Thread: Flying into Sydney Airport

I started flying in the early 80s down the south coast of NSW. One day we decided to go into Mascot - when you could - we flew up the light aircraft corridor and just past Wollongong we had to climb to get up into controlled airspace - we were in a Piper Warrior. Once cleared, we headed for Mascot trundling along at our 100kts - air traffic asked if we could make 140kts as there was a 747 behind us - emmm no.

Anyway landed and taxied around to take back off - taxing around behind a 747 with another behind was a bit concerning. Taking off after the 747 was also a worry but air traffic had all in hand and didn't even feel any wake on takeoff - arh the good old days and no landing fees. Because everything is controlled - was all so easy.

Garry

Back in the 80's it was quite normal for lighties to either land ot touch-and-go at Sydney. I went in there on 2 of my PPL navs and landed both times. Back then it was part of the PPL syllabus to go in to a capital city primary airport (and a great learning experience for me).
I also went in there for PILS (practice ILS) a few times during my Class 1 Instrument Rating. The only other place to go was Canberra (which we did as well).
As an instructor I took trainees in there once or twice, but the landing charges and holding made it increasingly difficult to do. That's the situation we have today with slots and the movement cap.