Updates: Graduation - Holiday...

It's been months weeks since I last update this blog.

Although feeling a bit guilty a times, but I don't really have a mood to write lately. So, I have been filling this blog with lots of flight simulation entries. But dear blogspot, I think I owe you some stories to share. So, kindly forgive me for being so late and listen to my stories. :)

Finally, after four years studying in NTU Singapore, by the grace of God I have now earned my Bachelor of Engineering degree in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering with first class honor. I think it is most appropriate to dedicate this title to my beloved parents and my sister, Tata. It is their unceasing prayers that showers me with enormous blessings, abundant grace flowing like a river.

I could not forget, Prof. Yongki Go, for his constant guidance and support in everything. I thank him for believing in me; he is a teacher and a friend, a lighthouse in times of distress. He has been a great motivator, a great model and he will always be a person that I look up to. For everything that he has done, I can never be thankful enough.

I thank my friends who has constantly supported me during my journey in NTU. They bring growth in me, they bring joy, they bring tears, they are the hands of God working to shape me. I thank everyone without exception, but I especially thank those dearest to my heart:

Randy, for loving me for what I am. You never fail to believe in me, whatever I do. For your unceasing prayer, you are such a miracle in my life..

Edo, for being somebody that I can always count on. You never fail to amaze me! For your constant support in times of distress..

Gibran, for being a great counsellor. I will never find anyone like you in my life. Thanks for being so special.

Hoho, for your care and support. Thanks for being such a great companion on this journey, to revive my drooping spirit in times when frustration grows high.

Ton, for your love, for the music, for being there. You are such a great brother. Thanks for the magic that we share. :)

Nto, for believing in me. You are a true friend, light in times of distress.

Naomi, for just being you. Thanks for sharing your life.

PeQi, for the togetherness we share, for the passion, and for being such a great companion during CFD and FMC! :)

Gunadi, for the comfort and kindness. Love you much! Muah muah! :D

Kelsen, for the music, for simply EVERYTHING! :) You are such a treasure. I would surely miss you much, Kels, but I believe that we will always be in each other's prayer coz the music's always there in our heart. :)

Jere, for being such a great brother and companion. You are such a blessing in my life. Love you so much! :D *muacks*

Irene, for the love and care of a sister in my days in NTU. You continue to shine my days with your laughs and smiles! *muacks*

Monchee, for being the best "Mon*** Ci**" ever! :) Your care, your love and your support... gak ada duanya dehhh. :)

My convocation is scheduled on 30 July and by the grace of God alone, I am honored to receive the Daimler Gold Medal cum Cash Award from the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. It is awarded to the students who distinguished himself in the Mechatronics stream. I feel so honored yet I realize that I could only achieve it through Him who strengthens me.

There was a change of plan for my flight to the States. An e-mail was sent to me indicating that I need to attend IT:TALK, a kind of English language training for Teaching Assistants. In the end of the 3-week-course, we will undergo a kind of teaching test. I have to pass the test otherwise my scholarship will be considered as void. I hope that I would pass the test easily.

The program is gonna start on 3rd Aug, so I have a change of plan. I will be leaving on 1st Aug instead of on the 15th as planned. I tried to ask them whether I could skip the course but they said that eventually I should pass a kind of practical teaching test otherwise the scholarship would be considered void. *sighs*

Lucky that NWA doesnt charge too much for the change. I am penalized for S$615. Considering that I will arrive there earlier (1530hrs instead of 1840hrs) and I don't need to pay more air tickets from Pontianak to Singapore and hotel charges in Singapore... I think S$615 is worth it.

I have been on holiday for like a month plus and I am getting a bit fatter, I think. Haha. I don't know why but I have been very anxious of this departure to the States. It's been very hard to maintain the optimism. I am getting mroe and more paranoid about this departure... Feeling like going to a new place, all alone and by myself... ><

During the holiday I have spent quite some time on learning photoshop... helping my father with his design and this is my first born masterpiece... :P

Laptop's LCD dying...

*sighs*
Seems like my laptop is going to die anytime soon. However, according to http://www.daileyint.com/hmdpc/lcd.htm :

Red, orange tint, uneven? Is the entire screen tinted red or orange (probably growing worse over time) or is the background brightness of the screen uneven, particularly near the edges? The tin is caused by a failing backlight not putting out the full spectrum of white light, so the CCFL tube needs to be replaced. This can be a delicate job due to the latter problem, uneven lighting. The tube is very thin, flexible, and often installed underneath a reflective foil that wraps the whole back of the LCD panel. If the backlight tube is jolted or warped out of position, or if you install it poorly, you can end up with uneven lighting of the screen. You can live with it if you normally use and external monitor and only use the LCD on short jaunts out of the office, but otherwise, you'll need to try to correct the placement, which can be very difficult once the foil tabs are bent on some models

I am working with the CRT at home now. Seems that everything is alright. I should try it with my LCD TV downstairs. Haha.

I could not afford my laptop to die at this stage. I am planning to buy a new computer (be it a laptop or a desktop) at the States. I don't want any issue with the warranty and stuff. Haha.

I die-die do not want anything with Vista OS. Windows 7 is going to be out this October, so I'd better wait. :D

---

Anyway, some more pictures with my new equipment (LDS 763ER). :)

Pushing back from D51 at WIII, departure to Changi International.
Starting number 2....


Number 1 stabilized...
Ready for taxi 25R via NC4, NP2



On NP2, "Pre-departure checklist please."


"DAL11, after take-off cleared right turn direct DOLTA, wind calm, QNH1013, RW25R cleared for takeoff!"


"V1... Rotate..."


"V2..."


"Positive Rate... Gear Up..."

New Kid on The Block

Just purchased this superb amazing awesome add-on. :)



Boeing 767-300ER under Alitalia Livery. :)
from Level-D Simulation


---
Personal life wise, I have a lot of things to write... but then I have no mood to write anything.
Perhaps will write more in a few more weeks... I just would like to run away from reality at the moment.

VFR; WIHH - WICC - a guide

In case it is unreadable, you can follow this reader. :) Happy flying!

After take-off from Halim, proceed Eastward for the first checkpoint: Jatiluhur Reservoir. In the case that you lose the direction, tune PW NDB at 250.0 kHz. It will bring you to the checkpoint (no. 1 in the map).

When you reach the reservoir, turn South to follow the rivers that waters the reservoir (no. 2). This river is the only source from where water flows into the reservoir, so you won't miss it. When proceeding Southbound, look out for a brook on your right. When you have found it, turn right to follow the brook (no. 3). The brook is curved, first follow it to the West then as the brook curves, follow it to the East.

You will then reach the second checkpoint, Lake Cirata (no. 4). Continue South. Lake Cirata has some brooks (or rivers, whatever you call it) that ends there. Follow the one that leads you to the general South East direction (no. 5).

As you follow the brook South East, depending on your altitude, you may need to climb to 3,000 ft to avoid terrain. Adjust accordingly. In front you will find the third checkpoint, Lake Seguling (no. 7).

Follow the lake bank on your left to the East.

Following the bank to the East, you will find the last checkpoint: Batujajar Airstrip (no. 8).

Continue East to find Husein Sastranegara field (WICC).

Have a good flight to Bandung!

VFR Cross Country: WIHH - WICC - WI0C - WIAM

Being a large country, Indonesia has a lot of airstrips and airports. The presence of these facilities in remote places has helped to move people and goods from such places to other places where land or sea transportation is not that accessible. These
facilities together with the beautiful scenery of Indonesia have also attracted interest in cross-country flying.

We, virtual flyers in Indonesia, are also attracted to the cross-country activities and thanks to IVAO, cross-country flying has been made more enjoyable when we can have companies during the flight. Flying with me (using a M20J under Singapore's registration 9V-DKA) is Yohanes (using a BE58 with registration PK-MCA) and Aji (Using M20J registered as PK-AJI). In Jakarta Approach (WIII_APP) is ATCO Kevin Susanto (ID-AOAC) and at Bandung Approach (WICC_APP) is ATCO Reggy Simons.

Today's cross-country started from Halim Perdanakusuma Airport (WIHH), a major military airbase in Indonesia. This airport is used for private and presidential purposes only. Therefore, it hosts a lot of general aviation flights either from the flying schools based on the airport or any general aviation aircraft flying to and from Jakarta.

The first leg will be from Halim Perdanakusumua to Husein Sastranegara Airport (WICC) in Bandung. Bandung is the capital city of West Java Province. The city is located 112 miles southeast of Jakarta. Situated 2,436 ft (768 m) above sea level, Bandung has lower average temperature compared to other cities in Indonesia. The city lies on a river basin and is surrounded by volcanic mountains up to 7,874 ft (2,400 m) high. The 400 km square flat area of central Bandung is situated in the middle of 2,340.88 km square Bandung basin. The northern part of the city is hillier than the rest; the distinguished truncated flat-peak shape of the Tangkuban Perahu volcano (Tangkuban Perahu literally means 'up-turned boat') can be seen from the city to the north.

I am holding at A for RW06 at Halim, waiting for the line up clearance from WIII_APP. Directly behind 9V-DKA is PK-AJI and PK-MCA. The photo is taken from PK-MCA

9V-DKA at her take-off roll

The first checkpoint of our flight would be Jatiluhur Reservoir/Dam before moving in the South direction following the small brook. When following the stream, we look out for anairstrip on our left. It is the Batujajar Airstrip (WI0D). With the airstrip insight we then proceed Eastward to enter Bandung.

The sky is quite clear in Bandung and ATCO Reggy Simons on Bandung Approach cleared us for a straight in entry to RW 11 at Husein. PK-MCA was cleared for number 1 in the
approach, followed by PK-AJI and 9V-DKA. However, after PK-MCA and PK-AJI declared a go around, I was number 1 to land. All of us landed safely in Bandung and prepared for our next flight to Nusawiru airstrip (WI0C) situated in a small district called Pangandaran.

Aji gave the briefing on the route. We are going to fly along the south coast of Java
island to reach the airstrip. However, to reach the south coast, we need to clear off an array of mountains as high as 5,000 ft. However, there is small opening that we can take, that is between Mt. Patuna (2,433 m) and Mt. Matabar (2,311 m). Flying through this opening, we made our way to the south coast of Java and we follow the coastline to Pangandaran. Pangandaran beach is also one of the beach that was hit by the tsunami during the 2006 tsunami attack in Indonesia.

During our en route along the coastline, we flew in formation. Here are some screenshots of the formation taken by Yohanes.

The only problem during the en route is the strong headwind of about 10 knots in magnitude that really consumes much of our fuel. The landing was an uneventful straight-in approach to RW07 with the beautiful beach on our windscreen.



We have a company, Emir Maulana using callsign PK-MNG!

After taking some rest and beautiful pictures of the beach, we decided that it's time to start flying the next leg. We plan to spend the night in Cibeureum, Tasikmalaya. It is located in the mountainous region of Java at the elevation of 1,151 feet. The area is known for producing silk goods printed with batik, paper umbrellas, and handbags woven by hand from bamboo and pandan leaves. The handicraft produced in this area has been exported for international consumption. There is an airstrip in Tasikmalaya at Cibeureum (WIAM) where we could land our aircraft.

PK-AJI took off first and led the whole team to Tasikmalaya.

However, I soon caught PK-AJI up.

The field is in sight! PK-AJI is making his straight-in approach on RW33.

It was a 9 knots crosswind landing so I need to crab the landing.

And finally, a shot of us on the block!

Credits go to Yohanes for his beautiful screenshots!

VFR Trip: Surabaya - Malang

Surabaya, the city of the heroes, is the capital city of East Java province in Indonesia. It is the second largest city in Indonesia after Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia. Surabaya has been very well known as the city of heroes due to the battle happening in that city during the Revolution in 1945.

The name Surabaya itself is derived from Sura (meaning shark) and Baya (meaning crocodile). According to the ancient prophecy of King Jayabaya, the two creatures fought each other in order to gain the title of the strongest animal of all. Many people relates this prophecy with the heroic war in 1945 between the Surabaya native with the invaders.

King Jayabaya, himself was the emperor of a Hindu kingdom in the area of Kediri in East Java that is up to this point very well known for his just and prosperous rule. He is well known for his prophecy, Jangka Jayabhaya, which prophecied the coming of Ratu Adil (the Just Ruler) that will come to rescue and reunite Indonesia after an acute crisis, ushering in the dawn of a new golden age.

Today, intrigued by the very clear weather over Surabaya and the neighboring areas, decided to make a VFR flight to Malang, a city located Southeast of Surabaya at 1,750 ft above sea level. Considering the mountainous area around Malang, we can never be more interested to fly cross country to it.

The flight was started from Juanda International Airport(WARR) in Surabaya. Although it is a very busy airport, but the airport has been used by Juanda Flying School for General Aviation aircraft as well. So, you can imagine how busy the traffic would be in real during the day.

We are at the remote apron, obtaining our clearance to Malang from ATCO Rapa Toding in Juanda Tower.

The traffic during our flight was only a Boeing 737 operated by Lion Air bound to Jakarta, so it's a rather quiet morning. We quickly obtain our clearances and after being given the taxi clearance to RW10, we requested for take-off from N3 intersection.

The take-off was uneventful, and we soar up to the clear blue sky. Surabaya Approach ATCO, Mr. Reggy Simons was on duty this morning and we are glad to contact him and requested traffic following to Malang.

We maintain separation distance with each other and slowly make our way to Malang. As I have mentioned, Malang is located Southeast of Surabaya and the entry to Surabaya could be made by making our way to Pasuruan and check two high mountains on the South. These two mountains are Mt. Arjuna and Mt. Bromo. Mt. Bromo was recognized as an inactive volcano until recently whereby some volcanic activity has been observed. We plan to enter Malang from the "valley" between these two mountains.

As we approach Malang, the weather is not as friendly as in Surabaya. The city is surrounded by clouds and we do not attempt to make a landing at Abdul Rachman Saleh Airport (WARA). We circle the city before we finally made our way back to Surabaya.

The weather has not been very friendly (IMC), nevertheless we still need to make our way back to Surabaya. Thanks to Surabaya Approach controller who provided us some guidance on our way back to Surabaya.

As we approach, Surabaya, however, the cloud starts to disappear and we have the field insight from 25 nm from the field.

The wind was calm with RW 10 active. We requested for a straight-in landing with a short final at Juanda International. The traffic was rather busy when we arrived in Surabaya, with some flights inbound from various places in Indonesia. However, we found a very nice slot to have a landing at the airport and not causing so much trouble for the scheduled traffic. It was a very beautiful flight!

Here is a picture of us on the block.

For pilots flying the Indonesia IFR tour, you will certainly visit Surabaya and Malang. Hopefully this trip report provides you some information of Nusantara (meaning "The Archipelago").

Credits go to Aji for some of the screenshots. Our special gratitude to Mr. Rapa Toding and Mr. Reggy Simons for their service at the Tower and Approach stations!

Asia RFE

Can't wait for this event! :)
Since I am the FOC, I am writing this pilot briefing together with Yohanes and Ferdi. Hope it's going to be a great event!

Asia/Oceania Real Flight Event

Soekarno-Hatta International Airport
Pilot Briefing

Introduction (Yohanes)

Charts
You MUST have charts for this event. Without the charts, you and the controllers will find it very difficult to enjoy the event to the fullest. The charts would give you a complete guide on the terminal procedures and show you the necessary taxi routing and gates when you are on the ground.

Charts for Soekarno-Hatta can be found here.

Scenery
Although the runway and the taxiway included in default Microsoft Flight Simulator is sufficient, however, the gates and terminal buildings are not available.

To ensure that everyone is using the same scenery, we recommend the scenery made by Mr. Budi Santoso which can be downloaded free-of-charge here (for MSFS 2004) and here (for MSFSX - Yohanes, any recommendation for this one?).

Performance
There will be a lot of aircraft on the ground in Jakarta. To avoid frame rate problems on approach, which will cause severe delays, you must reduce your aircraft display distance to 10-15 miles and limit the amount of aircraft IvAp will draw to something your system can handle. We recommend 10-15 as a maximum for most average systems. Pilots using low-end systems are advised to reduce rendering settings as much as possible.

Experience in others RFE shows that 10% of all inbounds crashes were caused by frame rate issues.

Flight Booking (TBA from Loren)

Departing Aircraft

Arriving Aircraft

Soekarno-Hatta International, Jakarta - Airport Information (Yohanes)
All controller stations will be addressed as Soe-Ta (pronounced as Soo-Tah) instead of using the full name Soekarno-Hatta to ease communication.
Soekarno - Hatta Delivery WIII_DEL 121.950
Soekarno - Hatta Ground WIII_GND 121.600
Soekarno - Hatta Tower WIII_TWR 118.750
Jakarta Approach East WIII_TE_APP 127.900
Jakarta Approach West WIII_TW_APP 119.750
Jakarta Control Upper Semarang WIIZ_US_CTR 120.900
Jakarta Control Upper Palembang WIIZ_UP_CTR 132.700
Jakarta Control Medan East WIIZ_ME_CTR 132.300

Whenever switching from one frequency to another frequency, please allow 10 to 15 seconds to elapse before making any communication. This is to ensure that you are not jumping on to somebody's communication.

Preferential Runway Procedures
In this event, runway for departure is 07R/25L and runway for arrival is 07L/25R.
Active runway will always be available from the controller's ATIS and should always be checked. ATIS information that should be advised to the controller during initial contact is the information obtained from Jakarta Approach East/West (WIII_TE/TW_APP) for arriving traffic and from Soekarno-Hatta Delivery (WIII_DEL) for departing traffic.

Departing Aircraft Procedures
Log on to the network and submit your flight plan approximately 20 minutes before your pushback time. You must start at the assigned gate in your flight booking. The GROUND (WIII_GND) controllers will try their best to make sure that your gate is not occupied approximately 20 minutes before your pushback time. However, if your gate is already occupied by someone else, try to find a vacant gate closed to your assigned gate. If no vacant gate is available, please use the remote aprons, R21-R-28 at Terminal 1 and R-51 to R-58 at Terminal 2. You may opt to taxi to the gate once your gate is vacant or to start the boarding process at the remote apron for departure, however depending on the traffic condition, you may be required to stay at the remote apron and commence boarding to avoid delays. When traffic allows, ground controller will advise you if your gate is now vacant. If you opt to taxi to your gate from the remote apron, follow these procedures:
1. Your aircraft should be ready for immediate pushback and taxi (engine may be started at the position).
2. Contact WIII_GND at 121.600 3. The following phraseology must be used: "Callsign, Current Stand Number, request taxi to gate Gate Number"

"Soe-Ta Ground, Good day, Mandala 123, at remote apron 13, request taxi to gate A13"

4. A taxi routing will then be given and you will be required to pushback immediately and start the taxi. However, due to heavy traffic movement on the ground, GND controller may refuse to authorize such movement even if the gate has been vacated. In that case, please acknowledge the transmission and you may commence boarding as per scheduled time.
5. When you have arrived at the gate, you are not required to make a call to GND to avoid any congestion on the channel.

Once you have completed the pre-flight, you must get your IFR clearance.

Delivery

To get your IFR clearance contact Soe-Ta DELIVERY (WIII_DEL) at 121.950. Allow certain amount of delays for a reply as the controller may be busy when you first call. As a gentle reminder, after a "Stand by" instruction, there is no need to reply to it; stand by until the controller calls you back. Please remind the controller if a minute or so has passed without the controller calling you back.

When requesting your clearance, please include the followings:

- Callsign

- Stand

- Aircraft type

- ATIS received

"Soe-Ta Delivery, Good day, Mandala 123 at gate A13, Airbus 320, with information H(otel) request clearance to Changi."

Your clearance will then contain the followings:

- Callsign

- Route clearance

- Initial climb and SID

- Squawk

"Mandala 123, cleared to Changi via A585 and G579, initial climb is FL150, HLM1J departure, squawk 2301"

Your clearance does not include any active runway information. You will get the information from the ATIS and have it confirmed with your SID. As a quick reference:

RW07R - CGK1G, KARA1D, DKI2C, PW2C

RW25L - CGK2G, HLM1J, DKI1D, DKI2G
CKG2C and HLM2G are strictly not usable in this event to ease flow of traffic.

The following terminology will be used to call each of the SIDs. All SID starting with CKG is CENGKARENG departure, DKI is JAKARTA, HLM is HALIM, KARA is KARAWANG, and PW is PURWA.

Initial climb altitude is given by the controller, and unless contradicting, the altitude restriction given in the charts should always be followed. If contradicting, the clearance and instructions from the controller supersede the charts. If for example you are cleared for initial 5000 ft on HLM1J departure (which specifies you to be at or above 6000 ft over HLM VOR) and you have not received any clearance to fly higher, you should maintain 5000 ft until cleared for higher.

Once you have obtained and read back your clearance, you will be asked to monitor GND frequency 121.950 for push and start and taxi.

Ground - Pushback

On first contact with the GND, please inform the controller your stand number.

"Soe-Ta Ground, Mandala 123, stand A13, request push and start."

For pushback procedures, please refer to the Aerodrome chart.
For example, if you are parked at F11 the pushback procedure requires you to be pushed back facing SOUTHWEST until behind parking F21 and then taxi via NCY.

Ground - Taxi

Possession of ground charts is a must since the GND frequency will be extremely busy and GND controller may not be able to give you progressive taxi instructions. Taxi routing will be given by the GND controller and as you are approaching the holding point of a runway, you will be told to monitor the Soekarno-Hatta Tower (WIII_TWR) frequency.

"Mandala 123, monitor the tower 118.750. Have a good flight!"

The word "monitor" means to monitor - do NOT talk to the controller like "Soe-Ta Tower, Mandala 123 with you holding point 25L". Switch to 118.750 and stay quiet. The controller will talk to you when he needs to. However, whenever called, you have to respond to the controller. Please remember that failure to comply with the instructions given by the controller properly may result in traffic making go-arounds and delay in departure.
Departure

Once it is your turn to line-up, you will be contacted by the controller. The instruction to line up may be conditional, make sure you comply with the instruction to avoid crashes.

"Mandala 123, after the arriving Garuda 747, line up runway 25L."

In this case, make sure you only line up when the space is enough for you to taxi into position.

The take-off clearance will consist of the following:
- Callsign
- Approach frequency
- Pre-departure clearance (if available)
- Wind information
- QNH

"Mandala 123, approach is on 119.750, turn right heading 330 and climb maintain 3000 ft, wind is calm, QNH1006, cleared for take-off"

If pre-departure clearance is given, readback the clearance and QNH setting.

"Soe-Ta Tower, Mandala 123, right heading 330 and climb maintain 3000 ft, QNH1006, cleared for take-off"

Once you are airborne, directly switch to the approach frequency given in your take-off clearance. You may be assigned to one of the Approach frequencies, depending on the current active runway.

Climb Out
Upon first contact with the departure controller, report the followings:
- Callsign - Passing level - Cleared level - Departure Route

"Jakarta Approach, Mandala 123, passing 1200 ft for 3000 ft, on heading 330"

The controller will then give you further instructions and waypoint/altitude clearances. He/she will try his/her best to make sure you have a continuous climb, however due to congested traffic, you may need to maintain certain altitude before being cleared to a higher altitude. Do not climb higher than you are cleared to. The speed restriction of maximum speed of 250 KIAS below 10,000 ft is automatic. Clearance need to be obtained for high speed below 10,000 ft.

The transition altitude for Jakarta TMA is 11,000 ft. Change your altimeter setting to the standard setting of 1013 hPa as soon as you passed the transition altitude.


Arriving Aircraft Procedures
Initial Descent
All traffic approaching Soekarno-Hatta will use the terminal arrival procedure (STAR) according to their last enroute intersection. Although most of the time you may be vectored to the runway, however, the STAR associated with your enroute airway is by default your arrival procedure. All terminal arrival procedure will end in two holding stacks: ESALA and NOKTA.

To plan your descend, use the following guidelines.
For RW07L operation:
Inbound from the West: Follow STAR as cleared and expect to be at FL150 over NOKTA intersection.
Inbound from the East: Follow STAR as cleared and expect to be at FL130 over DKI VOR.

For RW25R operation:
Follow STAR as cleared and expect to be at 4,000 ft over DKI VOR.
Initial Approach

Unless cleared for high speed descent, the speed restriction of 250 knots below 10,000 ft is automatically imposed. You will be handed over to Jakarta Approach (East/West) after passing FL180. On the first contact with the APP controller, please include the following informations:
- Callsign - Cleared level - Position/Route - ATIS Information

"Jakarta Approach, Mandala 123, descending for FL150, 40 nm inbound NOKTA, with information K(ilo)"

As the traffic flow may be quite heavy, expect to be on hold over NOKTA or ESALA as published on the charts. The controller will try his/her best to avoid putting you on a hold. However, if the traffic is excessive and you will be informed of the expected holding time. When you are descending through the Transition Level (FL130 in Jakarta TMA), please change from the standard altimeter setting (1013 hPa) to the current local QNH setting. Final Approach

The runways in Soekarno-Hatta International are all equipped with ILS on both sides. The default approach is then ILS approach of the active runway. Unless there is some late minutes changes, you will not be advised of the runway in-use since the information would already be available to you from the ATIS information.

In Indonesia, the clearance to intercept localizer does not imply the clearance to approach. You require another clearance to descend on the glideslope. After you are cleared for the approach (i.e. to descend on the glideslope), you will be told to monitor TWR for landing clearance. Similar to the departure procedure, monitor the frequency means to monitor, do not call the TWR.

"Mandala 123, turn right heading 100, intercept localizer 07L, report established."
"Turn right heading 100, will report localizer established 07L, Mandala 123."
...
"Established on the localizer, Mandala 123."
"Mandala 123, cleared for ILS approach RW07L, monitor Soe-Ta tower on 118.750, Good day!"
"Cleared for ILS approach RW07L, monitoring 118.750, bye!" Landing and Missed Approaches

You are only allowed to land when you have the landing clearance from the tower (WIII_TWR). The approach clearance only allows you to descend to the MDA. If you do not have the landing clearance up to the MDA point, you must report missed approach to the controller. Following the go-around instruction you will be given the missed approach procedure. A NOTAM will be published to supersede the published missed approach procedures. In general, for RW07L operation, climb straight ahead on the runway heading and follow further instructions from the controller. For RW25R operation, climb straight ahead on the runway heading to 7000 ft before being vectored to join left downwind RW25R and proceed to ESALA for approach resequencing.

"Soe-Ta Tower, Mandala 123 missed approach."
"Mandala 123, go around. Climb 4000 ft on the runway heading, expect vector to join the left downwind 07L."

Missed approach instructions must be read back and followed until another clearance to approach is issued.

Please vacate the runway as soon as you land as there may be traffic on final behind you. As you cleared the runway, you will be required to contact Soekarno-Hatta Ground (WIII_GND) for taxi instruction to your assigned gate. Once you reach your assigned gate, there is NO requirement for you to report on the gate or request shut down.

Jakarta FIR Information (Ferdi)

Bandung Hari Ini

Bandung is a fine city located in West Java. I, myself, have never fallen in love in Bandung until a few years back when my sister started her tertiary study in Parahyangan Catholic University in Bandung. It is Indonesia fourth largest city and it is shopping and culinary paradise for all, inhabitants and travelers alike.

The city is located 112 miles southeast of Jakarta. Situated 2,436 ft (768 m) above sea level, Bandung has lower average temperature compared to other cities in Indonesia. The city lies on a river basin and is surrounded by volcanic mountains up to 7,874 ft (2,400 m) high. The 400 km square flat area of central Bandung is situated in the middle of 2,340.88 km square Bandung basin. The northern part of the city is hillier than the rest; the distinguished truncated flat-peak shape of the Tangkuban Perahu volcano (Tangkuban Perahu literally means 'up-turned boat') can be seen from the city to the north.



Geological data shows that the Bandung Basin is located on an ancient volcano, known as Mount Sunda, erected up to 3,000–4,000 metres (9,850–13,100 ft) during the Pleistocene age.[5] Two large scale eruptions took place; the first formed the basin and the other (est. 55,000 Before Present) blocked the Citarum river, turning the basin into a lake known as "the Great Lake of Bandung". The lake drained away; the reason for which is the subject of ongoing debate among geologists. (Wikipedia.com)

The image above shows how peculiar the approach to Bandung could be. The mountainous terrain only allows entry or exit to or from Jakarta from Northwest (if you are flying on VFR altitude) where the area is less mountainous. The airport of Bandung, Husein Sastranegara International (WICC/BDO) serves both the civilian and military flights. However, the short runway (2,244 ft) combined with the high airport elevation restricts the type of aircraft coming in and out from Bandung. Currently, the airport can receive up to type C aircraft (B 737/ A 320 and alike). The high demand on traveling to Bandung has made it possible for Air Asia to serve direct flights to and from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur International.

I took on a short flight from WICC to WIHH with a B737-800 this morning on 0310z. The flight normally took only 15 minutes when cruising at 315 knots IAS at 10500 ft (departing northwest). I boarded 10,500 lbs of fuel (around 4.8 tons of fuel), enough for 200 nm enroute. ZFW was 129,500 lbs and I took off with flaps 15 for a lift off at 142 knots. The short runway makes it imperative for me to takeoff with such configuration. Otherwise I will run out of runway in the take-off roll. Apparently it is quite heavy for such a short flight. I believe the passengers would have shopped like crazy in the Factory Outlets in Bandung: like Rumah Mode, Heritage, etc. I usually shop a lot in Bandung! Haha.


Thrust set!


This morning, there is low hanging CB surrounding Bandung. Too bad for the travelers today. But if I were in Bandung I would love to have the Dahapati Oxtail soup for either breakfast or a lunch! That's the best oxtail soup ever in Bandung.

80 knots... V1...Rotate...


Positive... Gear up...


Left turn, direct to PW NDB.


The route planned was to proceed to PW and then to HLM VOR. Under VMC, I would enter visual circuit for landing otherwise I would continue with instrument approach.

Good bye Bandung, till next time!




The visibility appeared to be very good and I entered the right downwind of RW 06.

Abeam, start timing, gear down, flaps 15 and arm the speedbrake.


Turning base leg


Flare!


Smooth touchdown at Halim Perdanakusuma. Welcome to Jakarta!




On block!



Halim Perdanakusuma International (WIHH) is located in the capital city of Indonesia, Jakarta, and was the main airport until the opening of Soekarno-Hatta International (WIII). The airport is now home to a large number of turboprop, charter and general aviation companies. It is also a major air force base of the Indonesian Air Force and is home to most of its major squadron such as the 31st air squadron and the 17th VIP air squadron. The airport has one runway of 9,843 ft long and equipped with ILS on one side (RW24).