Edited by Rachel Duncan 4th Edition ISBN 0-907649-91-2 London ...

42 RGS-IBG Polar Expeditions Manual
routine to economise as much as practicable is to fly the maximum number of
passengers in to East coast destinations in a ski-equipped Twin Otter with a Piper
Chieftain being used to carry supplies that are air-dropped once the party has been
put down by the Twin Otter.
• Svalbard: Commercial flight to Longyearbyen from Oslo or Tromso, Norway
• Arctic Russia: Commercial flight to Khatanga in Siberia. Charter Antonov AN-74
STOL jet or Mil Mi-8 helicopter onwards. Costs negotiable.
• Arctic Ocean ice stations. Various commercial operators open ice-runways on the
Arctic pack ice each Spring. These can be launching pads for expeditions and
provide air support. The best known in recent years has been Cerpolex’s base called
Borneo that is located at about 89°N in the Russian Arctic and is accessed by
charter AN-74 from either Khatanga in Siberia or from Spitsbergen.
5.2 Logistical considerations for air transport
5.2.1 Fuel
This is normally organised in advance by the aircraft operator and a charge is apportioned
to your expedition. Do confirm this with them well in advance. Once you have ascertained
which aircraft will meet your needs, then the preparation of logistics begins.
If the operator does not have fuel at your required locations, this should be placed
at least six months in advance. When preparing a list of fuel required, remember to include
aircraft fuel as well as fuel for any vehicles, generators and cooking. This has to be
included in your total weight. Consider using one type of fuel for everything to avoid
confusion.
5.2.2 Air operations plan
Prior to approaching an air operator, you should have a list with answers to the following
questions. This allows the air operator to assess your needs and give you an estimate of
costs based on your answers.
• Layout in as much detail as possible what you hope to achieve to include route and
re-supplies;
• What time of year are you planning to travel?
• How many days do you anticipate the journey taking?
• How many members will be in your group?
• What will be the total weight of your group’s equipment?
• What are the dimensions of the largest/bulkiest item?
• Where will you finish your journey?
• What is the estimated weight that will return with the group?
• Will all members be picked up from one location?
• What experience do the expedition members have in polar travel?
• Do you have an adequate insurance policy in place to cover any potential
emergency evacuation?