Our final GO/NO GO decision date for the group flight from Nome (PAOM) to Provideniya (UHMD) was March 5th, due to the required minimum 75 days to apply for and receive the necessary visas, Chukotka Border Entry Permits; and to begin formal flight planning logistics. Significant amounts of non-refundable fees would have been required from each participant for this. That is why the GO/NO Go decision date is always so early every year.
Ironically, after two consecutive years of cancellations resulting from US and Russian border closures in response to COVID public health precautions, the borders and airspace for both countries had reopened, and it looked like AK2RU 2022 might actually go.
Unfortunately, as COVID restrictions were lifting, the long-standing conflict between Russia, pro-Russia separatist forces, and Ukraine rapidly escalated into full military conflict earlier this year and continues as I write this. As one resulting sanction imposed against Russia, the United States closed its borders and airspace to all Russian aircraft, flights, and citizens indefinitely in March of this year. Predictably, Russia immediately reciprocated. Thus, even if it was determined to be safe to complete AK2RU 2022 to the Russian Far East, 9 time zones away from the conflict, our flight is no longer legal to complete in either direction. Planning for AK2RU 2023 will begin in late 2022 if it appears realistic to do so.
As always, feel welcome to contact me if you would like to be included on the Interested Persons list for that flight.
Best regards
John M. Dahlen
Джон М. Дален
US/Russia Liaison
Связь США и России
Alaska Airmen’s Association / Ассоциация авиаторов Аляски
Personal Phone / Text: 1+(907) 830-5889 (Личный телефон / текст)
Individually we are unique but together we are incredible!
индивидуально мы уникальны, но вместе мы невероятны!
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