Review-SWISS A340 SIBERIA ROUTE

SWISS A340 SIBERIA ROUTE

A review by Marlon Carter

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Reviewed by: Marlon Carter

INTRODUCTION

· Cockpit filming using 6 cameras for great views on takeoff & landing!

· Wing/Wingtip camera added for takeoff in Zurich!

· Pilot Presentations

· Briefings & Checklists

· External Walkaround

· Departure& Arrival Airport Charts

· Detailed Siberia Route Presentation

· Fuel Temperature Issues on Siberia Flights

· Navigation in Northern Hemisphere

· Diversion Airport Monitoring

· EROPS operation

· Cabin Presentation

· Cabin Service

· Great scenery enroute and on approach & landing

Flight Information
A/C	Reg	Flight	Route	Flt Time	Destinations
A340-300	HB-JML	LX 160	ZRH-NRT	11h23	ZRH Zurich, SWITZERLAND NRT Tokyo Narita, JAPAN
A340-300	HB-JMC	LX 161	NRT-ZRH	12h47	NRT Tokyo Narita, JAPAN ZRH Zurich, SWITZERLAND

HIGHLIGHTS

Swiss has become a popular airline in the Just Planes video line-up and they are back again with a unique flight that takes us from Zurch to Tokyo via and interesting routing over Siberia. Flying over this region poses many challenges and we will have the privilege of learning more about this flight and the A340-300 flown by Captain Covolan and his team of experienced flight crew members.

What can we expect from this series? In the typical fashion of most Just Planes programs, we start off with a very detailed presentation on the flight preparations and dispatch briefing prior to our departure. After the cockpit has been fully prepared, we all also given insight into the deicing process which was quite necessary due to the adverse weather conditions on the day of our departure. Captain Covolan does a great job at explaining the differences in the deicing fluids and deicing system of the aircraft.

After our departure, the flight crew goes on to explain many of the detailed of our flight that covers the departure procedures and some very interesting details on the Siberia Route. Initially I thought that the significance of this route may have been minimal, but after hearing the history of this route and the numerous challenges of flying such a northerly route, I was quite impressed with the planning that went into flying this route. One of the challenges of flying this route include low fuel temperature warnings due to the nearly -70 degree temperature outside. In addition to the detailed presentations from the flight deck, there were numerous scenic clips that can only be described as breathtaking. With 6 camera used in the filming of this program Just Planes has captured some of the most beautiful moments of flight ever seen over Siberia and other areas. Numerous cockpit cameras also came in handy while capturing many perspectives of our landing in Tokyo which was done under nearly zero visibility down to minimums.

Our return flight mainly featured the cabin service onboard the aircraft which has always been of the highest standard and our flight was nicely concluded with a smooth landing at Zurich on a very cloudy/rainy day. Swiss has always shown itself to be an airline that is willing to open its doors to aviation enthusiast and the general public in order to educate and thrill viewers on aviation and the first class service provided by the airline. As a pilot myself, If ever I had the opportunity, Swiss seems to be one of the airlines I would definitely enjoy working for. The general atmosphere at this airline seems to be one where everyone enjoys their work and this is clearly seen in this program. Just Planes has done an outstanding job on this program and we certainly thank Captain Covolan and his team for such an exciting journey. If you are a fan of the A340 or simply an avid aviation enthusiast, this program is definitely worth having!