Flying over China

[llondel]

Having been to Hong Kong and back in the past week, I noticed that it's a nice, smooth course from the UK to the Chinese border, at which point it goes all wobbly. Similarly on the return, wobbly to the border and then a smooth course from there to the UK.

Are the Chinese that particular about overflights and where you're allowed to go, or is it just that busy that it has to be done that way?

[scottpe]

They are that fussy and like Russia Entry and Exit Points are sacrosanct!! Their routings are designed to not allow you to overfly what they class as "sensitive" areas, read into that what you will!

[arem]

Probably due to the fact you are now downwind of the mountains on the Russian Chinese borders which can go up to well in excess of FL200 - which coupled with some hefty jetstreams at this time of the year - and lo a spot of turbulence or two.