http://flightaware.com/live/flight/ETH9202

Impressive.

15 hrs

That's quite the route. How would you like to read that back.

Etiopian9202: Cleared to Addis airport via RVDCT YXC J500 VLR J525 YXL YMO J481 YKL J548 YDP PRAWN 5800N 5000W 5800N 4000W 5800N 3000W 5800N 2000W AGORI OSBOX MIMKU UL10 PENIL UL10 WAL UL151 KEPAD UL6 HON UL186 BIG UL9 KONAN UL607 AMASI UM149 DETEV UL603 DINKU UM867 ABISO UY450 NERRA UL607 TRN UL604 TRL UL612 PLH UA145 SALUN A145 NODLA P557 NUBAR UT124 LABLA squawk 5431

CD: Readback correct

Etiopian9202: Cleared to Addis airport via RVDCT YXC J500 VLR J525 YXL YMO J481 YKL J548 YDP PRAWN 5800N 5000W 5800N 4000W 5800N 3000W 5800N 2000W AGORI OSBOX MIMKU UL10 PENIL UL10 WAL UL151 KEPAD UL6 HON UL186 BIG UL9 KONAN UL607 AMASI UM149 DETEV UL603 DINKU UM867 ABISO UY450 NERRA UL607 TRN UL604 TRL UL612 PLH UA145 SALUN A145 NODLA P557 NUBAR UT124 LABLA squawk 5431

CD: Readback correct

Easy: Clearance Ethiopian 9202 with PDC squawking 5431.

How does it work with a clearance for a flight like this? Does CD provide a full route clearance from Seattle? Or are clearances extended at various points along the route? If so, what are the points?

Ground controller says cleared as filed. Radar controller says resume own nav. He goes where he goes. Any problems with the clearance happen a long way away from you.

I'm use to seeing the (+1) for the Arrival, but not (+2).

Hardly ever write down or read back clearances anymore. Clearance received by ACARS and acknowledged with a push of button. Same with loading clearance, push another button and it is loaded in FMS via datalink. Of course we check it over to make sure everything was loaded properly.

Craig

Actually will be cleared by the US ATC to the clearance limit, usually oceanic entry point, then an Oceanic Clearance to the exit point, etc all the across the different controlling agencies and FIRS.

And as said, PDC acknowledged with the repeat of the squak code.

When we get digital radios, we in GA may be able to receive clearances via digital methods.

. . . and the amazing part is that probably didn't even get close to it's max range.

Pretty amazing aircraft.

Really? Boeing's website says the 787-8's range is 7,650 to 8,200 nautical miles.

Flightaware says 7757 nm planned route. Seems pretty close to max range to me.

Really? Boeing's website says the 787-8's range is 7,650 to 8,200 nautical miles.

Flightaware says 7757 nm planned route. Seems pretty close to max range to me.

I was suprised the other day how close to the limits the airlines are allowed to cut it. The distance from Atlanta to Lagos is 5750nm, the range given for the 767 is 6300nm. Not that many pleasant places to divert to if the LOS airport was to close for some reason, I wondered where exactly they would put as if that was to happen (Accra? Abuja?).

Fun fact: Ethiopian airlines was the launch customer for the 767-200ER back in 1982.

I suppose planning a long flight like that you've got to take into account things like the safety of various airspaces. Whole other ballgame...