As I understand it (last investigated about 6 months ago). Russia will not accept avgas aircraft unless they can show they have sufficient range to get in and out without refuelling.
Added complications of needing a Russian navigator if going off airways .... and the MEAs tend to be a bit high once east of Moscow.
Sep 2009:
Some more information. I'm recently back from a trip through Russian far east.
Avgas can be obtained for a price
No security problems.
Everyone friendly BUT there is always some bureaucrat who makes things difficult. Essential to have a Russian speaker as part of the team.
We often went below airways, this required a Russian navigator but we were allowed to share one navigator amongst 10 aircraft.
As to private flying in Russia I gather that there is much unofficial flying. As long as one does not go near large airfields and stays below radar a blind eye is turned. A similar situation in Alaska.
Last edited by Romeo Tango; 26th September 2009 at 09:38.