The fuel issue that has been affecting flights out of Auckland has been rectified and it’s back to business as usual.
NCRG/Rarotonga and NFFN/Fiji, which had also been rationing fuel have also resumed normal ops.
Hopefully that is the last that we will hear on fuel issues out of Auckland.
Images from TJIG/Isla Grande in Puerto Rico. TJIG is 6nm from TJSJ/San Juan.
VABB/Mumbai Heavy rain is affecting flight ops at Mumbai airport for the second day in a row. The main runway (09/27) remains closed after a Spicejet aircraft skidded off last night and got stuck in mud, and it’s not expected to be open again until later today – once the aircraft can be recovered.
In the meantime, the other smaller runway is in use. Expect delays until the weather improves!
As of 2100Z today 19 September Hurricane Maria was located about 80 miles SE of the island of St. Croix and 175 miles SE of San Juan, Puerto Rico. The category 5 storm is slowly moving WNW at 10 mph. This movement and speed will place the cyclone right over the whole island of Puerto Rico by Wednesday 20 September at around 1800Z.
All Puerto Rican coastal areas are under hurricane warning and all airports in the island are expected to close at some point tomorrow. The East and North coasts of the Dominican Republic are expected to be hit by the storm in the early hours of Thursday 21 September; these coastal areas are also under hurricane warning mainly affecting Punta Cana (MDPC) and Puerto Plata (MDPP), which will most likely stop operations sometime tomorrow.
SOOO/Cayenne FIR: French Guiana ATC has finally given up the ghost – they’ve now implemented their contingency plan for their airspace, due to continued strike action.
If you want to cross this bit of airspace, there are now very specific routes and levels you have to fly at. Once you’re inside the airspace, don’t change your sped or level. All the details have been published in the Notams – check these carefully!
A TCO is an authorization issued by EASA to any third-country operator wishing to perform commercial air transport in any of the following European countries:
Plus the following territories:
Applications are made directly to EASA using their application form.
https://www.easa.europa.eu/document-library/application-forms/fotco00160
You will need to provide the following documentation:
Contact details for applications are made to:
European Aviation Safety Agency
Applications Handling Department
Postfach 10 12 53
D-50452 Köln
Germany
Fax: +49 (0)221 89990 ext. 4461
E-mail: tco.applications@easa.europa.eu
Should EASA deem the application in order the operating authorization process is completed in approximately 30 days. Some flights can avoid this requirement, such as Air Ambulance or Humanitarian flights.
Please note:
If you plan to operate to these areas, we’d suggest getting your TCO right away, even if you don’t have a planned flight at the moment. They can take some time to obtain.
With the worst of Typhoon Hato now past the Pearl River Delta, some incredible footage has been seen showing the storm in action.
The worst affected airports were VHHH/Hong Kong, VMCC/Macau, and ZGSD/Zhuhai, with winds up to 105 knots.
Hato is now tracking away to the west.
A little while ago, Russia stopped sending out METAR and TAF weather updates on the international wires for a whole bunch of airports.
This made life difficult for international operators, especially airlines and business jet operators that use Siberian alternates. If you don’t have the weather reports, you can’t use it.
In OpsGroup, one of our members reported that they now had issues getting weather for places like
UHHH/UHMA/UHMM/UHPP/UIBB/UIII/ULAA/ULLI/UNAA/UNKL/UNNT/USCC/USNN.
Then, another member pointed us at this official site – http://metavia2.ru/index.php?lng=en. But to register, you need to send an email, and nobody got replies.
So, the mystery remains unsolved. What do you know? Comment below, or email us at bulletin@fsbureau.org.
One of our primary missions at FSB is to monitor the world’s airspace and report on new risks to civil aviation. When enough changes occur, we update our “Unsafe Airspace Summary“.
Today, we published a new summary effective 16AUG2017 – version “INDIA”.
First up, the map as things stand:
Red is Level 1 – Avoid this Airspace
Orange is Level 2 – Assessed Risk
Yellow is Level 3 – Caution.
A live version of this map is always updated at safeairspace.net
If you have ops to any of these countries, make sure to have a read of the risk information. A full library is at safeairspace.net.
Effective August 1st, the new charge for overflying the Kabul FIR is a flat fee of $700 USD.
Previously, the charge was $400 USD. The Afghanistan Civil Aviation Authority (ACAA) has determined the increase was necessary to support the additional infrastructure costs now that it manages its own ATC.
The fee applies to all civil flight operations using the FIR to transit enroute, regardless of aircraft size or distance flown.
For NAT Ops on Sunday August 27th, note that BSGF/Sondrestrom will be closed to all traffic, as they are upgrading infrastructure. Sundays in Greenland see most airports closed in any case, but the option of paying $1000 or so to have them open for you is normally there. On this date, BGSF won’t be, which may affect your diversion options.
They do say that if there’s an emergency, call them on +299 52 42 27 to determine availability.
All operators, in particular those with an N-reg on the tail, should be aware of the rapidly deepening crisis in Venezuela. The more tabloid news sources will say that “Venezuela is on the brink of civil war”; while that’s not quite the case (yet), it does give you a good indication of the level of concern. In OPSGROUP Note to Members #29 we will summarise the current situation.
Sanctions On July 31, the US government imposed sanctions on Venezuela, specifically on President Maduro. This creates an uncertain situation for US registered aircraft operating in Venezuelan airspace. Retaliatory sanctions, even as far as grounding a US aircraft, are not out of the question.
Embassy withdrawals On August 1st, the UK Foreign Office followed the US in withdrawing family of personnel from their respective embassies. This is a common precursor to a deeper security risk, and in the last 5 years we’ve seen this pattern in Libya, Syria, and Yemen.
Flight Ops See below on overflight. There have been interruptions to Notam and Metar service throughout 2017. At one point it appeared that SV** had lost its connection to the international AFTN system.
Aireport The most recent OpsGroup member reports are not encouraging. The top report on SVMI is titled “Hazardous in Caracas“. “The operating conditions in Caracas have deteriorated to a new level. New ATC controllers that have been installed in the last few months do not speak English very well, if at all, and in some cases and they are issuing clearances not appropriate for IFR or terrain clearance. Tremendous caution should be exercised especially when moving internally within Venezuela. SVMI authorities are now demanding to see the complete insurance policy for the aircraft, not just proof of insurance. We had Spanish speaking personnel with us and when we questioned a local SVMI controller about not using English, his response was that we should all be speaking Spanish! “. More in Aireport. If you’ve been through recently, add your report.
Threats SVMI/Caracas Simón Bolívar airport is located in an extremely high-risk area for armed robbery and kidnappings. The US describes the greatest current risks as social unrest, violent crime, and pervasive food and medicine shortages.
Travel advice Western countries are all now recommending against “all but essential travel”. A large majority of airline carriers have now stopped operating to Venezuela, for a mix of reasons – primarily the fact that onward payment of ticket monies have been stopped by the Venezuelan government. There are frequent violent protests.
Overflight Operations through Venezuelan airspace do not require an overflight permit, and so there have been no incidences recorded of US aircraft being denied a permit. However, on several occasions in the last month, Venezuela has for short periods arbitrarily closed its airspace to overflying aircraft. A common problem with Venezuelan overflight is the denial of airspace entry due to unpaid navigation fees, which is why checking this in advance is recommended. This may be a tool used to deny US aircraft entry in the future. Plan operations through the SVZM/Maiquetia FIR with caution. To be clear, we do not assess any risk to enroute aircraft, but be mindful of the fact that if you do enter SVZM airspace, you may end up diverting to an SV** airport. Right now, that’s not ideal.
Avoiding Venezuela If you elect to avoid SVZM airspace, to the west will be via Colombia – permit required for all overflights, and to the east will be via the SYGC/Georgetown FIR (Guyana) – permit not required, or via the Paramaribio FIR (Suriname) – permit required. Finally to the east, if you use the SOOO/Rochambeau FIR (French Guyana) – permit required unless operating a GA aircraft under 12.5k lbs.
If you need a tech stop and previously used/considered SVMI, then look at alternatives like TNCC, TTPP, SBEG, SMJP. Use the OpsGroup planning map to figure your best alternate options.
Published August 2nd, 2017 :
You can request membership of OPSGROUP to receive the full International Ops Bulletin delivered every Wednesday, along with all OPSGROUP member benefits: Members Questions, Group Discussions, Slack, free maps and charts (normally $25), Full access to aireport for group reviews of handlers and airports, regular alerts for critical international ops info, complimentary Airports Database (normally $375), Full access to safeairspace.net including updated risk alerts, and guidance and help when you want it on any International Operations topic (that last one is really useful!). Read 125 different member reviews.
747 Cockpit pics: unannounced missile launch
28JUL ZKZZ/North Korea Another ballistic missile was fired by North Korea today, landing in Japanese waters. Earlier this week, a B747 crew enroute to Baku captured a series of images of an unannounced missile launch close to their aircraft, over China. Read the article.
26R at Bucharest is SHORT! 2 aircraft have now over-run
28JUL LROP/Bucharest Runway 26R is shortened by about 1250m/4000 feet, and on Tuesday a Ryanair 737 became the second aircraft to run off the end in a couple of weeks: on June 22, a Turkish A321 did the same thing. Word on the street is that there isn’t much in the Notams to remind you of this. Read the article.
SVZZ/Venezuela The U.S. Department of State has updated its travel warning for Venezuela, warning against travel due to social unrest, violent crime, and pervasive food and medicine shortages. On July 27, the Department ordered the departure of family members and authorized the voluntary departure of U.S. government employees from the U.S. Embassy in Caracas. For flight ops to Venezuela, it’s highly recommended to avoid tech stops or unnecessary visits to any SV** locations.
RCZZ/Taiwan The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has granted visa-exempt status to nationals of 11 Latin American countries. Effective immediately, nationals of El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua and Paraguay are granted visa-exempt stays of up to 90 days while nationals of Belize, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Christopher and Nevis, and Saint Lucia are granted visa-exempt stays of up to 30 days.
EGCC/Manchester Night ops into Manchester? Carry extra holding fuel due WIP until August 17. [more in Aireport]
FEFF/Bangui has had a few interruptions to ATC service due to power cuts – not the only issue in Bangui, but another reason to think twice about travel to the Central African Republic.
OEZZ/Saudi Arabia On 27 July, Saudi air defences shot down a Houthi ballistic missile in the sky over Taif. Reports indicate that the Yemeni-based Houthi rebels fired the missile from northern Yemen; however, the precise target is unclear. The interception did not result in any casualties or damage on the ground.
VTBB/Bangkok Extra holding fuel into Bangkok is recommended for the monsoon season until end of October.
HCSM/Mogadishu FIR HF is unreliable. Here are the alternate contact details, if you do insist on flying through their FIR (and we think you shouldn’t): SATCOM INMARSAT 466601. ATC/FIC Telephone: +254202365679, +254207622774, +254207626028 or +254202445632.
UUZZ/Russia Volcanic activity advisory ongoing for the Sheveluch volcano (56 38 N 161 19E) on the Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia.
OPKC/Karachi The United States Consulate General in Karachi has resumed the movement of U.S. government personnel traveling to and from Jinnah International Airport in Karachi (KHI). Local security forces have increased security measures at the airport and in the city of Karachi. Movement of U.S. government personnel within Pakistan remains severely restricted due to the overall security environment. The consulate general canceled all travel of U.S. government personnel to and from the airport on 25 July, citing an elevated threat of violence “at or near this location.” The consulate general did not release further details on the nature of the threat.
EDDK/Cologne Don’t use this as an alternate overnight – at their request – that is, from 2000Z-0400Z. [more in Aireport]
LFMP/Perpignan Air show on, check for arrival slot and parking availability if you’re planning to use it between 28-30 July.
LDZZ/Croatia Several hundred taxi drivers are staging protests throughout Croatia on 28 July against the ride-sharing service Uber. Reports indicate that the protests have disrupted traffic in Dubrovnik, as well as around the airports in Split and Zagreb. Thus far there have been no reports of associated violence.
LHDC/Debrecen Limited hours of service, 48 hrs prior notice required if intending to use outside normal hours of service until end of July.
MMMX/Mexico City They’re planning on building a new airport near Mexico City. The outlines of the runway have already been painted onto the surface of a dry lake in the exact position it will be built, including full markings. These are all clearly visible when departing from the existing Mexico City Airport (MMMX) RWY 05 and approaching on RWY 23. These painted lake bed surfaces are not intended for use as a runway!
LGAV/Athens Prior permission required – contact ASOC@AIA.GR 24 hours before arrival. [more in Aireport]
CYYZ/Toronto Pearson Ground crew workers launched a strike on 27 July over a labor dispute with their employer, Swissport. Reports indicate that approximately 700 workers — including baggage handlers, cargo handlers and cabin cleaners – are participating in the strike. Swissport serves 30 airlines at Pearson.
KZZZ/USA Qualifying citizens of India are now eligible to apply for Global Entry membership. Applicants who meet program requirements and pass a background check can benefit from expedited entry to the United States at designated airports.
UBBB/Baku If you’re headed down Baku way – be aware that they are pretty much out of fuel. Check latest.
EYVI/Vilnius is closed from 14 July – 17 August due to the reconstruction of the runway. The most suitable alternate is EYKA/Kaunas, but also consider EYSA, EYPA, EVLA, EVRA.
MMPR/Puerto Vallarta has overnight closures at present, check Notams.
CYFB/Frobisher Bay has multiple closures and restrictions on going, check before using this as your NAT enroute alternate or tech stop.
FAOR/Johannesburg Another robbery occured on July 8 in a process that is becoming common here: Armed robbers followed a couple from the terminal and forced the victims to stop their vehicle in Centurion, on the corner of Rietvlei Dam Street and Delmas Road, and proceeded to steal belongings. The victims were not injured.
ENGM/Oslo From July 17-August 2, if you’re bringing your 777, 787, 330, or other Code E or larger aircraft to Oslo, plan on not getting fuel there, due to work on fuel pits and pipes – carry onwards fuel.
The elections today and tomorrow in Papua New Guinea have created civil unrest. Counting irregularities in the highlands city of Mt Hagen sparked violent protests that have gone for several days, and led to the burning of buildings on July 27. The city’s airport has been closed, residents were warned roads were blocked and there were reports of gunfire. MPs from the Opposition National Alliance party clashed with police and members of the governing People’s National Congress (PNC) party at the Port Moresby airport.
North Korea has been the country of greatest concern when it comes to unannounced missile launches. Back in the day, they would advise ICAO of their plans, and a couple of fairly specific Notams could be issued to keep crews and airplanes away from the hot spots.
They stopped doing that for every launch a few years back – and now, there’s pretty much zero warning. On safeairspace.net, North Korea is still listed as Level 1 – Do Not Fly, primarily for this reason. Since most DPRK launches end in failure, the tracking of the missiles is anything but controlled. And therefore we worry.
This week, we’ve seen images from a Cargolux 747 enroute Hong Kong to Baku, whose crew encountered an unannounced test launch of a Chinese ballistic missile, with some amazing photos.
The route of flight, and location of the launch, can be seen here:
The full gallery can be seen at this blog.
A recurring theme at Bucharest, Romania: Runway 26R is shortened by about 1250m/4000 feet, and on Tuesday a Ryanair 737 became the second aircraft to run off the end in a couple of weeks: on June 22, a Turkish A321 did the same thing.
So, first, if you’re planning to land on 26R at Bucharest, be aware that it’s about 2200m/7000 feet long instead of the previous 3500m/11500 feet.
Word on the street is that there isn’t much in the Notams to remind you of this: there’s a (yawn) Trigger Notam pointing to an AIP Supplement that nobody will have on board:
A1240/17 NOTAMN
A) LROP B) 1706220000 C) 1707060000
E) TRIGGER NOTAM – AIRAC AIP SUP 03/17 WEF 22 JUN 2017
WORK IN PROGRESS AT BUCURESTI/HENRI COANDA AIRPORT.
Maybe a simple Notam that said …
A1240/17 NOTAMN
A) LROP B) 1706220000 C) 1707060000
E) Runway 26R is much shorter now! LDA 2237M
… would be better? Of course, since we haven’t evolved to using ASCII yet in the Notam system, we can’t use exclamation marks or correct case, but you get the idea.
Either way, heads up when heading to LROP.
There has been a flurry of activity in Libya of late. The people with their hands on the AFTN printer for Libya have been putting out all kinds of information, advertising availability of aerodromes and the Tripoli FIR. All are welcome!
Don’t be too hasty.
Libya is still a desperately unstable country. A Notam published today (A0070/17) indicates that HLLM/Mitiga is open and available “H24 for International Flights and Diversions”.
We’d love you to come visit, they say. What the Notam doesn’t mention is that two weeks ago, 5 people were killed and 32 injured during fighting at the airport.
As a matter of update on the Libyan ATM situation, we can inform operators that there are regular outages in the provision of ATC services especially at the main airports due to security or technical failure issues.
The main ACC in Tripoli is also subject to severe limitations with no radar service and limited provision of CNS/ATM services in most of the HLLL FIR airspace.
Overflight through HLLL FIR is only approved by the Libyan authorities on one southbound route from RASNO-LOSUL but even this is subject to severe limitations and a degree of confusion as to who is actually authorizing flights to transit the airspace.
There are several NOTAMs issued by adjacent States prohibiting overflights on certain entry/exit points creating further complications.
Here’s a simple guide for you from FSB:
Libya remains categorised as a Level One country (Do Not Fly) at safeairspace.net
Update Jan 21: Heavy clashes broke out in the Libyan capital Tripoli on Jan 15, leaving at least twenty people dead and forcing the airport to close for five days, re-opening again on Jan 20. Gunfire at Mitiga Airport damaged multiple aircraft, including a few A319s and at least one A330.
July 5, 2017 – HLLM/Tripoli Mitiga : Intense fighting at the Airport yesterday, with 5 people killed and 32 injured. The fighting is ongoing between rival members of the Buni Brigade militia, which controls the airport terminal building. It is understood that there had been a falling out over the distribution of the income the militia earns from goods and passengers passing through the terminal.
Operations were switched to Mitiga from HLLT/Tripoli International in 2014, after that airport was severely damaged in the heavy clashes that broke out across the capital in mid-2014 and closed to all operations.
Also yesterday, July 4th, the first flight in three years to land at HLLT/Tripoli International arrived from Addis Ababa, which was a non-scheduled flight operated by Libyan Arab Airlines. There is no indication yet that HLLT is open again for regular traffic.
Libya remains categorised as a Level One country (Do Not Fly) at safeairspace.net
KZZZ/USA The US has opted for ‘Enhanced Security’ instead of a wider laptop ban. In fact, the existing ban is likely to end once airports can comply with the new rules. The information in the official DHS release is somewhere between vague and zero, which kind of makes sense.
So, the story is pretty simple – there is no wider laptop ban, but no specifics have yet been released publicly as to what exactly ‘Enhanced Security’ means for Aircraft Operators. The DHS will work directly with larger AO’s directly affected.
Following on from the privatisation of Greek Airports this summer (see our article from earlier in June – Summer of Pain), there are new procedures for Greek Slots.
With delays super high into some of the smaller islands, especially at weekends, attention to the correct slot procedure is pretty important.
The slot you’ll get from the HSCA is valid +/- 30 mins. If you go outside that, then you’ll get a flight suspension message from Eurocontrol that looks like this.
FLIGHT PLAN SUSPENSION ACCORDING TO YOUR FLIGHT PLAN IFPLID 01020304 ARCID N765AC ARCTYP C56X EOBD 160201 EOBT 1945 ADEP LOWI ADES LGMK ELDT 2050 NO CORRESPONDING AIRPORT SLOT WAS RECOGNISED
To get a new slot, or the initial one, the official process is this:
If you have any issues, you can call H24 this number in Greece re. slots: +30 210 997 2656. And, we think, this email should also work: slot-hsca@athensairport.gr
References
Following OpsGroup Note 28 on Monday (“Qatar sanctions“), there are some important new additions to the sanctions that all operators should be aware of:
Effective today, Bahrain now requires Special Authorisation for all traffic inbound to and out of Qatar. This one is critical because Bahrain controls almost all of the airspace around and over Qatar.
That requirement was just published today, Wednesday in Notam A0210/17. The preamble states that no Qatari registered aircraft can fly through Bahraini airspace. This one seems like it would be a big issue for Qatar Airways, but for all other international operators, the next part is equally important:
“Operators not registered in Kingdom of Bahrain intending to use Bahrain Airspace from or to the state of Qatar require approval from Bahrain CAA”
That means everyone now needs permission to get into Doha, because you can’t get into the Doha TMA without going through Bahrain Airspace, unless you are planning to route through Saudi Arabia (which already has that requirement). Check the map again below.
OBBB/BAHRAIN A0210/17 07JUN 1140Z
ALL FLT REGISTERED IN THE STATE OF QATAR ARE NOT AUTHORISED TO OVERFLY BAHRAIN AIRSPACE. OPERATORS NOT REGISTERED IN KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN INTENDING TO USE BAHRAIN AIRSPACE FROM OR TO THE STATE OF QATAR REQUIRE PRIOR APPROVAL FROM BAHRAIN CAA ON THE FLW CONTACT: TEL:00973 17329035 / 00973 17329069 EMAIL: AT-SCHEDULE(AT)MTT.GOV.BH. 07 JUN 11:35 2017 UNTIL PERM.
Governments of Jordan, Libya, Maldives and Mauritania have joined the other countries in severing their diplomatic ties with Qatar. The closure of borders with neighboring countries and the withdrawal of the diplomatic staff from various embassies in the region have resulted in restrictions on travel to and from Qatar.
Qatari Nationals
Qatar has urged its nationals to comply with the decision of the countries involved and leave the territories of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) within 14 days of June 5, 2017. Qatari nationals should contact the respective consular posts abroad for assistance with travel arrangements and travel back to the country via Kuwait or Oman.
Bahraini, Saudi and UAE Nationals
Bahraini, Saudi and the UAE authorities have announced bans for their nationals from travelling, transiting or residing in Qatar. Those currently in Qatar are requested to leave as soon as possible.
Other Foreign Nationals Residing in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
Holders of Residency Visas from Qatar will face difficulties in obtaining Visit Visas to countries which have closed their diplomatic representations in Doha, Qatar, including Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Foreign nationals residing in Qatar applying for visas to Egypt or Saudi Arabia may have to travel back to their home country to do so.
It is likely that foreign nationals residing in Qatar will face restrictions in obtaining a GCC Resident Visitor Visa to enter Bahrain or the UAE. Foreign nationals who are not eligible for a visa-on-arrival based on their nationality should prearrange their visas in advance and seek out other categories of sponsorship including airlines, hotels or tourist agencies.
It is unclear whether there will be any impact on foreign national residents of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the UAE seeking entry to Qatar based on the GCC Resident Visitor Visa.
Courier Services
Courier services and document deliveries between Qatar and Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are severely delayed. The majority of carriers are rerouting their shipments, while others, including FedEx, have suspended their services between the affected countries.
Media
The Qatari-based broadcaster Al Jazeera has been banned in a number of countries, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The Qatari beIN Sports channel has been suspended in the UAE.
The UAE’s General Prosecutor warned against showing any sympathy for Qatar on social media which is considered a cybercrime, punishable by law.
OPSGROUP Note to Members 28 is published on Qatar Sanctions.
As of today, Monday June 5th, there are several new sanctions affecting operations in the Middle East if any part of your flight involves Qatar. Primarily this will affect ops to/from OTHH (the primary Doha airport) and OTBD.
Because of sanctions applied by other Middle Eastern countries, you will find restrictions applied for these operations. If you are a Qatari-registered aircraft, then most of these countries are completely off limits, otherwise the specifics are as follows:
ATC Routings
OTHH is a busy airport. Traffic to and from Qatar, much of which is now banned from neighbouring countries, will reroute primarily into Iran.
Iran has published a Traffic Orientation Scheme.
– Qatar outbound Northbound via Tehran FIR-Ankara FIR. FL150-FL190 routing RAGAS-UT430-LAGSA -UL223-TESVA/ALRAM.
– Qatar outbound Southbound via Muscat and Karachi FIRs, FL150-FL190 via RAGAS-M561-ASVIB (KARACHI FIR), and RAGAS-M561-KHM-NEW FIR (MUSCAT FIR)-BUBAS
– Inbound to Qatar from North: FL240-FL300 via ALRAM-UT36-MIDSI
– Inbound to Qatar from South: FL240-FL260 via N312/A453-MIDSI.
Qatar and Bahrain
Qatar does not have its own FIR. It sits entirely within the Bahrain FIR. For this reason, Bahrain’s position on airspace availability to traffic to and from Qatar is critical. The Doha TMA extends from SFC to FL245. Above that sits the Bahrain UIR.
Visa situation – impact
The following is a summary of the impact of the entry, residency and transit ban:
…. full note available in your OPSGROUP Dashboard.
| Opsgroup Dashboard login | Join OPSGROUP for access |
You can request membership of OPSGROUP to receive the full International Ops Bulletin delivered every Wednesday, along with all OPSGROUP member benefits: Members Questions, Group Discussions, Slack, free maps and charts (normally $25), Full access to aireport for group reviews of handlers and airports, regular alerts for critical international ops info, complimentary Airports Database (normally $375), Full access to safeairspace.net including updated risk alerts, and guidance and help when you want it on any International Operations topic (that last one is really useful!). Read 125 different member reviews.
The challenges of operating to Greece during the summer look to be far worse than normal this year.
Fraport are not off to a good start with non-scheduled flights and business aviation. On April 11th this year, they took over control of 14 international airports from the state: Aktion, Chania, Corfu, Kavala, Kefalonia, Kos, Lesvos, Mykonos, Rhodes, Samos, Santorini, Skiathos, Thessaloniki and Zakynthos.
Initial reports on the Fraport change from OPSGROUP members are not positive:
Last year, the capacity challenge at Greek Islands was most acute on weekends, with healthy slot delays if operating to LGIR/Iraklion, LGKP/Karpathos, LGMK/Mikonos, LGZA/Zakinthos, LGSR/Santorini, LGSK/Skiathos, or LGSA/Chania. Coupled with the Fraport changes, be prepared for difficulty in operating to Greece this summer.
The only answer is to plan as far ahead in advance as possible. We’d love to hear your reports from Greece – in Aireport if you are an OpsGroup member, or comment below if you’re not.
Of late, the level of interest in OpsGroup for European Ramp Checks has been very high. There has been a lot to think about. First, we discovered in March that French inspectors had started recording a finding for operators that were using the Manufacturer MEL instead of a customized one, and it turned out that across EASA-land inspectors were raising the same issue. There is an update on that below.
One of our members posted a great list of the most popular findings/issues raised by EASA Inspectors in the last 12 months, together with the skinny on “how to fix these, so you don’t get a finding”.
So, first let’s look at the Top 3 Categories, with the subset questions, and then an update on the D095 MMEL/MEL issue.
Visiting and locally based aircraft may be subjected to ramp inspections as part of a States’ Safety Programme. The EU Ramp Inspection Programme (EU RIP) is one such inspection regime which currently has 48 participating states. The EU Ramp Inspectors review findings and use this intelligence as a basis for prioritising areas to inspect during a ramp check.
The most frequent findings and observations raised since January 2016 follow. This information can be used to help avoid similar findings being raised during future ramp inspections on your aircraft.
The main 3 categories of findings, relate to: Minimum Equipment Lists, Flight Preparation and Manuals.
1. Under the category of Minimum Equipment List, the finding is.
• MEL not fully customised.
2. Under the category of Flight Preparation, the main findings are:
• PBN Codes recorded on the flight plan which the operator did not have operational approval for
• Use of alternates which were not appropriate for the aircraft type; and
•[blur]Use of alternate airports which were closed[/blur]
[blur]3. Under the category of Manuals, the main finding is.
• AFM was not at the latest revision.[/blur]
[blur]Simple Steps to Avoid Similar Findings[/blur]
[blur]1. Review your MEL, especially amendments made to the MEL after the initial approval, and ensure it is fully customised:
• Where the MMEL and/or TC holders source O&M procedures require the operator to develop ‘Alternate Procedures’ or ’Required Distribution’ etc. these must be specified in the operators MEL and/or O&M procedure;[/blur]
Full report in your OpsGroup Dashboard, including the standard ramp checklist PDF:
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To get the full report and checklist – there are two options:
Bermuda will host the Americas Cup from May 29 – Jun 27.
As a result, the airport will be busier than usual, so plan ops and parking well in advance.
There are now a number of requirements for private/non-scheduled flights, applied between May 23 until June 30:
PPR is not required to carry TXKF as an enroute alternate (it’s a popular ETOPS airport), but bear in mind that if you do choose to divert here, recovery may take longer.