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

[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.

 

[Gulfstream 200]

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.

What about VAT?

You dont need to import your a/c unless you plan to carry EU people around. We have not imported ours and have no plans to. The process is very easy though, if you are interested.

You will pay VAT on fuel etc and wont get this back as you are Part 91 non commercial traveling for pleasure....although UVAIR has had some talk recently about a way to bill fuel to get VAT back. However, I usually gather the tax questions and forward them up to people who know. I dont judge if trips are personal or business, not my call.

As far as personal VAT from shopping etc - its all refundable on your last stop in the EU. Keep all the VAT sheets and envelopes and ask you handler where to get the refunds processed. We do this for our pax routinely and if they shop a lot its thousands saved (for them lol)

Good Luck.

 

[Sammy]

ULMM 211130Z 13004MPS 9999 SCT030 BKN080 12/02 Q1011 NOSIG RMK QFE752 14090070

Here is a metar in Russia. Note winds are meters per second so u will need to convert. Qfe 752 is in mm so u will need to convert to millibars or perhaps inches of mercury. I think Q1011 is QNH in mm? Can anyone confirm this?

 

[Sammy]

answered my own question. Qxxxx is millibars.

 

[G100driver]

Hey Bleeds On, is that you that just posted on NBAA saying that you were stuck in BIRK? We stopped in BIKF on Sat morning at around 1:30 am. Just missed that one!

 

[Bleeds On]

Hey Bleeds On, is that you that just posted on NBAA saying that you were stuck in BIRK? We stopped in BIKF on Sat morning at around 1:30 am. Just missed that one!

Thankfully, no. If this eruption is like last years', this trip might not be going. That would suck!

 

[G100driver]

That is good ... the guy that was stuck also flying an XL.

I should all be over by then ... hopefully!

 

[Gulfstream 200]

That is good ... the guy that was stuck also flying an XL.

I should all be over by then ... hopefully!

You two should get a room.

 

[G100driver]

You are just jealous ...

 

[AA717driver]

You are just jealous ...

Not jealousy, G200 just has the amazing ability to carry on multiple conversations with himself. So, he doesn't see the need to do so on a message board.


TC

 

[Bleeds On]

Any places to avoid the water? I would assume the EU is safe, but not sure of Ukraine, Russia, and Iceland. Last thing I want is the runs. And no, I will not eat cucumbers or bean sprouts.