into getting higher as soon as you are able. I have had luck getting 13100 Meters (Wrong Way), and I have also had them tell me they were unable because of traffic (never saw another soul on TCAS). It is a radar environment (if you go along the northern route) the whole way (VHF too). Just stay on the Russians about getting a higher altitude as soon as you are able (be diplomatic of course). PM me if you need any other info.

FLAS Flight level chart.
http://www.chinarma.cn/English/flightlevelallocationscheme.html

 

[G100driver]

You should plan on not getting the cruise alt you want until you are in US airpspace ... Be sure and figure flying the entire departure procedure into you flight plan as well.

 

[Jetdriver69]

Thanks for the info. Unless we have really favorable winds, there is no way we are going to make it home with reserves if they hold us to lower altitudes for a extended time. Has anyone run into the same altitude problems transiting from India into China.

 

[AA717driver]

I never had trouble getting right up to altitude the couple of times I went north out of ZBAA. Anecdotal--hardly a significant statistical sampling...

TC