Melbourne Cricket Ground: MCG

[John Eacott]

For any Melbourne pilots: I was called this morning to be advised that the MCG is stringing wires across the ground up at light tower level, about 24 wires going in and the first one is now up. They have some idea that it will discourage the seagulls :ugh:

However it will certainly discourage any passing helicopter with an eye out for a forced landing area :hmm:

Pass the word around please.

[spinwing]

Mmmm ...

Thanks John ....



:mad:

[cattletruck]

Gulls have been a huge prob along the Yarra river, even on the helipads.

MCC mulls gulls as avian invasion mars AFL finals | MCG seasgull (http://www.smh.com.au/afl/afl-news/mcc-mulls-gulls-as-avian-invasion-mars-finals-20110922-1km99.html)

There are enough river islands nearby for the bird's nests to be free from predators. Someone up north could bring in a few freshwater crocodiles to throw in the river, it'll even make the nearby rowing club row faster :E.

There's always the nearby Governer General's back yard if things get serious, you may even get a cup of tea, so long as they are not sunbaking naked :} (is it still notam'd off limits?).

[John Eacott]

Truck,

You'll probably remember that we used to land on the GG's lawn when his secretary was a helicopter pilot!

I'm still wondering who has advised the G that a bunch of wires will dissuade ****ehawks from flying in: birds fly through trees without a problem so evading a few wires shouldn't be an issue :confused:

I like the croc import idea :ok:

[Hydromet]

What will Richie & the crew count now??

[Hippolite]

If the Regulator legislated properly to only allow twin engine over the city, a forced landig area wouldn't be required. Maybe they should set up a restricted area?

[John Eacott]

Hippo,

Really? If you fly around Melbourne you'd be aware that the G is an inbound and outbound clearance point for Essendon and overflying the city is not part of the plan. Lots and lots of open spaces in all Melbourne suburbs, I was just highlighting the trap that awaits should anyone contemplate the G as one of them in future :ok:

[mickjoebill]

Also bear in mind the cabled camera rigs such as "spider cam" are setup a day or so in advance of an event.

Although such systems have been around a while, they are increasing in popularity.


Mickjoebill

[John Eacott]

MCG News (http://www.mcg.org.au/News/News/2013/June/Seagulls.aspx)

The Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) will trial a flight interruption system to deter seagulls at the MCG during upcoming AFL matches.
The trial will involve installation of nine wires, made from a galvanised steel rope with a fibre core, inside the MCG and connected by grandstands on the southern and northern sides of the stadium.
The wires, each 180 metres in length, will be suspended approximately 35 metres above the playing surface.
It is hoped that the presence of the wires will frighten the seagulls so that they will be deterred from returning.
It is the first known use of such technology at a sport stadium, but it has been successfully trialled at golf courses and in city water installations.
Starting with Friday night’s Essendon v Carlton match, the trial will take place prior to and during several matches during the remainder of the 2013 AFL home and away season.
The matches will be a mixture of day and night events, to ensure all scenarios are experienced during the trial. This will lead to a greater understanding as to the flight patterns of the gulls.
The trial is part of the MCC’s continued investigation into the presence of seagulls at the MCG during sporting events, which can cause aesthetic concerns for players, broadcasters and patrons.
“We hope that this trial will reduce the number of gulls on the MCG playing surface while the game is in progress," said MCC CEO Stephen Gough.
The trial has been approved by independent consultants as well as the AFL.

However, according to the Sunday Herald Sun today: it didn't work last night!

Maybe the fact that the gulls perched on the wires would have told the MCG that if birds can avoid twigs and branches then a few widely spaced wires aren't going to be much of an issue :rolleyes:

[oldpinger]

Guess delivering a Match ball via helo might be a little trickier:eek: or a challange depending which way you look at it:ok: