"and let's face it: it has all been even worse before)."
Hmm, donŽt think so. Traffic increased so much in the 2-3 years that even in a quiet phase there is 4-5 airplanes waiting to depart from VKO 3.
The delay in getting our start-up clearance apparently has to do with ATC waiting for a release from Immigration.
True for the normal wait, which in my experience is no more than 1-2 minutes after you receive your passports from the grim lady...
The hours and hours you sit in the airplane, APU running (if you have one !) one can directly relate to government flights. If Wladimir is anywhere near the airport, everything comes to a halt. And it stays so, UNTIL it is clear that his aircraft will not turn back - at least thats what I learned from a handler - might be wrong.
And if you don't get your departure clearance in time: ask for it then. It's part of your responsibility.
You can ask as often as you want, youŽll get "climb 600mtrs, when passing 200 mtrs contact 126,2" on the runway, no inch further. Have been stationed there for 2 month and get back there every now and then...but wasnŽt there for 3 months now, maybe it has changed.