Dobrolet, at the roots of Soviet air transport
Before Aeroflot, Dobrolet and other Soviet companies gradually shaped major domestic routes. This page recreates two axes: Moscow to Tashkent, then Moscow to Irkutsk.
The charm lies in history, large distances and simple navigation. In a Junkers F13 or light aircraft, the journey returns to the early spirit: map, heading, weather and patience.
Dobrolet before Aeroflot unification.
Slow, historical and ideal for dead reckoning.
Two major Soviet corridors.
Plains, steppe, rivers and Siberia.
Understanding the flight
Dobrolet tells the story of aviation still being built. The routes connect major cities, but references can remain sparse.
The plan is better without excessive automation, with proper map reading and fuel decisions.
Before departure
- Fly by chapters rather than as a simple list of fields.
- Keep believable weather and record winds, altitudes, fuel and diversions.
- Load the main points on the map before departure to keep the route readable.
- Accept a slower pace: these plans become more immersive when the logbook can breathe.
Suggested route
Experience tips
Fly slower than the simulator allows: the article is about patient aviation.
The two axes can be played separately, as two Dobrolet campaigns.
© Michel Lagneau