Trip

Other

Russia

Our Location:

Petropavlovsk, Russia

Airport Information:

Name: Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky Airport (UHPP)

Elevation: 131 ft.

Runways: 12/30, 6L/24R

Yearly Ops: ?

METAR: No METAR info available

PIREP (Pilot Report):

June 11 0324Z, Mid-way between Sakhalin Island and Petropavlovsk over Okhotsk Sea
     Departed Saklhalinsk Airport about an hour ago. Good to be back in the air with Q. She is performing well.
     Awoke this morning 2am to a call from Skyplan saying Russian landing permits had come through. Started calling to verify we were also cleared to land at Attu. We are, although apparently first civilian aircraft to receive permission to do so. Thanks to Cohen Group.
     Raining hard in Sapporo and weather predicted marginal at both Russian airports but both have ILS approaches so we launched. Flight to first stop only 1.5 hrs. Were switched off to Russian controller about half way. Find the Russians easier to understand than the Japanese. Approach was interesting. All altitudes in meters so had to quickly figure conversion from meters to feet (meters times 3.3). Unlike the States where you are vectored onto the ILS the controller said to turn onto the approach when ready. We did and came down the glide slope even though we had the field in sight. Long runway. No military aircraft that we saw, just civilian passenger jets. Were met by a number of military uniformed officials but I shook hands with each and it was apparent we were being well met. Went through customs and then refueled followed by getting a weather briefing and a navigation briefing from two separate officials.Took off again with an hour.
     Have about 2.5 hrs to go and 3.45 hrs fuel so in good shape re fuel. We are out of radar and radio range although we have heard two American Airlines flights call in from their higher altitudes. In an emergency we would try to reach the airliners.
     Have about 2.5 hrs to go and 3.45 hrs fuel so in good shape re fuel. We are out of radar and radio range although we have heard two American Airlines flights call in from their higher altitudes. In an emergency we would try to reach the airliners.
     Do not know if we will be able to file this report tonight. If not , when we next find internet - Mike