0850:31 MDX contacts FIS5; FIS5 asks if they would like clearance through WLM if available. MDX says yes. FIS asks for an estimate overhead WLM. MDX says to stand by.
0851:27 MDX advises FIS of an ETA for overhead WLM at time 20.
0851:47 FIS asks WLM for clearance for MDX.
0852:22 WLM agrees to a clearance. Says 9000 or 7000 due AZC, which estimates WLM at 17.
0853:00 Sydney Sector 1 denies clearance for MDX.
0853:42 FIS ask Sydney Approach if clearance coastal is available; they tell FIS they will check weather and advise.
0854:20 MDX advised that Sydney has denied clearance via WLM, and that a coastal clearance may be available. MDX advises they would prefer coastal route. FIS says they will seek clearance and MDX to remain OCTA. MDX says they are approaching controlled airspace “pretty quick”.
0856:00 MDX advises that rather than wait for clearance, they now wish to track via CRAVEN.
0856:39 Sydney Approach advises that clearance coastal should be available but they need to still check on weather and that route will most likely be inland via WLM and MQD. FIS says that WLM has already cleared MDX through their airspace.
0857:18 MDX advise that clearance coastal not yet available and they may have to remain OCTA to get clearance.
0857:54 MDX says they’ll go via CRAVEN.
Note that at no time did the RAAF controller delay clearance and all delays came from Sydney. To imply that the military airspace contributed in any way to the accident is being highly disingenuous.
Dick, you are a skeptic; why aren't you applying those critical thinking skills to this matter? Why don't you just admit that although your call for airspace reform may be valid, your implications regarding the RAAF are completely unfounded?