Aircraft Hire/Training In Melbourne

[VH-XXX]

Oh and you're not just limited to one orbit, feel free to ask for another.

[the_rookie]

1980's a PA 28 was $35 and a Bonanza only about $75

$80 in 1980 is equivalent to about $200 today. Reads good, but it really wasnt much of a difference

[Old Akro]

I've never done a city orbit. But its basically in MEL CTR, so I would expect you will require an airways clearance. How easily this is granted will depend on wind (ie which runways are in use & traffic). Over Christmas will probably be quiet, but I would probably still not be trying to do it at 8am or 5pm. You could call (ie telephone) to discuss beforehand. Controllers don't often bite and some are almost human. Seriously, call and tell them what you want to do and ask the best way. I'm sure you'll find them helpful. You might like to consider landing at Essendon for the experience.

Alternatively, you get a pretty good view from the light aircraft lane.

[VH-XXX]

But its basically in MEL CTR, so I would expect you will require an airways clearance

This procedure is facilitated by Essendon tower as stated in the earlier posts and has nothing to do with Melbourne Centre.

Wind direction and time of day is essentially irrelevant as airliners don't fly over the CBD at 1,500ft.

[JustJoinedToSearch]

The stuff written in that link is spot on. Orbits around the CBD are by far the easiest clearance to get anywhere near ML.

And as VH-XXX says, you aren't limited to one. I ask for 2 straight off the bat and always right hand so the pax gets the best view.

MB-2 orbits-MB is my stock standard half hour passenger flight.

[Mish A]

In thinking about city orbits you may also consider what the skydivers are doing at Pt Ormond. ES tower are usually good at offering assistance re a diversion upon request. Enjoy.

[VH-XXX]

Point Ormond is nowhere near the city (in terms of ciry orbits) and certainly nothing to do with Essendon tower.

[Old Akro]

Extra points if he gets some skydivers, but!

Con_G. Don't forget to tell us how it goes.

[nitpicker330]

Last time I did the city orbit from MB I called Mel Radar 135.7 and asked about the skydiving at Point Ormond. The controller was very helpful with information and congratulated me on making the effort to ask.

So, after you leave the MB CTZ call 135.7 and ask the status of the skydiving at Point Ormond. Especially during weekends and evening times.

[Con_G]

Thanks for all your help guys. Took the flight this morning which consisted of taking off from 35L with an upwind departure to Albert Park Lake, from there requested 2 city orbits but only got one, then Point Campbell via YMAV, from there followed the coast up to Port Phillip Bay then back to YMMB, 2.7 hours. I was able to do most of it without assistance, the instructor just pointing out some of the harder to find landmarks and local procedures and taking over for piccies. It was a great flight and I'll probably take another flight around the bay before I leave Melbourne.

[VH-XXX]

Nice pic of the Apostles (or what is left of them )

Glad you enjoyed your flight around the most liveable city in the world

[Lord Baldrick]

Great thread, I'm sure lots of new PPLs have used and appreciated this info so worth a bump I reckon.

I'm a new PPL ex-WA. My first flights after getting my PPL were the traditional YPJT - V65, city orbits, YRTI for lunch - YPJT.
First time with a safety pilot and mother, the second with girlfriend. Lots of happy passengers.

Now moved to Melbourne and this is exactly the tourist trail I will be doing first up so... is this info still current? What are the traps for young players?

[Avgas172]

And in 1976 I bought a new V8 Falcon GS for $4250 .... Wage for a 1st Year Tradesman was just on a $100 a week, $35 an hour would equate to at least $350 now ... Flying is cheap in comparison today.

[Jack Ranga]

Gees what trade did you do? 1981, first year apprentice $86, that's about 35 extra middies per week you were getting

[Jack Ranga]

Lord Baldrick, I'd still give MFT a call, you won't get ripped off there