Sydney Harbour Clearance
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Sydney Harbour Clearance
Whilst travelling towards the Harbour Bridge last friday, I noticed a Searay crossing low over the bridge and flying west along the harbour/river following the same lane as the helicopters. I have often wondered how easy it is to get a clearance to track from HBB west towards YSBK. Anyone tried and succeeded or failed?
Join Date: May 2003
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A few years ago I was doing that flight fairly regularly and I used to request to follow the Parramatta River to the west after the orbits bit. Probably half the time it was available and I got it. All you can do is ask!
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depends on the traffic, we have been cleared direct from parramatta to the harbour via the river at 1500, and also from harbour scenic 2 direct back to bankstown on different occasions, though after 11pm and when VFR, you will almost always get direct back to bankstown from the bridge.
also helps if you have a plan in the system.
also helps if you have a plan in the system.
Last edited by Ultralights; 3rd Jun 2013 at 05:23.
Some float planes are permitted to be in the helicopter lanes west of the bridge.
No wheeled aeroplanes are allowed in the 500' lanes. ATC might clear you along the river higher than that, but you can't mix it with the choppers at 500' who are allowed access without a clearance.
No wheeled aeroplanes are allowed in the 500' lanes. ATC might clear you along the river higher than that, but you can't mix it with the choppers at 500' who are allowed access without a clearance.
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Does it matter that he's in a Seaplane, as he can potentially have been taking off or landing....?
Some float planes are permitted to be in the helicopter lanes west of the bridge.
Thanks for the replies. Might have a go at getting a clearance at 1500 next time I am playing spot-Joolia at Kirribili House.
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Saw a floatplane go under the Harbour Bridge in the late 1980's. Was operating a hydrofoil and in fading light approaching Circular Quay about opposite the Opera House when this floatplane landed in our wake. For a few seconds I thought he might be wanting to land on the aft deck! 
It then proceded to motor upstream under the bridge. I guess pilot was not IFR.
It then proceded to motor upstream under the bridge. I guess pilot was not IFR.
