Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Human Factors
There was no PDC available in [originating airport]; so we sent Dispatch a message asking about it. Both pilots copied the clearance and confirmed to planned international destination. Route was 108 miles shorter than original; and fuel and time enroute still checked good. On the ground; I asked Dispatch if we needed a full route and answer was no (as per 100+ change). After departure; on climb out; we were handed off of NY Center to NY Radio. Also on the climbout; we got a message from Dispatch telling us not to go over the 'WATRS NY area.' NY Radio gave us an HF frequency to do a radio check. We realized that they were requiring us to have HF on board; so we called NY Center back to tell her we needed a new route. We were out of her coverage area; so she asked another aircraft to relay for us on 121.5 while she was working on a new route. We made communications with that aircraft who told us to use 123.45 so we wouldn't congest 121.5. Another aircraft also was on board to help us relay. I asked the relaying aircraft to see if he could get us direct ILM and back on original course when we were over ROLLE and his response was 'no; they want you to stay on course; they are working on something for you.' It took 340 miles to finally get a clearance. We were told to contact MIA Center on 123.67 20 miles from SUMRS. A pilot I had flown with 2 weeks prior was deadheading on my flight to bring return flight. I asked him to come into cockpit because it was difficult to listen to 121.5 and 123.45 and talk to him on interphone. He had flown this flight before and was used for advice and help and an extra set of eyes. Since this appears to be a reoccurring issue and the company is aware of ATC giving clearance out over ocean; it would be helpful to have something written in remarks section of the release. ATC in [originating airport] needs to be aware that we are not able to accept those routes. I should have confirmed reroute with chart and dispatch before leaving.
A319 crew took off without the required operating HF radio for the planned route. Crew obtained a modified clearance from ATC with routing that precluded the HF radio requirement.