BONZA

[MarkR]

Originally Posted by James Smith

UKH, like UIK is cruising at a lower altitude - 26,000.

Up at FL280 today, looking at the Middle East upper wind forecast I suspect it’s the headwind their avoiding above FL300

[Dave J]

Originally Posted by MarkR

Up at FL280 today, looking at the Middle East upper wind forecast I suspect it’s the headwind their avoiding above FL300

More likely that the ‘operator’ of the aircraft doesn’t have approval to operate within RVSM airspace.

[MarkR]

Originally Posted by Dave J

More likely that the ‘operator’ of the aircraft doesn’t have approval to operate within RVSM airspace.

Given RVSM starts at FL290 I am not sure that explains the earlier FL260 ops.

[Dave J]

Originally Posted by MarkR

Given RVSM starts at FL290 I am not sure that explains the earlier FL260 ops.

Turbulence at FL280 so they descended to a hemispherical level below... that being FL260.

There is zero chance they are staying out of headwinds to the other side of the planet. My thoughts anyway