PPRuNe Forums - Flying in IRAQ

If you are going to be based in Baghdad, then I would agree with picu, UNLESS you are going to be based on secure accomodation at ORBI, OR flying in and out from, eg Amman or Kuwait.

Being based in Baghdad itself means braving the airport road twice a day. Taking taking into account the fact that is fondly, and accurately, known as the most dangerous stretch of road in the world means it really isn't an option long term. That is if you are based in the Green Zone. Anywhere else in Baghdad, and the risk of kidnap or summary execution make it a non-starter.
If you're securely based at ORBI or operating in and out from elsewhere, then the risks can become manageable.

As long as you are war zone savy and take sensible precautions against possible SAM or ground fire threat, then flights into and out of Baghdad are not really that dangerous.

Most danger comes from Management, Operations and Maintenance who start raising objections to safe war zone flying practices on the grounds of passenger comfort, gyro damage and replacement, and so on.

If you will be given, and are happy to assume, the responsibility for assessing potential risks and take sensible, proven methods to mitigate the risks, then you'll be be fine. And that can mean a 6,000 ft/min rate of descent at 45 to 60 degree bank angle and no wings level until below 100ft.

If management want you to fly a straight, airline approved take-off, like DHL, you may well be shot down. It is no co-incidence that I used to stand with colleagues on the apron while DHL took off in 2003 and say "they'll be the first to get a Sam7 up the arse". How right we proved to be.

Bottom line. If you are happy to take sensible researched precautions, then with management and maintenance support you'll be fine and have a great time. If management and maintenance tell you how to fly, forget it.

Management, Operations and Maintenance are the real dangers.