I fly through Willy most weeks - VFR helicopter.
Most of the time I use the sea lane, and very rarely get held and the mil guys (and girls) I speak to are almost always helpful and happy to be so.
That said, I have always wondered why the sea lane does not operate like Victor One or R405. Both of those spaces are very busy with traffic from SY and BK, yet it all seems to work perfectly, and without delays.
Also the Dungog lane (which I sometimes use) is part of Willy and requires no clearance. Perhaps Dick is right and it is time for a change ? Maybe harmonise the two lanes something like Victor One ?
Also, on the occasions I have wanted airways from (say) Maitland to Seal Rocks, I have been granted it, except on a couple of occasions when F18's were running around. Although someone told me recently that you now need to file a flight plan - surely that's not correct ? (If so, we are going backwards, not forwards).
I'd be interested in comments.
Arrrj