Jeanske SN, I promised myself that I would’nt go down this path but I can’t let your view of Russian /Soviet safety records go unchallenged. The safety record of these aircraft, in particular the IL62/62M is no worse than most western types especially when compared in ratio to kms flown, pax numbers and the weather conditions that the majority of the flights of these types take place in. I have travelled on most types of Russian/Soviet airliners and have never been worried about the integrity of either these aircraft or the crews who flew them, How often has the cause of a crash of one of these types ever gone down to airframe failure? I grant you that in post-Soviet times things have by and large got worse, all of my trips were taken prior to the break up of the USSR so I don’t feel qualified to comment on this period. I can relate many tales to you of scary journeys that I’ve endured on Boeings, Lockheeds, MDCs, Airbuses, Fokkers etc, but it does’nt make them all bad……You’re not alone in this jaundiced view of Russian/Soviet aircraft so I don’t condemn you out of hand…Its just boring to see this trotted out time after time. And by the way, How many Western airlines give their flight deck crews daily pre-flight medical checks as Aeroflot used to do? Not many I think! I recommend anyone to view the 2hr C4 documentary “Aeroplanski” its fascinating where they show you one of these checks on a senior IL62 Capt. as well as lots more behind the scenes at the “old” Aeroflot.
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