Capt's Blog:

RCTP/TPE Taiwan Taoyuan International airport is largest and busiest airport and one of the four  the international entry point into Taiwan. Has amply long parallel runways with ILS and RNAV however only one is open presently and 05L is undergoing maintenance. Expect slight delay due to this and it was gusty afternoon with wind shear reported at about 300 feet on finals 05R the day we arrived. Had a follow me vehicle lead us to our stand at the other end of cargo apron which took almost 10 minute. We were not lead to the FBO apparently because we did not request for it, it seems VIP treatment does not mean FBO! Anyway handlers were there to meet and greet pax and escort them with  a mini coach through the terminal and CIQ. Lavatory, water and refueling were completed in under and hour and we were on our way to the terminal and cleared CIQ without any problem. Same way on departure, tower offers whether you want a follow me vehicle and it will lead right till line up. Even for a single runway there were no delays for us and departed RCTP smoothly. Overall it was a smooth and good airport to fly into but takes 45 minutes to teach the city. Next time we may try Taipeh Songshan airport which is right in the city. Only difference is that you will need a sponsor letter for the 1st time to operate into that airport and normal 2-3 days for permit.

Established 05R

One of the tower

Follow me

Our parking stand

RPLL

Capt's Blog: RPLL/MNL Manila International Airport is also known as Ninoy Aquino International Airport NAIA. It is the main international gateway into the Philippines. It has intersecting runways and the shorter one caters for domestic traffic. The longer runway has ILS and RNAV and can be busy because of bigger international airline traffic. We were radar vectored for the approcah instead of  doing the STAR. Pretty standard stuff, landed at night in the rain and was directed to park at the cargo apron which is just next to the international terminal. If this is your first time flying a private jet into Philippines, during the application for permit, you will need sent aoc certs, licences and even medical certs of crews. However once landed, there's no ramp checks to verify. Our handlers will meet and greet pax with cars right at apron. Refueling, lav and potable water services are all available. Catering is also provided so no issues there. English is the main mode of communication. Once your are ready to leave jet, the handlers would have cleared crew passports and ready to transport you to hotel of your choice. Makati or surrounding Metro Manila is 45-60 mins away. Then cold san miguel beers would be waiting for you at the nearest bar!

Parking bay at cargo apron next to international terminal (background)

ZUCK

Capt's Blog: ZUCK/CKG Chongqing Jiabei International airport is the 10 busiest airport in China. Offers two long parallel runways with ILS. Modern terminals but unfortunately no dedicated FBO. Our handlers was waiting at the stand and leaving the terminal was smooth. That cannot be said for departure, because it was through the passengers terminal, security check was long and tedious even for the VIPS. Somehow the authority still cannot differentiate between private jet and airline. Lavatory services, catering and refueling can all be done without much problem. However as anywhere else in China, any changes within 24 hours is next to impossible, even departing an hour earlier! It takes about 40 minutes to the city and  that there are hundreds of bridges and mountains surrounding the city. A beautiful city with great nightlife.

Parking stand 410

Mighty Yangtze

OTBD

Capt's Blog: OTBD/ DOH Doha International Airport is the only commercial airport presently in Qatar. It is also one of the longest at 15000 ft, soon to be replaced with another one with parallel runways in 2012.  For our arrival, we were radar vectored for the ILS RWY16 and at FAF 2200 feet brings you right on top of the spectacular city high rise! After landing we were directed to the GA/VIP stand A6. Handlers and VIP limos were from Qatar air services that will whisked your pax and their bags to the VIP lounge.  Because we were night stopping we did the toilet services there before repositioning to the opposite side GA apron at E23. The ground handlers will tell you which stand and have a follow me vehicle on standby after you have crossed the active. Before departure, the handlers will meet you at one of the international departure counters then lead you through to a shuttle bus. We repositioned at A4 for departure and refueling were no fuss at all.
The city is about 45 mins away and we stayed somewhere in between at the Wyndham grand regency. Gave great rates for crews but unfortunately it's a dry hotel. We were there for only 24 hours and hope to explore more the next time around.

Coasting in from the Indian ocean.

Vip Stand A4 before departure.

Doha City!

Hotel Lobby.

VRMM

Capt's Blog: VRMM/MLE Male International airport is the main international gateway into Maldives. Always wanted to come here and in a short span of 30 hours landed here twice but unfortunately only tech stops.VRMM  is a long runway with ILS on RWY36 but since there's no taxiway, coming in during some peak hours you can expect some delays. Even for a single runway it offers a lot of STARs and SID. First arrival was a DME arc to hold for our EAT of +12 mins even after slowing down. Coming back at night for RWY 16 from the north we requested for RNAV arrival and approach which was smooth and fast. It was raining on our first arrival, marshaler and handler was waiting for us although we have to wait for a few minutes for our bowser. It was interesting to see float planes  coming in next to the runway doing steep approaches.
Except for fuel receipts no other paperwork were required and we were on our way under an hour. It was faster at night.  Hope to comeback someday for with night stops.

Wet wet morning! Final RWY 36

Outlying atolls as we departed.

What happened to sunny paradise?

YPPH

Capt's Blog: YPPH PER Perth Airport is the 4th busiest airport in Australia. For a change we had the chance to fly south of the Equator to Australia! It is also one of the easiest airport to fly into and out. From STAR we were vectored to  almost  finals without speed restrictions for our descend for the ILS. With almost a cloudless blue sky and miles of visibility, it was a great day to arrive in YPPH.

Final RWY 03

Since we were international arrival we taxied to the international side and had our handlers from Perth Flight Center waiting for us. We were given stand 414 although it does not show in the charts for this is a fairly new apron. With coordination from the helpful ground controllers and the safety car, we were led to the stand. There are FBOs but they cater mainly for domestic operations and do not have in house CIQ. Nevertheless the handlers will fast track your VIPs and crew through CIQ at the international terminal. All the servicing and refueling can be done pretty quickly.

Swan River

It will take about 30-40 mins to go to Perth CBD. Bring lots  of cash, it's an expensive city.

ZSSS

Capt's Blog: ZSSS SHA Shanghai Hongqiao is one of the 2 international airports in Shanghai and the 4th busiest in China. It is the preferred airport for GA because it is nearer to the city and the only other airport besides ZBAA in China that has a dedicated FBO.  When available, parking stands are in front of the FBO. Even so, a van will shuttle pax and crew to the very modern FBO which has in house CIQ service for international arrivals or departures. Refueling and lavatory services can be completed within the hour. Our handlers are either TAHL or FASCO. Nice international hotels are within 15 mins and another 40 minutes will bring you to the famous Bund.

Final 18L

Shanghai Hongqiao FBO

The Bund

ZUUU

Capt's Blog: ZUUU  CTU Chengdu Shuangliu is a major airport in Western/Central China. Can be busy  during rush hour and be ready to expect delays for departures. Even though there's two runways only one so far is equipped with ILS. Upon landing, lookout for the follow me vehicle. There's no FBO and pax and crew will be shuttled to the main terminal. A new terminal is being constructed. Our handlers are from TAHL, refueling and toilet services are efficient. This is an international terminal so CIQ can also be process in the terminal. If you don't need to, don't buy ice from the catering, they are atrociously expensive!

Going downtown takes about 45 minutes and there are plenty of good international hotels. If you don't want to stay downtown, the Inter Continental is a great hotel. Taxi and food are relatively cheaper than Beijing/Shanghai but beware Sichuan food is hot and spicy. Good reasonably priced food and drinks can be found at the Shamrock Pub. The Chengdu Panda research center is less than an hour from town.

The main terminal.

Kung Fu Panda......not!

ZBAA

Capt's Blog: ZBAA Beijing Capital International Airport  PEK/BJS is the busiest airport in Asia and the 2nd busiest in the world. There is a curfew on corporate jets.  No matter how many times you fly in here , you never find it getting easier! Lots of workload coming in and after landing, thankfully there will be a follow me vehicle. There are specific taxi routes and depending on which runway you landed and where you are going it could be  15-20 mins before you reach your stand. Again our handler is TAHL and we use Capital Jet FBO  the only other FBO besides ZSPD in mainland China for the moment. There are quite a number of stands and so far we never seem to have problems parking for a few days.  Once your door is open a custom/immigration officer will come on board to do a quick check of manifest, pax and crew. A van or minibus will shuttle pax and crew to the FBO. CIQ is done in house and again security is very strict. Bags are scanned in and out and certain items can be taxed. Do not forget things inside your aircraft, if you have to come back to get it you will be charge security fees.
Refueling and toilet services are quite efficient. Expect long delays when departing especially during 'rush hour', we have waited more than hour from initial call to engine start! Then another 30 mins before you can take off. This is all in good weather conditions and can be frustrating when your VIP pax are already onboard. Departing later in the night is much better where we encounter little delay if any.

Going into the city will take 45-60mins, for a short stay nearby airport hotels like the Langham is very good.

Parking stand and FBO in the background

WMKJ

Capt's Blog: WMKJ/JHB used to be called Senai airport because it's located near the biggest town of Senai in the vicinity. It's the southern most airport in West Malaysia and almost a stone throw away from Singapore. It has a long ILS runway with radar control but under utilized. For private jets, after landing you will be directed to the cargo apron. Space could be tight because 3X747-200 could be there with other smaller cargo aircrafts. There's no FBO but you can have handlers ( SATs) to arranged for vehicles to be escorted right to the aircraft for passengers pick up. They can also facilitate refueling and other necessary services. If you cannot get into Singapore for one reason or another then WMKJ would be your next option. Cheap and you could drive all the way into Singapore.

Finals Rwy16

When I grow up...

ZSAM

Capt's Blog: ZSAM/XMN Xiamen Airport is the gateway to Fujian province, South East coast of China. A single long runway with ample parking but no FBO yet. Handlers will escort pax through passenger terminal using a minivan. Lavatory and refueling facilities are available. Again since CIQ is through passenger terminal allow more time and expect the same security policy extended to airline passengers.

Xiamen main terminal

ZGGG

Capt's Blog: ZGGG/CAN Guangzhou Baiyun International airport is the 2nd busiest airport on China. Coming from the south is relatively easy transition from HK ATC. It has parallel runway and building a third with a sprawling terminal but no FBO yet as of September last year. After landing as with other airports in China there will be 'Follow Me' vehicle. However depending on which airport or runway you land you will still have to navigate a little before you spot them otherwise if you are lucky there will be one after your first turn off.
ZGGG is a big airport and since we were night topping, we were directed to the cargo apron near 20R. In most cases a custom/immigration officer will board your aircraft for a quick inspection. If everything' is alright pax and their baggages will go in a mini van escorted by the handler through the civil terminal. Even though it was through the VIP lounge CIQ were processed through the normal passengers terminal and thus expect delays and hassle, 30 minutes at least. Crews also go through the same procedure and if you carry any tools or sharp objects, it will be confiscated or will have to be checked in together with the pax baggages later. They do no yet understand the concept of a private jet and treat you as if you are boarding another airliner. Your pax can be very annoyed with this...welcome to China.
Other services like refuelling, ice, hot water and lavatory services are offered including catering. Our handling job is usually carried out by TAHL. So far we are pleased with their performance and most of their handlers speak English.
Airport to downtown is about 40minutes.

Park in the City

Flying into China.

Capt's Blog: If you are flying into China for the 1st time, be prepared for some mark differences especially after transiting HK with their excellent and accommodating ATC. China RVSM airspace uses the metric system and if your aircraft do not have meters scale then you must have a China RVSM conversion table ready. On busy airways they will ask you to offset sometimes until 10 nm left or right of track.

Offset traffic in China airspace.

We have given up asking for direct routes, ATC will just ask you to stick to flight plan. It seems there are still a lot of restrictive airspace for non schedule private jets. Also in China, ATC communicates in Mandarin with Chinese aircrafts and in English with the rest. The spoken English is real fast and sometimes it's hard to make out what they are saying. Asking anything out of the ordinary may results in long wait and frequent 'stand by' replies while they try to make out what you are asking.

More often than not, corporates jets don't get the higher levels they requested so it's better to have extra fuel on board especially departing from  ZBAA Beijing International. Expect delay for your departure or request ATC early, even then we were delayed by 45 mins because of runway change. Priority are given to landing aircrafts and the ATC are not efficient enough to let you do an immediate departure in between landings. I have a buddy who requested to taxi back to refuel after waiting for so long.

Permits into China usually takes 3 working days and try to depart at stipulated date, any earlier or later departures needs permission and that may take 24 hrs. Ensure appropriate crew Visas and have you crew ID. FA's without one sometimes will be treated like a passenger. The authorities are strict with security checks even to VIP guest. At certain airports, a guard is stationed near your jet on arrival and prior to departure even if it's -10 deg C!

S

Security at your service!

Our handlers in China are usually TAHL, they are pretty good and all speak English. At airports where there are no handlers, they will preposition them there earlier. 

Even though every airport that we landed in China is expanding and modernizing, unfortunately the ATC and ancillary services cannot keep up with the pace of progress. So a little patience goes a long way in China when operating in China.

VMMC

Capt's Blog: VMMC/ MFM Macau International airport is a relatively new airport built on reclaimed land. Only two main taxiways connects the runway from the terminal and apron. If you are coming from the South it's pretty straight forward with positive control by excellent Hong Kong ATC and it's light with traffic. On the other hand misapproach and departures requires you to turn as early as 400 feet. Over shoot this northern noise abatement limit and you ll be overhead the city of Zhuhai and be prepared to answer ATC for the breach as one of my mates found out.

Finding your parking stand is quite straight forward too and your pax will be shuttled to the FBO by a van. If this is your first visit, airport authority will board your plane and get all the necessary particulars. So prepare to show all the certificates, radio license and crew ATP particulars. Handlers are very efficient and fast, refueling and lavatory service can be completed within the hour. Ice and hot water also available on departure. Crew will be shuttle to the MBAC, a great FBO, nice lounge with crew rest area. Going to town in Macau peninsula is a mere 15 mins for the isalnd is real tiny. Macau is also the Las Vegas of the east so  all the glitzy colorful lights and entertainment can be found here. Would love to come back.

At our stand in VMMC

VHHH

Capt's Blog: VHHH/HKG Hong Kong Airport is one of the busiest airport in the world but also one of the easiest to get into thanks to their excellent ATC. Even when flying though their airspace they are super efficient and accommodating in getting you a higher level and more direct route. For arrival due to compliance with noise abatement measures they will give you a continuos descent approach( CDA) right up till FAF with speed controls and sometimes don't expect clearance until minima. Nevertheless in typhoon season be prepared for delays and always carry extra fuel.

After landing, private jets will be directed to HKBAC where you will stop just a few steps from the award winning FBO terminal where Signature Flight Support will handle you with care. After offloading pax, aircraft will be towed (without need of a tow bar head) to a nearby parking stand and re-towed again once ready for departure. Lavatory and refueling services are very fast but when checked, we did not get any water and requested them to do it once more. The friendly handlers will attend to your flight plan if there are changes and the waiting lounge is excellent. Fast, Efficient and Attentive, deserves a thumbs up.

VTSM

Capt's Blog: VTSM/USM Ko Samui is the place that we were really looking forward to go. Exotic Island, beautiful people and warm surrounding seas......but unfortunately we did not night stop! Another case of so close yet so far! Lesson learnt: Ensure all pax visas are valid, not every country are entitled VOA and aliens will be fined arriving without a valid VISA. All our previous encounters of Thailand hospitality and a land of a thousand smiles shattered.
     Arriving via RNAV 17 approach or you can also  request for the VOR and runway is long enough. Even so  beware of the tropical mid afternoon thunderstorms for the rain may be so heavy that they may not  run off the runways sufficiently. As we taxied we saw past evidence of the ill fated ATR which skided and crashed into the tower after landing on a rainy afternoon.

     They have sufficient stands for jets to night stop and they have efficient English speaking handlers. They were kind and see to our needs as we prepare to depart elsewhere sans a taste of our tropical paradise. The airfield is private and  landing fees are not cheap. Departing other that the dates that you are suppose too will require another permit from the Thai authority and be prepared to hang around the terminal for a few hours. The handlers will come in colorful tram cars to shuttle pax and crew to the little terminal. We are determined to be back.

Departure Hall

VGZR

VGZR Dhaka DAC Bangladesh is one of the airports I thought I would never go and what an experience it was. Landed at night from an overhead VOR for ILS. The moment we open the doors we were attacked by tiny alien life form! Swamp of mosquitoes entered our aircraft! The mosquitoes stayed in the aircraft for 2 days and was attacking us and the pax. I wish I had repellant on board! There's no FBO and even though we had prior credit facilities arranged the handlers insisted that everything was cash basis! Took sometime before we were able to sort things out. We have to file our return flight plans the old fashion way and we had to visit flight debriefing office where the handlers pay all the necessary fees. All the while there we were being eaten alive by mosquitoes and as we entered the terminal, fogging of mosquitoes were being carried out. At the end of the day it was the most expensive handling charges we had ever experienced without a proper FBO and with third world facilities.
Lessons learnt:

• Ensure you know the handler by name and have copies of your fuel credit and other needs.
• Bring mosquitoes repellant and insects spray in the aircraft.

VTBD

VTBD Don Muang Airport DMK, Bangkok is the place to go for GA and private jets. It operates 24H, has a long runway with a superb FBO and handling. It is not so busy and has lots of parking stands. Depending on your parking stand, a minivan will ferry pax and crew to the FBO. Staff are courteous even at 4 am and attends to your every need. Thai hospitality are really welcoming after a long and tiring flight.  CIQ clearance is fast and excellent hotels can be found within 30 mins. Our handlers was HS Aviation and they were very efficient and alternately the FBO is Mjets who also attended to our passengers.

WIOO

Capt's Blog: WIOO/PNK Supadio Airport in Pontianak, Kalimantan is one of those off the beaten track airfield that I have the oppurtunity to fly into previuosly in twin engines pistons and recently in a biz jet. I remembered in those days where open forest burning was rampant it would be so hazy and we'd be lucky to have RVR 1000m, you'd have to be careful when backtrack because the villagers would be crossing the runway. Afterall it's in Borneo and called the Equator city for obvious reason and have the basic amenities. Obviously there's no FBO but handlers were arranged through Jakarta via Dnest. VIP arrival hall was arranged by receiving party. Even-though we did not  refuel but I am sure refuelling is available because lots of ATRs and even 737 and A320 operates here. The funny thing was when you request for ice, it came in blocks! Ensure you have your VISA sorted out before arriving. Driving to the city will take about 40 minutes.

This river takes you deep into Borneo island

WSSL & WSSS

WSSL Seletar XSP, is Singapore preferred airport for GA because it's cheaper, not busy and offers excellent service. However the runway may be short (5223ft) for certain jets and it's VFR only operations. WIP is being carried out improving the place and thus even shorter operating periods. Even with excellent radar vectoring to downwind be aware of height and area restrictions. ATC are strict and you will get an earful or worse if you don't comply. Universal Aviation and SIMCO are 2 handlers that we have used and they will assist you in your CIQ and other need for your aircraft. A van will ferry pax to the terminal from the ramp. A very fast turn around is possible here.  UA have an excellent lounge and pantry. A taxi van can be called to sent you to town which is about 30 minutes away.

Terminal building

Apron Bay C13

Tropical thunderstorms are to  be expected in late afternoon and if IMC be prepared to divert to WSSS Changi SIN. If you divert, airport police will board first and get some information about your flight.  Changi airport  is a world class airport with 24H operations and excellent ATC, very efficient handlers are SATS and CIAS which we have used. Bring tow bar head just incase because all aircrafts need to be push back and started. T3 has a great airport hotel and downtown is less than 30 mins away.

WBGS WBGB WBGR WBKK

WBGS Sibu, WBGB Bintulu and WBGR Miri, are 3 other major airports in the state of Sarawak. All are 9000 feet long single runway with ILS. They do not operate 24 hrs,do not have FBOs, all have refuelling facilities where as Sibu and Miri have CIQ services as well. Since we operate domestically into such places we do not request handling, more often than not we will be directed to a stand without a marshaller. In Miri, sometimes you will be asked to park at the Helibase. From here WBMU Mulu is a short flight away and here you will find one of the largest cave systems in the world. You may not be able to fly in a jet but the ATRs and TwinOotters will be happy to fly you in! I have flown in and landed there a few times and the low clouds and high terrain are tricky!

WBKK/BKI Kota Kinabalu is the biggest airport in the only other state of Sabah in East Malaysia. There are 2 terminals available, Main and Terminal 2. Terminal 2 is  budget terminal where the Air Asia operates from. Sometimes corporaate jets also utilize this apron. Refueling facilities is available here.

As a reminder if you are a foreign registered aircraft, operating domestically need permits from the DCA. Ensure that your flight coordinator applies that for you or you can get a local handler like Dnest to handle both permits and flight plans. DCA don't work on weekends so plan ahead.

WBGR

WBGG

WBGG or Kuching International Airport is entry point to the largest city in the largest state in Malaysia.  Recently the runway was lengthened to 12,402 feet capable of handling even A380. Even so beware of the rainy season towards the end and beginning of the year where heavy showers and poor visibility has rendered a few over run and skids off the runway. The most recent being an Air Asia A320 on the 10 Jan 2011.
        If we operate domestically into WBGG we would self parked at a small GA apron next to the FBO and just called up the PETRONAS bowser for refueling. Be sure you have arranged credit facilities for that and also the landing and Nav charges to the Airport.  Alternately we have been handled by a local FBO, HorbillSkyways who can do CIQ and all other requirements.

Horbill Skyways FBO

Hornbill FBO

     Kuching is one of the best city to visit in Malaysia offering great historical, cultural and eco orientated experience. It is your gateway into mystical island of BORNEO and land of the Headhunters! The city center is only less than 30 mins from the terminal with good international hotels such as Hilton or Pullman and the Four Seasons Sheraton is less than 10 mins away.

Kuching waterfront.

WMKP

WMKP, Penang Island or Pearl of the Orient as it it sometimes refered to is a popular tourist destination and the biggest city in Northern Malaysia. UPS, FEDEX and Air HK operates from here too. Again no FBO but our handlers are arranged by Dnest. With prior arrangement cars are escorted to the ramp for passengers pick up and refueling facilities are available. There's a small GA apron near the control tower otherwise parking stands next to the ATR operators is a good spot but may need to be pushed back and started. Let the handlers know early and they may even position you facing out and all ready. One this occasion we never went out but just remained in the terminal, the city is about 30 mins away.

WMKL

WMKL or Langkawi International airport is on the northern most island in Malaysia. A destination popular with tourist, WMKL hosts the LIMA air show once every 2 years. Long runway with ILS and radar but do not operate 24 hours. There is no FBO here but our handlers are arranged through Dnest. Mr. Omar and Mr. Nani will be there to marshall you in and handle both pax and crew CIQ through the normal airline arrival and departure hall. Plenty of stands for night stops and no requirement for push back and start. Refueling and other request can be made through them or Dnest in KL.

WMKL Final Rw 03

There are lots of nice resorts nearby the terminal for pax and crew and skip the city of Kuah which is 30 mins away. The island is duty free and if onward destination is within Malaysia, any liquor and cigarettes beyond your entitlement you will be taxed on exit here.

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