Operating a private Heli through Saudi

[avfuelman]

Guys I need your help.
Operating a privately owned heli through Saudi from Egypt.
300nm / 2.5hr endurance at 10000ft capped on an N reg.

CAA stating must apply through diplomatic channels? this is a ferry to DXB though.

Any help or contacts or pitfalls for specialising in this heli op through the region would be greatly appreciated. :confused:

[he1iaviator]

These days (as of about three years ago when it was introduced without warning and caused me a serious delay) the Saudi CAA does require diplomatic clearance for helicopter ferry flights. As you are N registered this will have to be done through the US embassy. You will also be required to follow recognised routes (i.e. airways) although they don't mind if you are below the minimum useable level. Jeddah and Riyadh are the only recognised arrival and departure points for International flights in Saudi Arabia.

In Egypt you will need military clearance if you want to fly below 8000ft. This can take some time. You will also have to follow airways.

PM me if you need the name of a company that specializes in getting clearances and arranging handling agents and hotels etc. for helicopter ferry flights.

[biggles99]

did this in 1999.

in R44.

you had to fly on airways, even though we were VFR (ish), and about 20,000ft below the airways.

main issue was Avgas - there isn't any. What are you flying?

landing fees were just silly - over $1,000 at King Khalid from memory.

also, we were there in late October and the sand storms and dust devils were awesome. We climbed to around 8,000ft to try and avoid the worst of the turbulence.

watch out for complete loss of depth perception over the deserts - very weird tricks of the eye occur.

take lots - at least 20 litres of (drinking) water, just in case.

Overland, based in the Isle of Man, sorted out the clearances.

PM me for more info, by all means.

[Flingingwings]

Big L's,

Excusing my curiosity but what was your airfield of departure prior to port of entry at Saudi, and which Saudi field did you use?????

FW

[biggles99]

FlingWings,

I'd have to check my log book (in the office) but I'm pretty sure we went from Luxor, Egypt to Hail in Saudi Arabia.

We re-fuelled at Hail with leaded Mogas here and then went off to King Khalid.

From there we went across to Bahrain. (The final destination was Australia).

It's all a long time ago, but I think it would merit being included in another current thread: "MUST DO TRIPS"

Big Ls.

[Dick Smith]

I have been through Saudi privately by helicopter on two occasions. Firstly, in 1982 I flew in a Jetranger from Luxor to Ha’il to Bahrain. Then in 1994 I flew in a Sikorsky S76 from Bahrain to Riyadh to Ha’il, and thence to Turayf and Amman.

There were absolutely no problems at all. I think I did my clearances through Universal, who seemed to be able to get the clearance in about 3 or 4 days. I operated VFR on each occasion. There were friendly people, and friendly air traffic control.

[Hawk-02]

Hello Dick, just wanted to say when I was a young fella I watched you in your Jetranger during your around the world trip and it was the main reason for me getting the bug to pursue a helicopter career, thank you Sir :ok:

[mfriskel]

I made the trip thru Saudi in a helicopter a little less than 2 years ago. Fairly short notice. Drop me a message.
Mark

[shortordercook]

I'm currently over in saudi, north of riyadh. Weather is a bit interesting currently...When do you think you might make the trip? PM me if you'd like...