Sochi, RU

[fokkerjet]

Would anyone care to share any operational experience with operations in to Sochi? ATC, procedures or handling comments would be great! Going in during the Olympics, so I know things will be a mess.....

[WTON]

I went there many times, no particular problems except the refueling, you will have to be patient. Enjoy.

[Doodlebug]

Mr Fokkerjet,

They like to give shortcuts on the approach, so expect the track-miles to shorten. They prefer to land you on 02, and get you airborne off of 24. Have patience with ATC, especially on Ground, english is not their mother tongue and while they try hard, slip-ups happen (no critique, their english being way better than most pilot's russian). Frequently a bit of turbulence on short final. Have a plan for going-around after the missed-approach point should it become necessary, lots of highish ground around and the closer you get to touchdown, the more interesting the escape would become. Not particularly demanding, just not bog-standard, either. Traffic can be an absolute nightmare, try getting into accommodation really close to the field.

See you there, probably.

Bug

[fokkerjet]

Thanks for the information :ok: No chance in staying in Sochi, it'll be a drop and go, followed by a pickup on our way home closer to Closing.