THE SIGHT & THE SOUND 2/12 : Air Koryo IL-18 P-835 inflight documentary from Pyongyang to Samjiyong

WELCOME TO THE AIR KORYO FLEET SERIES #2

Many of you may not be aware of the fact, that aviation videography on the ground and in the air is hard work and the output is not always rewarding. Filming is not only time and money consuming, but requires accurate preparation, especially when asking for cooperation of the airline, crews, security and authorities. Once accepted and approved, it is all a matter of weather, seating on board, fellow passengers, camera condition and last but not least the ability of the person behind the lense. Therefore I always prefer to plan my own tours well in advance to make sure nothing goes wrong.

Planning a trip to North Korea is a different story. It is impossible to get permissions from the airline, the crews, security and the authorities in advance. Yet, filming the beauties of Air Koryo in detail has always been my dream. There are many video footages on Youtube featuring flights onboard Air Koryo. Most of them are very short and do not provide an impression, what it is like to be onboard.

Travelling to North Korea means always to join a group tour and to depend on the mercy of circumstances. Inspired by my friend Lutz, I decided to join the German speaking Aviation Tour in May 2013, launched by Juche Travel Services.

Twelve flights onboard Air Koryo were on the agenda, meaning tough and hard work with uncertain output.
Restrictions imposed by security issues change on a day to day basis and remain totally unpredictable.
Seating on board is also a problem for filming because everybody wants the same seat with the same clean window and the same video footage of take off and landing.
The third problem is a pure lack of time on board and inbetween flights.

This video features the second flight onboard the IL-18, my favourite plane, from Pyongyang to Samjiyong at the border to China in the North. The attitude of the crew onboard was totally relaxed and taking pictures and filming on board was absolutely no problem.

Weather was improving and after a cloudy morning upon departure in Pyongyang, the forecasted weather for the rest of the day was promissing.

Despite the fact, that everybody was sticking his camera through my window during filming, I did my best to deliver you an impression of Air Koryo's IL-18 in detail. The flight was followed by a very interesting question & answer session with the very friendly flight crew at the departure hall of Samjiyon Airport.

Watch and enjoy with me the Sights & Sounds of Classic Aviation.
Thank you for watching my channel.

Brief history of IL-18D P-835
Airframe 188011205 was manufactured at MMZ Znamya Truda in 1969 and delivered March 20, 1969 to Choson Minhang and registered 835. In 1980, the registration 835 was changed to P-835. In March 1992, Choson Minhang was renamed Air Koryo. Banned from most international destinations, P-835 is still active mainly operating domestic charter flights.

Flight details

Flight : JS 5101
Date : Monday, May 20, 2013
Aircraft : IL-18D
Registration : P-835
Previous registration : 835 (Choson Minhang)
Built : 1969
From : Pyongyang (FNJ)
To : Samjiyong (YJS)
Take off : 08.57 h (2357 UTC)
Touch down : 09.51 h (0051 UTC)
Flying time : 54 minutes
Flying distance : 503 km
Altitude : 5.490 / 5.700 / 5.800 m
Speed : 380 / 450 km/h
Captain : Kim, In Dok
First Officer : O, Sok Chon
Flight Engineer : Dzon, Un Hak
Navigator : O, Son Sik
Radio Operator : Dzang, Gyong Chan
Additional Cockpit Crew : Dzo, Un Choll
Cabin Crew : Kim, Gyong Hui
Cabin Crew : Ryu, Hyon Son

Видео THE SIGHT & THE SOUND 2/12 : Air Koryo IL-18 P-835 inflight documentary from Pyongyang to Samjiyong канала THE SIGHTS & SOUNDS OF CLASSIC AVIATION