VOZ134 YSSY-NZCH Returning To YSSY ?

[Grahame Hutchison]

It looks like VH-YIG operating VOZ134 from Sydney to Christchurch had a problem after departure, it started circling at FL190, then descended to FL100 and would appear to be
dumping fuel.

2146L ATC just cleared VOZ134 to overfly the field at 9000ft for a left circuit to Runway 34L

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[Mick F]

I'm not sure that 737's have a fuel dump function. I dare say they'd be at 10,000ft probably just to get the fuel burn up, getting them down to max landing weight quicker.

Mick

[Hugh Jarse]

Er, yeah. The 737 cannot dump fuel. It can also land above max landing weight in an abnormal situation.

[Grahame Hutchison]

I checked and the B737 does not have the ability to dump fuel. As you said Mick, they were just orbiting to burn sufficient fuel for a landing. I missed any ATC exchange on the way out, and nothing was mentioned on the way back into Sydney.