Crossing the atlantic from iceland

[Kristian17]

If the NAT system is not ideal for you i.e flying from iceland to the usa what are the procedures? How do you request clearence is it with Iceland FIR (BIRD)? Is the clearence recieved in the air or on the ground?

Thanks
Kristian

[Fresca]

Usually the route is minimum time, but with regards to the NAT tracks on that particluar day. If one is to cross many (more than one) NAT track it is usually best to plan the route away from the tracks or to join a track. If many track are crossed one can get a clearance as low as FL 280.

Regarding the clearance from Iceland; it is given on the ground before a flight, however only upp to FL 230 or 240 depending on the direction of flight and higher when on contact with Reykjavik ATC.

Rrds Fresca

[alf5071h]

Kristian17, when I last undertook these type of operations – a long time ago, we followed the ‘blue spruce route’. This was detailed in specific documentation where the rules and procedures were spelt out. You could try following these links:

flight info (http://forums.flightinfo.com/printthread.php?t=37728)

flight forum (http://www.flightforum.ch/forum/showthread.php?t=13410)

I would advise caution and great care in this type of flying as it poses many threats and hazards. The N Atlantic, the land / terrain when found and the weather are most unforgiving. Seek all the advice that you can, back everything up, and only fly when you are absolutely sure that it is safe to do so.

[Kristian17]

Thanks both for your help! Good links!

Fresca I have send you a pm with another question about iceland (so I can understand the airsapce procedures around iceland better) :D

Thanks

Kristian