Getting to Eastern Equatorial Africa

[guido411]

Rather than calling Universal I figured I'd ask a bunch of know-it-alls.

Looking for info on routes from Midwest US to E. Africa (other than Emirates Airlines, it's already been suggested). Great circle the trip is about 7600nm but I have no idea what countries can be flown over and which can't. How much longer does that make the trip?

Suggestions on how many stops and where to make them on way out and way back in airplanes in 3000nm+ range and 4000nm+ range.

 

[Jetdriver69]

This trip in definetly designed for a 6000 mile airplane. I regularly fly to west equatorial Africa from Houston, not real fun but interesting. In the GV, we usually fly to Cape Verde Islands for a quick fuel stop, then on to east Africa. They are very quick on gas, sometimes less than 30 minutes on the ground. We could make it nonstop to west Africa with favorable winds, but you have very few alternate options. Also you could stop in Accra, Ghana for gas, it is safe and fairly modern. But with a 4000 mile range, I doubt you could go this route. If you are coming from farther north, consider Lajes, Azores or Dakar, Senegal for fuel before cutting across Africa. You can get overflights for any of the African countries from Universal or Jepp, it will just cost you. Don't try to fly outside of territorial waters to avoid paying, they will reroute and charge you anyway. Do not attempt to overfly countries without permits, they can get pretty serious about infringment issues. Be prepared to spell to each country's controller your company name, address, fax number for extra billing. Be prepared for no radar coverage over some of these countries, I would recommend using SLOP on non radar airways and position reporting is the same as oceanic. Very often radio comm is spotty, approach control can be non existant and sometimes you must descend on your own volition. Do not consider catering in any of these African countries, except maybe Kenya. Bring food along in big coolers with dry ice. Make sure you always insist your waiter opens your beer in front of you and make sure you smell it before drinking. Sometimes the local beer can be rotten and never use local ice in remote locations. Thats about it, have fun.

 

[ttflyer]

Make sure you always insist your waiter opens your beer in front of you and make sure you smell it before drinking. Sometimes the local beer can be rotten and never use local ice in remote locations. Thats about it, have fun.

Sounds like fun... Pass...

 

[Jetdriver69]

Oh yeah, I failed to mention that the TB rate in Africa is about 100 times what it is in the US. So be very careful where you eat. The HIV rate is also skyhigh, so the same warning applies....

 

[semperfido]

I will be doing that trip. We are stopping for two nights in Paris.

 

[Gulfstream 200]

Rather than calling Universal I figured I'd ask a bunch of know-it-alls.

Looking for info on routes from Midwest US to E. Africa (other than Emirates Airlines, it's already been suggested). Great circle the trip is about 7600nm but I have no idea what countries can be flown over and which can't. How much longer does that make the trip?

Suggestions on how many stops and where to make them on way out and way back in airplanes in 3000nm+ range and 4000nm+ range.

3-4000nm plane on this type of trip is difficult. Its hard enough in a 6000nm plane.

How many crews will you have?

I have often used Lisbon as a tech/swap stop.

Do a lot of research on routing etc. Sudan, Ethipia etc can be issues.

I dont envy you, Is quitting the job an option? lol.

 

[guido411]

3-4000nm plane on this type of trip is difficult. Its hard enough in a 6000nm plane.

How many crews will you have?

I have often used Lisbon as a tech/swap stop.

Do a lot of research on routing etc. Sudan, Ethipia etc can be issues.

I dont envy you, Is quitting the job an option? lol.

Would have to have 3 (maybe 4) pilots.

Shortest route would go right over Lisbon, would only be possible in a 4000nm airplane under best circumstances. Coming back maybe never possible I s'pose.

Sure I'll quit. . .and come fly Grummans with you I guess.

 

[guido411]

Question:

Suppose (in your 4000nm aircraft) you planned to leave E. Africa and fuel stop in Morocco before crossing to Gander. The first leg is 3600nm and winds are not favorable. Where do you stop before getting to Casablanca?

 

[Gulfstream 200]

Would have to have 3 (maybe 4) pilots.

Shortest route would go right over Lisbon, would only be possible in a 4000nm airplane under best circumstances. Coming back maybe never possible I s'pose.

Sure I'll quit. . .and come fly Grummans with you I guess.

Yeah, Lisbon has always been a 30min quickturn 24hrs a day. Its also easy to airline to/from for the crew swap.

Sounds like thats a good option unless your people want to overnight somewhere along the way.

good luck!

 

[Gulfstream 200]

Question:

Suppose (in your 4000nm aircraft) you planned to leave E. Africa and fuel stop in Morocco before crossing to Gander. The first leg is 3600nm and winds are not favorable. Where do you stop before getting to Casablanca?

well...maybe if coming out of Tanzania or Kenya area and have to avoid Sudan, just stay south and go to Tenerife?