Early Days
Interesting posts here and especially from Buster Hyman and Checklist Charlie. As a boy in the 1960's flew into Melbourne Airport a number of times as it was known prior to the construction of Tulla. The runways were too short for fully laden B707 and DC8 type aircraft operating international flights so one had to fly to Sydney to fly overseas with the exception of Qantas and Teal Electras etc. The exception being the BOAC Comet 4's with the howling Rolls Royce Avon engines. AT least Tulla opened up international travel from Melbourne using long range jet aircraft. As a boy the observation decks/areas (Syd and Mel) were a favourite haunt of mine and the sound of the early turboprop and jet powered aircraft starting up was exciting and especially so the Viscounts, Comet 4's and DC8's (with the high/low starts). The one good thing about Tulla was being able to get from the Domestic to International areas without having to transfer to the other side of the of the airport like Sydney. Years later as a Captain I operated in and out of both Melbourne airports and must agree that the frequent changes of ATIS at Tulla during marginal weather conditions early morning/hours of darkness lead to near fuel emergencies despite the Metar/Speci reports prior to departure. At least one could divert to EN and usually get in on the ILS or Twin Locator Approach!!