Flying in the Ukraine?

[Seagull61]

Hi,
Just wondering if anyone has experience of flying in the Ukraine? Anyone recommend any aerodromes/FTO`s in or around the Kiev?
Also do you know if its possible to fly in my JAA PPL out there, or if there is a conversion required?
Any advice/info appreciated.

[172driver]

I've done a little bit of flying there some years ago while on an aviation-related biz trip. Don't think you can go on your own, though, and also doubt it would be advisable (language, airspace). There is a little GA field near Kiev which is mainly a parachuting and microlight base, it's from there I flew. Alas, can't remember the name, but IIRC it is about half way on the way to Gostomel airport (home base of Antonov, about 60-70 kms out of town). If you're there long enough, you should be able to find the place, once there, the local pilots are extremely friendly and only too pleased to take you up ! Great guys, I got to fly an AN2 and a Wilga, followed by some pretty wild rides in microlights

[sammorgan]

kiev

hi I travel to the ukraine a lot, and have wondered the same things. I looked into it a few months back and was quoted about $100 per hour! there is a airfield to the south of the city, ill root out the website and post it for you, from what i remember the equipment is very high standard

[VP8]

I work for Antonov

I'll ask the guys in Gostomel if they have any info on local fields etc

VEEPS

[VP8]

Haven't forgotten still waiting reply from my contacts!!

VEEPS

[alexka]

Local GA airfield near Kiev is called CHAIKA, which literally means SEAGULL So, SEAGULL61, looks like you simply must go and fly there

Last year there was an active movement in Ukraine towards becoming JAA full member state. Last news I've read in Ukrainian press is that it should become true some time in December; however, due to recent political changes in Ukraine that process might be "postponed".

If you want to organise a flight by your own, it might be a hassle because of buerocracy (e.g. permission request to military/air-defense is still required ... ). I would recommend you to contact aviation authority of Ukraine for help.

Another paradox : as far as I know, AVGAS is not produced in Ukraine and it's import/sales are presumably not regulated by the law. If that's true, then that is somewhat crazy. So I would be careful about AVGAS there.

To find out more, you can probably check this forum :

http://www.aisukraine.net/newforum/index.php

Some authority employees are ocassionally replying the posts from curious VFR pilots.

Another option is to mail in English to aircompany at avionika.kiev.ua who is administrator of Aeroclub web-site : http://www.aeroclub.kiev.ua/ That website contains very good and up to date information about GA flights in airspace of Ukraine, including documents and procedures; but it's all in Russian.... Admin will probably help you with useful info.

Never flown in Ukraine, curious myself and would be interested in hearing about any experience.