Is HF no longer necessary? Satellite resources, VHF repeaters, etc. are capable to provide what we may need in remote world regions flights?

Is HF necessary between North America and Europe? We will cruise at ~ FL 140. The VHF coverage is adequate in this route?

30 seconds with Google:ugh:
COM - 6.0 AERONAUTICAL FIXED SERVICES ? INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS - Transport Canada (http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/civilaviation/publications/tp14371-com-6-0-2548.htm#com-6-6-1)

6.6

BOAC, tks:

FL 100

http://www.tc.gc.ca/media/images/ca-publications/com6_6_2a_en.gif

FL 200

http://www.tc.gc.ca/media/images/ca-publications/com6_6_2b_en.gif

FL 300

http://www.tc.gc.ca/media/images/ca-publications/com6_6_2c_en.gif

HF

Family A 3 016 kHz 2030Z–0830Z
5 598 kHz 2030Z–0830Z
8 906 kHz 0830Z–2230Z
13 306 kHz 1230Z–1830Z
Family B 2 899 kHz 2030Z–0830Z
5 616 kHz 24-hr service
8 864 kHz 0830Z–2230Z
13 291 kHz 1000Z–2000Z
Family C 2 872 kHz 2030Z–0830Z
5 649 kHz 24-hr service
8 879 kHz 0830Z–2230Z
11 336 kHz 1030Z–1830Z
Family D 2 971 kHz 2030Z–0830Z
4 675 kHz 2030Z–0830Z
8 891 kHz 24-hr service
11 279 kHz 1030Z–1830Z
Family E 2 962 kHz unavailable
6 628 kHz unavailable
8 825 kHz unavailable
11 309 kHz unavailable
13 354 kHz unavailable
17 946 kHz unavailable
Family F 3 476 kHz 2030Z–0830Z
6 622 kHz 1130Z–0730Z
8 831 kHz 0830Z–2230Z

6.6.1 NAT and Anchorage Arctic Regions-SATCOM Voice Use

SATCOM voice may be used to contact Gander Radio for non-routine flight safety calls or during periods of poor HF propagation. Gander Radio may be contacted using Inmarsat short code 431613.

6.6.2 NAT Region-VHF Coverage

VHF Frequencies
126.9 (45N050W – 51N050W)
126.9 (CYFB) (61N070W – 67N070W)
127.1 (48N050W – 54N050W)
122.375 (45N050W – 54N050W)
127.9 (57N–63N040W – 57N–61N050W)

NOTE: Notwithstanding the foregoing, aircraft may proceed across the Atlantic without HF radio subject to the following restrictions:

below FL195, routing Iqaluit (Frobay) – Sondre Stromfjord – Keflavík; and
FL250 or above, routing Goose VOR – Prins Christian Sund (or Narsarsuaq) – Keflavík. The aircraft is not allowed to operate in MNPS airspace unless MNPS authority is held.

Source:

COM - 6.0 AERONAUTICAL FIXED SERVICES ? INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS - Transport Canada (http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/civilaviation/publications/tp14371-com-6-0-2548.htm#com-6-6-1)

There always is Stockholm radio.

Aviolinx - Stockholmradio (http://aviolinx.com/product/stockholmradio)

Any HF for the BBC or Radio-France ?

Any HF for the BBC or Radio-France ?

Your comment is a good one. Indeed, in long journeys we need to watch a multitude of sources. I would like to have a capable HF rig similar the one i have in my D18 Winnebago. (200 W class XMTR, trailing wire antenna similar to E6B Tacamo a/c :8 , etc.)

Unfortunately we will depend on Sat phone instead of the more convenient HF. (that would be nice for base QSO)

Questions:

1) A hand held one like Iridium 9555 works adequately in a PA46 cockpit? Or it is mandatory an external antenna?

2) What about VHF coverage in Russia (at FL 170) in route from EDDB to UUMO, USSS, UNNT, UIBB, UEEE, UHMM and UHMA?

3) Why not an HF RCVR only? (no EMI/EMC issues, light, etc.) Antenna could be...(will think about)


Will put your email in mission team list right now.