How to decode Russian METAR's
#11
Think it Varies
Wasp:
I think it depends where in China you are flying.
I only did Hong Kong (quite a few times) and Shanghai (once). We practiced in the sim for recurrent using mm of Hg, and metric flight levels. Push the button, yes, but there was round-off error, as I recall, for setting the altitude window on the autopilot (which stayed in feet).
I believe we were told that it depended on the sector/FIR/UIR, and the more interior you went into the country, the more it became metric.
On the subject of accents: I was really surprised that the Shanghai controllers--who have really only been working with English for less than a decade---had far better English than the Japanese at the boundary hand-off----and they have been working with English since 1945.
I think it depends where in China you are flying.
I only did Hong Kong (quite a few times) and Shanghai (once). We practiced in the sim for recurrent using mm of Hg, and metric flight levels. Push the button, yes, but there was round-off error, as I recall, for setting the altitude window on the autopilot (which stayed in feet).
I believe we were told that it depended on the sector/FIR/UIR, and the more interior you went into the country, the more it became metric.
On the subject of accents: I was really surprised that the Shanghai controllers--who have really only been working with English for less than a decade---had far better English than the Japanese at the boundary hand-off----and they have been working with English since 1945.
#13
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Oct 2008
Position: CL-65 F/O
Posts: 265
This is very interesting. I had NO idea that there was such a thing as QFE.
As far as that scenario about descending to 3000ft, I don't see how that is still practiced in the world. It seems like it is a deadly scenario. I'd probably kill myself if I went over there and did that. Why wouldn't other countries just convert to a system like we have? Isn't it less about technology and more about just general practice?
Do those countries still have a transitional altitude like 18,000ft?
As far as that scenario about descending to 3000ft, I don't see how that is still practiced in the world. It seems like it is a deadly scenario. I'd probably kill myself if I went over there and did that. Why wouldn't other countries just convert to a system like we have? Isn't it less about technology and more about just general practice?
Do those countries still have a transitional altitude like 18,000ft?
#14
Information Overload
Our B-757 has made numerous trips to all parts of the country, without a single hitch.
Hope I can help you.
G'Day Mate
#15
Odd Man Out
This is very interesting. I had NO idea that there was such a thing as QFE.
As far as that scenario about descending to 3000ft, I don't see how that is still practiced in the world. It seems like it is a deadly scenario. I'd probably kill myself if I went over there and did that. Why wouldn't other countries just convert to a system like we have? Isn't it less about technology and more about just general practice?
Do those countries still have a transitional altitude like 18,000ft?
As far as that scenario about descending to 3000ft, I don't see how that is still practiced in the world. It seems like it is a deadly scenario. I'd probably kill myself if I went over there and did that. Why wouldn't other countries just convert to a system like we have? Isn't it less about technology and more about just general practice?
Do those countries still have a transitional altitude like 18,000ft?
If you look at what ICAO standards other states have adopted in their aviation practices, you'll soon find we are the "different folks".
As for "transition levels", they vary by states but can be as low as 2-3,000 ft AGL...or even lower. As for your decent, it would be descend to FL30 in the example you cited.
G'Day Mates
#17
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Sep 2008
Posts: 322
Hey all,
Thanks very much for the input. Very helpfull indeed.
There are several traps I have found wrt Russia - I only overfly but I would like to fully understand the various differences as many of our ETOPS diverts are in Russia.
Phantom Flyer, thankyou for your kind offer but I have tracked down a few different decode sources and I think I have it covered. The only one I cant find in print is the mountain obscured. Not to worry.
Another Russian METAR code is SARA 31 RUMS. And also Q10 BJS AGCA
Any ideas?
thanks again.
Thanks very much for the input. Very helpfull indeed.
There are several traps I have found wrt Russia - I only overfly but I would like to fully understand the various differences as many of our ETOPS diverts are in Russia.
Phantom Flyer, thankyou for your kind offer but I have tracked down a few different decode sources and I think I have it covered. The only one I cant find in print is the mountain obscured. Not to worry.
Another Russian METAR code is SARA 31 RUMS. And also Q10 BJS AGCA
Any ideas?
thanks again.
#18
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Sep 2008
Posts: 322
Also, I forgot to ask if anybody here operates an Airbus (330/340) into russia using QFE. FCOM states vaguely that you cannot use managed non precision approach if using QFE. Am I reading this correctly. Also, what do you put in the fmgc perf approach page for minimums - dh or da?
Thanks again.
PS some ports in china still use QFE but the major ports are all now QNH.
Thanks again.
PS some ports in china still use QFE but the major ports are all now QNH.
#19
The only places I've landed in China have been HK and PVG, must drive the locals crazy when procedures vary in the country.
I remember when American first started taking off-line jumpseaters, they were still using QFE. Part of their "Welcome aboard" was "We do this strange stuff, don't freak while we're on approach."
I remember when American first started taking off-line jumpseaters, they were still using QFE. Part of their "Welcome aboard" was "We do this strange stuff, don't freak while we're on approach."
#20
New Hire
Joined APC: Feb 2017
Posts: 1
Hi all,
From February 2017, Russia is now changing to use QNH and Feet below the Transition Level. The first airport to use this is ULLI/St. Petersburg.
See: Big change: Russia finally moving to QNH - International Ops 2017
Cheers
Jim
From February 2017, Russia is now changing to use QNH and Feet below the Transition Level. The first airport to use this is ULLI/St. Petersburg.
See: Big change: Russia finally moving to QNH - International Ops 2017
Cheers
Jim
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