Sydney Airport: Difference between revisions

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atcunicom=}}
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psh=http://www.plane-spotting-hotels.com/index.php/plane-spotting-sydney/}}


Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport is the main airport for Sydney, Australia.  Founded in 1920, it is Australia's busiest airport (despite this, it is the smallest capital city airport in terms of area) and is the world's oldest continually operated commercial airport.  The airport is named after Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, the famous aviator who was the first to fly across the Pacific Ocean.  Home to Qantas Airways, Sydney Airport is also regularly served by over 50 other airlines, domestic and international.  Currently, more than 26 million passengers pass through the airport each year.
Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport is the main airport for Sydney, Australia.  Founded in 1920, it is Australia's busiest airport (despite this, it is the smallest capital city airport in terms of area) and is the world's oldest continually operated commercial airport.  The airport is named after Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, the famous aviator who was the first to fly across the Pacific Ocean.  Home to Qantas Airways, Sydney Airport is also regularly served by over 50 other airlines, domestic and international.  Currently, more than 26 million passengers pass through the airport each year.
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===International Terminal Observation Deck===
===International Terminal Observation Deck===
THIS IS NOW PEREMENTALY CLOSED
The only official spotting location at Sydney Airport is the observation deck located in the northern part of the international terminal.  The observation deck incorporates the Esky Bar, and food, drinks and seating are available.  This makes it a comfortable place to spend some time spotting.  The best views from the deck are of 16R takeoffs and landings, and 34L takeoffs.  The Sydney skyline provides a nice backdrop for aircraft on approach to 16R.  Views over the northern part of the international terminal and of aircraft taxiing to and from the domestic terminal are also good.  Part of runway 07-25 is visible, but the observation deck is not a good spot for watching movements there.
The only official spotting location at Sydney Airport is the observation deck located in the northern part of the international terminal.  The observation deck incorporates the Esky Bar, and food, drinks and seating are available.  This makes it a comfortable place to spend some time spotting.  The best views from the deck are of 16R takeoffs and landings, and 34L takeoffs.  The Sydney skyline provides a nice backdrop for aircraft on approach to 16R.  Views over the northern part of the international terminal and of aircraft taxiing to and from the domestic terminal are also good.  Part of runway 07-25 is visible, but the observation deck is not a good spot for watching movements there.


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<br>'''Update''': As of early 2007, the upstairs bar at the observation deck itself was removed along with most of the seating. The main restaurant/bar downstairs still exists.  
<br>'''Update''': As of early 2007, the upstairs bar at the observation deck itself was removed along with most of the seating. The main restaurant/bar downstairs still exists.  


Photography is best in the afternoon and evening, when the light is best.  The approximate required lens focal length is 50 to 300mm, though 200mm is still fine as a maximum.  The best place to shoot from is right at the top of the stairs up to the deck.  This is useful for everything except 16R approach photos (in front of the city) and some cargo apron movements.  For these, it is necessary to use the convenient holes in the glass wall at the far northern end of the observation deck, just next to the lift.
Photography is best in the afternoon and evening when the light is best.  The approximate required lens focal length is 50 to 300mm, though 200mm is still fine as a maximum.  The best place to shoot from is right at the top of the stairs up to the deck.  This is useful for everything except 16R approach photos (in front of the city) and some cargo apron movements.  Of these, it is necessary to use the convenient holes in the glass wall at the far northern end of the observation deck, just next to the lift.


Be aware that parking at the International Terminal carpark is very expensive. It is possible to park over on the other side of the Cooks River (to the west of the airport, near the St. George Rowing Club in Arncliffe) and walk across. This takes about 10 minutes - much more preferable than lining the coffers of SACL even more!
Be aware that parking at the International Terminal carpark is very expensive. It is possible to park over on the other side of the Cooks River (to the west of the airport, near the St. George Rowing Club in Arncliffe) and walk across. This takes about 10 minutes - much more preferable than lining the coffers of SACL even more!
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This is where the spot is.
This is where the spot is.


<googlemap lat="-33.926127" lon="151.174021" zoom="16">
{{#display_map:
-33.926358, 151.173913, Qantas Drive Gate
-33.926358, 151.173913~Qantas Drive Gate
</googlemap>
| type=satellite
| zoom=16
}}


===Shep's Hill (Tower Mound)===
===Shep's Hill (Tower Mound)===
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Previously known as the Tower Mound, this spot has been renamed in honour of the late Bruce "Shep" Shepherd, a much loved and respected member of the Sydney spotting community who passed away in October, 2005. While photography at the hill isn't as unique as some other spots (unless you don't mind side-on photos), general viewing is excellent as the elevated persepective gives you a great view of a large portion of the airport. Shep's hill is a great place to relax, airband scanner in hand, in the shadow of the Sydney ATC Tower. 16R roll-outs and departures, 34L departures, 07 arrivals and departures, and 25 roll-outs and departures are all visible. There are good views of the International Terminal, and all aircraft going to and coming from runway 16L-34R pass right in front of you.
Previously known as the Tower Mound, this spot has been renamed in honour of the late Bruce "Shep" Shepherd, a much loved and respected member of the Sydney spotting community who passed away in October, 2005. While photography at the hill isn't as unique as some other spots (unless you don't mind side-on photos), general viewing is excellent as the elevated persepective gives you a great view of a large portion of the airport. Shep's hill is a great place to relax, airband scanner in hand, in the shadow of the Sydney ATC Tower. 16R roll-outs and departures, 34L departures, 07 arrivals and departures, and 25 roll-outs and departures are all visible. There are good views of the International Terminal, and all aircraft going to and coming from runway 16L-34R pass right in front of you.


To get to Shep's Hill, get onto Ross Smith Avenue (the road that skirts the eastern side of the airport, parallel to General Holmes Drive) travelling south, away from the domestic terminals. You will pass the helicopter pads on the right, followed shortly by the [http://www.airsidetarmactours.com Airside Tarmac Tours] office on the left. Continue on the road past the long term carpark and the various rental car lots, around a few sharp jogs in the road, until you reach the fenceline below the Tower (at which point you'll see Shep's Hill). You can park pretty much anywhere on the grass below or on the hill, though as always be sure to stay at least three meters from the fence and just generally keep out of the way of any other vehicles.
To get to Shep's Hill, get onto Ross Smith Avenue (the road that skirts the eastern side of the airport, parallel to General Holmes Drive) travelling south, away from the domestic terminals. You will pass the helicopter pads on the right. Continue on the road past the long term carpark and the various rental car lots, around a few sharp jogs in the road, until you reach the fenceline below the Tower (at which point you'll see Shep's Hill). You can park pretty much anywhere on the grass below or on the hill, though as always be sure to stay at least three meters from the fence and just generally keep out of the way of any other vehicles.


Photography, as mentioned above, isn't particularly unique at Shep's Hill. However, if you're content with side-on shots, it's fine.  Photographic opportunities comprise 16R arrivals, 34L arrivals and departures, and taxiway Bravo and taxiway Charlie movements (among others). Shots of 07 arrivals and 25 departures are possible, but not ideal (especially in summer when there is a large amount of heat haze). Lighting for photography is best in the morning. The approximate lens focal length required is 70 to 300mm.
Photography, as mentioned above, isn't particularly unique at Shep's Hill. However, if you're content with side-on shots, it's fine.  Photographic opportunities comprise 16R arrivals, 34L arrivals and departures, and taxiway Bravo and taxiway Charlie movements (among others). Shots of 07 arrivals and 25 departures are possible, but not ideal (especially in summer when there is a large amount of heat haze). Lighting for photography is best in the morning. The approximate lens focal length required is 70 to 300mm.
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<br>'''Update''': A line of newly installed lighting poles directly between Shep's Hill and the runway is an annoying obstruction.  
<br>'''Update''': A line of newly installed lighting poles directly between Shep's Hill and the runway is an annoying obstruction.  
'''SYDNEY AIRPORT HAS OFFICIALLY OPENED A SPOTTING DECK AT SHEPS MOUND (AUGUST 2017)'''


[http://www.wikimapia.org/#y=-33945048&x=151180263&z=18&l=0&m=s Wikimapia location and description.]
[http://www.wikimapia.org/#y=-33945048&x=151180263&z=18&l=0&m=s Wikimapia location and description.]
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===International===
===International===


Aerolineas Argentinas (A340-200)
'''AirAsia X''' (A330-300)
<br>Aircalin (A320-200, A330-200)<br>
<br>'''Aircalin''' (A320-200, A330-200)<br>
Air Canada (B777-200LR)
'''Air Canada''' (B777-200LR)
<br>Air China (A330-200)<br>
<br>'''Air China''' (A330-200)<br>
Air Mauritius (A340-300)
'''Air India''' (B787-8 Dreamliner)
<br>Air New Zealand (A320-200, B767-300ER, and occasionally B777-200ER and B747-400)<br>
<br>'''Air New Zealand''' (A320-200, B777-200, B787-9 Dreamliner, and occasionally B777-300ER)<br>
Air Niugini (B767-300ER, B757-200)
'''Air Niugini''' (B737-700)
<br>Air Pacific (B737-800, B737-700, B747-400)<br>
<br>'''Air Vanuatu''' (B737-800)<br>
Air Tahiti Nui (A340-300)
'''Asiana Airlines''' (B777-200ER, A330-300, and occasionally A380-800)
<br>Air Vanuatu (B737-800)<br>
<br> '''All Nippon Airways''' (B787-9 Dreamliner)  
Asiana Airlines (B777-200ER)
<br>'''American Airlines''' (B777-300ER, occasionally the B787-9 Dreamliner)
<br>British Airways (B747-400, B777-200ER)<br>
<br> '''Beijing Capital Airlines''' (A330-200)
Cathay Pacific Airways (A330-300)
<br>'''British Airways''' (B777-300ER)<br>
<br>China Airlines (A330-300)<br>
'''Cathay Pacific Airways''' (A330-300, B777-300ER)
China Eastern Airlines (A330-300)
<br>'''Cebu Pacific''' (A330-300)
<br>China Southern Airlines (A330-200)<br>
<br>'''China Airlines''' (A330-300)<br>
Emirates Airlines (A340-500, B777-300ER, and occasionally B777-200ER)
'''China Eastern Airlines''' (A330-200, A330-300)
<br>Etihad Airways (A340-500, A340-600)<br>
<br>'''China Southern Airlines''' (A330-200, A330-300)<br>
Freedom Air (A320-200)
'''Delta Air Lines''' (A350-900)
<br>Garuda Indonesia (A330-300)<br>
<br> '''Emirates Airlines''' (A380-800, occasionally the B777-300/ER - usually on flights to Bangkok.)
Gulf Air (A340-300)
<br>'''Etihad Airways''' (B777-300ER, A380-800)
<br>Hawaiian Airlines (B767-300ER)<br>
<br>'''Fiji Airways''' (B737-700 - flights to Suva, B737-800, A330-200, A330-300 - final three aircraft mentioned operate almost exclusively on flights to Nadi from Sydney.)
Japan Airlines (B747-400)
<br>'''Garuda Indonesia''' (A330-200, A330-300)
<br>Jetstar (A320-200, A321-200, A330-200)
<br>'''Hainan Airlines''' (A330-200)
<br>Korean Air (A330-300, B777-200ER)<br>
<br>'''Hawaiian Airlines''' (A330-200)<br>
LAN Airlines (A340-300)
'''Japan Airlines''' (B787-9 Dreamliner)
<br>Malaysia Airlines (B747-400, B777-200ER)<br>
<br>'''Jetstar''' (A320-200, A321-200, B787-8 Dreamliner)
Pacific Blue Airlines (B737-800, E-190)
<br>'''Korean Air''' (A330-300, and occasionally B747-8i, A380-800)<br>
<br>Philipine Airlines (A330-300)<br>
'''LATAM Airlines''' (B787-9 Dreamliner)
Polynesian Blue Airlines (B737-800)
<br>'''Malaysia Airlines''' (A330-300)<br>
<br>Qantas Airways (B737-400, B737-800, B767-300ER, A330-200, A330-300, B747-400, A380-800)<br>
'''Philipine Airlines''' (A330-300, A340-300 occasionally used.)<br>
Qantas New Zealand (Jetconnect) (B737-300, B737-400)
'''Qantas Airways''' (B737-800, A330-200, A330-300, B787-9 Dreamliner, A380-800)<br>
<br>Royal Brunei Airlines (B767-300ER)<br>
'''Qantas New Zealand''' (Jetconnect) (B737-800) (Using New Zealand Regos.)
Singapore Airlines (B747-400, B777-300ER, A380-800)
<br>'''Qatar Airways''' (A380-800)
<br>Thai Airways (B747-400, B777-200ER)<br>
<br>'''Scoot''' (B787-9 Dreamliner)
United Airlines (B747-400)
<br>'''Singapore''' Airlines (B777-200ER, B777-300ER, A380-800)
<br>Vietnam Airlines (B777-200ER)<br>
<br>'''Thai Airways''' (B747-400)<br>
Virgin Atlantic (A340-600)
'''United Airlines''' (B787-9 Dreamliner)
<br>'''Vietnam Airlines''' (B787-9 Dreamliner)<br>


===Domestic===
===Domestic===
 
'''Jetstar''' (A320-200, A321-200) A budget carrier subsidary of Qantas.<br>
Aeropelican Air Services (EMB-110, Jerstream J31)
'''REX''' - Regional Express (SA-227DC, SF340A/B)
<br>Air Link Airlines (Dubbo) (PA-31, B1900D)<br>
<br>'''Qantas Airways''' (B737-800, A330-200, A330-300 [Occasional -300 use], B787-9 Dreamliner)<br>
Big Sky Express (SA-227AC)
'''QantasLink''' Operated by; '''(Eastern Australia Airlines)''' (DHC-8-300, DHC-8-400) '''(Cobham Aviation Services)''' (B717-200)
<br>Jetstar (A320-200)<br>
<br>'''Virgin Australia''' (B737-800)
REX - Regional Express (SA-227DC, SF340A/B)
<br>Qantas Airways (B737-400, B737-800, B767-300ER, A330-200)<br>
QantasLink (Eastern Australia Airlines) (DHC-8-100, DHC-8-200, DHC-8-300, DHC-8-400)
<br>Tiger Airways (A320)<br>
Virgin Blue Airlines (B737-700, B737-800, E-170, E-190)


===Cargo===
===Cargo===


Atlas Air (B747-400F/SCD)<br>
'''Atlas Air''' (B747-400F/SCD) - ''Operated for Qantas Freight.''<br>
Cathay Pacific Cargo (B747-200SF/SCD)
'''Cathay Pacific Cargo''' (B747-8F)<br>
<br>DHL Cargo (Asian Express Airlines) (B727-200Adv F)<br>
'''Cobham Aviation Services Ltd.''' (Bae-146-300QT) ''Operated for Qantas Freight.''
Federal Express (MD-11F)
<br>'''DHL Cargo''' (Asian Express Airlines) (B757-200)<br>
<br>Korean Air Cargo (B747-400F/SCD, B747-400F/ER/SCD)<br>
'''Federal Express''' (MD-11F)
Malaysia Airlines Cargo (B747-200B/SF)
<br>'''Korean Air Cargo''' (B747-400F/SCD, B747-400F/ER/SCD)<br>
<br>Martinair Cargo (B747-200SCD, B747-400BCF)<br>
'''MASkargo''' (A330-200F) <br>
Polar Air Cargo (B747-400F/SCD)
'''Polar Air Cargo''' (Boeing 767-300F) <br>
<br>Singapore Airlines Cargo (B747-400F/SCD)<br>
'''Qantas Freight.''' (Boeing 737-300/400?, Boeing 767-300 - ER?)
United Parcel Service (B767-300ER, MD-11F, B747-200B/SF)
<br>'''Singapore Airlines Cargo''' (B747-400F/SCD)<br>
'''Toll Aviation Services.''' (Boeing 737-300/400) ''Operated for Qantas Freight.''<br>
'''Tasman Cargo Airlines.''' (Boeing 757-200F) ''Operated For DHL.''<br>
'''United Parcel Service''' (MD-11F)


==Facilities and Transportation==
==Facilities and Transportation==
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*[http://audio.liveatc.net:8012/yssy.m3u LiveATC.net - SYD Live ATC Audio Feed]
*[http://audio.liveatc.net:8012/yssy.m3u LiveATC.net - SYD Live ATC Audio Feed]
*[http://tinyurl.com/ywdkgp All points mentioned here on Google map]
*[http://tinyurl.com/ywdkgp All points mentioned here on Google map]
*[http://www.airservices.gov.au/brief/html.asp?/cgi-bin/avreq?met=YSSY ATIS report for YSSY (Sydney Airport)]