Originally Posted by
Ottopilot
I did my 767 "Russia" training last spring. What a mess. I'll bid aroung it. In training they said Moscow in the spring of 2007, now I hear (rumors) that we won't go there due to costs/fees imposed by the Russians. It was going to be a 767-200 from Newark to Moscow. I heard that they wanted $300 per crewmember in visa fees or something everytime a plane landed. Plus a bunch of other expenses and fees to go there. CAL said if they can't make money doing it, they won't do it. I hear that they gave up and are not going now. This is typical of Russia, they are hurting for cash and trying to get it anywhere they can.
There is not much mess about actual flying part. Besides you can always request QNH approach.
Our system seems messy to Russian pilots
They have altimeters show "0" on the ground (QFE setting) and fly all approaches where target mins are actual height above the ground. Standard ILS's mins are always at 60 meters - doesn't get easier that that! Bill R. did just fine on a charter flight there.
I heard the target airplane will be 764.
$400 for a visa plus every 6 months every crewmember has to be tested for HIV and have doctors papers with them working Russian flights.
All because CAL did not hint of bribe possibilities.
Individuals in the Russian government are "hurting" for cash when they see such opportunity - that's typical I'd agree. They'll negotiate forever and make strange rules. Will see what happens.