Flight level between VHHH and ZGGG (CHINA)

[Marc Sieffert]

Hi, I did my first flight in China today between VHHH and ZGGG. 

I learned that Flight levels in China are given in meters not in feets. I was requested to select a cruize altitude of 4500 meters (FL 148).

Considering that ZGGG is to the West of VHHH I was expecting that the cruize altitude would have to be an even number (180 to 360 even and 0 to 180 odd) as in Malaysia for example, but 148, around 150 FL is an odd number...

So I have 2 questions:

1- is the system 180 to 360 FL even and 0 to 180 FL odd valid for China as it is to my understanding for the rest of the Asian countries?

2- How is this rule applied if the altitude is based on meters? 4000 even, 4100 odd...?

Thanks a lot to clarify this for me!!

[Torben Andersen]

Try looking here:

https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/China_Reduced_Vertical_Separation_Minima_(RVSM)

regards

[Andreas Fuchs]

I have created my own Chinese Flight Level Conversion Chart (PDF, 115kB).

Since the routing from Hongkong to China took you initially to the Northeast and only then to the Northwest, they wanted you to fly at an odd level at first.

[Marc Sieffert]

Thanks a lot both of you!! 

Is it ok that between VHHH and ZGGG (around 120 nm distance only) when you start Eastbound FL regulation you are keeping this base even if later on you are flying West. Is there a  rule about this? Especially if I fly without Controller should I keep the Eastbound regulation for the whole flight between VHHH and ZGGG?

Also I have another question the Controller asked me for Squawk Charlie before push back, I understood that Squawk Charlie is requested after entering the rwy. Is there a special rule for VHHH or is it up the Controllers to decide when this should be done? Just for my understanding in general...

HK is a great airport to learn a lot of thing, I was asked pushback color red... never heard of this before, but this I checked now and understood 🙂

Thanks a lot!

[Andreas Fuchs]

Transponder Mode
Things have changed in recent years and it is now required to have your transponder operating from the moment you want to start your flight - and that is at your parking. As good practice I suggest you do it like we do in the real world: when receiving your ATC clearance, set the assigned transponder code and switch your transponder ON. Accurately programmed addon aircraft feature several transponder/TCAS modes. On the ground you set mode "ALT OFF", when you enter a runway for departure you change that to "TA/RA". And after landing you revert to "ALT OFF" when you have arrived on a taxiway.

There may be special rules and ATC-agreements between Hongkong and ZGGG and that's how it is. You cannot know this, that's why ATC will tell you what you need to do. And when you fly without active ATC you can choose the level that you think is best.

[Tim Wong]

As Andreas mentioned, there is something special called LoA (Letter of Agreement) which was established between Hongkong and China with 4200m being the primary altitude for flights from VHHH to ZGGG. It was selected due to proximity of several (international) airports, so that controllers and pilots can avoid crossing traffic. The airspace between Hongkong and Guangzhou is very complex - comparable to London or New York area. Maybe you want to take a look at FR24 to get an impression how traffic flow at this area works if you are interested: https://www.flightradar24.com/multiview/22.8,113.46/8 

VHHH - Hong-Kong (International Airport)

VHHX - Kai-Tak

VMMC - Macau

ZGSD - Zhuhai

ZGHZ - Huizhou

ZGFS - Foshan

ZGSZ - Shenzhen (International Airport)

ZGGG - Canton (International Airport)

Edited December 3, 2020 at 12:06 AM by Tim Wong

[Tim Wong]

As for pushbacks at VHHH, you may take a look at Navigraph Charts - if you have it - VHHH Ground Chart 10-9D and following pages.

If not, we have a set of official charts published by the Civil Authority of Hongkong on our website at https://vatsim.hk/pushback

[Eugene Lee]

The flight level allocation scheme from VHHH to ZGGG is 4200 or 4500 meters.

https://www.ais.gov.hk/eaip_20201203/2020-12-03-000000/html/index-en-US.html see ENR1.9