What's Iraq like these days?
 

I've been contacted to do some freelance survey flying in Iraq, north from Baghdad, up to the Turkish border. I would be flying long straight, slow lines about 4000ft agl in a turbine twin. Is this sensible these days?

Sensible in what way TS?

I reckon he probably means is he going to get shot down!

Not an unreasonable question, I'd say no, the chances are very, very low. Who maintains the aeroplane though?!

Gulf Daily News » World News » Ten car bombs kill 39 people in Baghdad

It's after you land...... That's when it gets dangerous.

If you're going to accept the job, and you're going to be based out of Baghdad, make sure you stay on the airport (although the food at the Airport Hotel is atrocious, the takeaway from the Happy Store is far better). Outside is still too risky.

Flying is easy - ATC is still provided at low levels mainly by ex-pats. Comms are pretty poor at times but there's so little traffic low down you're unlikely to hit anyone else. You'll find it interesting, but you'll be glad to leave - the country has a long way to go! There's no other risk. Carry lots of US Dollars to "smooth the way" (if you get my meaning).

If you can be based out of Erbil in the north - different story. Shopping Malls, Coffee shops, Restaurants. You can walk the streets in safety.

Anything else you want to know, feel free to ask.

Chili Monster - thanks for the tip about Erbil - that sounds very sensible. It seems that it is an international airport so I wont even need to go to Baghdad.

And yes, I was asking about the possibility of being used for target practice - seems like no risk at all - thanks.

Pretty much as I find it, I am in and out of Erbil, Basrah etc on a frequent basis. Once airborne, no issues. North of the country OK.

Yea from what they say the north is ok now.

I flew in and out of Iraq until recently and I have to say that the North can be more civilised than neighbouring Turkey at times. Erbil and Sulamaniya are both very good airports. New and efficient, you could be anywhere in Europe in my view. Went out in Erbil and it seemed fine. There are a lot of new housing developments which are pretty decent. Different developments have different names...names of countries if I remember in relation to the style of the villa/house. A good bunch to try and talk to are SKA Skylink Arabia. They have been there for a while now and provide refueling/aviation services. My advice is to try and be based out of Erbil. If you're able to do this, I think you'll find life is not too bad.

Was there yesterday
 

I can confirm the Bhagdad Airport Hotel is rather basic but functional.
The wifi in room was good, the TV was working well.. the shower was functional, the ac worked. The walls are paper thin, so take ear plugs, the window curtains are equally eefficient, take eye mask.

I can not comment on value for money.....

The outside snack bar / cafe is being refurbed.

The internal restaurant and some of the hotel also under refurb.

I only had a late lunch, and can confirm that service is best described as NIL, the fish that I ordered was almost uneatable, my companion had the steak...well it was meat....

Erbil is fantastic, the airport is almost 100% new, approach aids all functional. local ATC very good, but a dark zone before you are able to contact Bhagdad approach, and then area controllers. Yes mostyl all Expat, every one i sopke to was either US or Canadian.

Expect seasonal FOG soon.

Airport is serviced by international carriers, so escape route open.

SKA also operate a schedule between Erbil and Baghdad.

I was hoping that we could go tech in Erbil, as the city is nice, the hotels are good. The CC for this trip has spent a lot of time in Erbil, and recomends it.

BJJ, I assume you were flying Hawkers....

glf