World Youth Day - What Aircraft Can We Expect?

[NickN]

World Youth Day is coming up soon.

The Pope will be attending along with hundreds of thousands of visitors. I know they are expecting a million people at randwick to see the Pope.

What sort of aircraft can we expect to see? Maybe special charter aircraft etc. Anybody know what the Pope will fly in on?

Could be a very exciting time, even better than APEC.

[Wayne Bishop]

Hi Nick,
The Pope should arrive on an Alitalia 777-200 and there are 6 Aeromexico 777 flights reported due....however, where they will put these extra flights and whether they will appear in daylight is certainly going to be the big question.
Cheers
Wayne

[Nigel C]

Possibly use the APEC model and 'encourage' parking at other ports for all but the Pope's aircraft?

[Rhys Xanthis]

Possibly use the APEC model and 'encourage' parking at other ports for all but the Pope's aircraft?

Looks like it.

http://www.coordaus.com.au/Coordaus/2008WYD_070427.pdf



Sydney Airport has severe capacity limitations and therefore the following procedures will
apply for all supplementary and charter flights in connection with this event:


Movements of supplementary flights, re-routings and charters can only be
accommodated at Sydney Airport between 11:00 and 22:00 local ( 01:00 to 12:00
UTC). Normal curfew limitations will apply.
Maximum ground time for each movement is two hours. Aircraft layovers are not
permitted in excess of two hours and any aircraft wishing to remain in Australia
need proceed to Brisbane or Melbourne airports for parking.
Slot filings for this event will be accepted from 01 September 2007 but will not be
confirmed until December 2007, after the S08 Scheduling Conference.
Slot approvals will only be granted if all ground arrangements are confirmed and
a special authority number will be allocated that needs to be quoted in the flight
plan to gain access to Sydney Airport.

[Wayne Bishop]

:rolleyes:

...now all we have to do is get our hands on the Charter schedule list ;)

Nigel?????

Cheers
Wayne

[Nigel C]

I haven't seen it, and I probably won't unless it happens on a day that I'm rostered on.

Sorry lads!

[NickN]

Well the good news is, each aircraft will turn around and depart to Brisbane or Melbourne within 2 hours so that will mean plenty of arrival and departures to capture and provide great opportunities for spotters at the other ports. As mentioned it will depend if those are during daylight or at night as to whether it will make it easy to photograph or not.

[Wayne Bishop]

Hi all,
OK, so we know the Red Rat is using a 743 to ferry in the faithful...given that allegedly 4000 pilgrims rocked up today...what brought them in? Anyone know? Any funky charters around today?

For the alleged influx quantity, I cannot believe there is nothing to report...otherwise the Pope won't be needing a microphone for his sermon ;)

Just bringing this back to the top for those of us who don't live 30 minutes from YSSY.

Cheers
Wayne

[phil.l]

Extra Air Mauitius today ,MKO950

[phil.l]

Sorry MK9944

[Paul P.]

I heard the Pope will be landing at Richmond RAAF base on Sunday but have no idea what time?

[Tim Bowrey]

Sorry MK9944

That flight came in yesterday aswel opperated by 3B-NAU.

[matthew mcdonald]

Paul, I've heared that he will be arriving at Richmond at 3pm on Sunday afternoon.

[Paul P.]

Thanks Matthew

[Sarah C]

Quote "Pope Benedict will begin this Sunday afternoon with live coverage at 3pm AEST on SBS. World News Australia reporter Auskar Surbakti will be flying on the same plane as the Pope."

So around 3:30 - 4pm.

[NickN]

Anybody going out to Richmond to get some photos of the Pope arriving?

[andrew evans]

yes i will be see you out there

[Paul P.]

Yeah I'll be going to Richmond to get a few snaps

[Greg McDonald]

As will Matthew and I. Any idea of best spots for photography?

[NickN]

The Information Centre is the best place from my experience.

[matthew mcdonald]

I believe that the best places are at each end of the runway. At one end there is a dirt cutout from the road and anything landing can be seen perfectly, while at the other end there is a shaded road to park, although the view of oncoming traffic is kind of cut out by a few buildings.

[Jethro H]

The information centre is pretty good, One assumes with the current westerly winds, operations will be on 28.

The media are expecting a lot of people there, not some much for our interest, but to get a glimpse of the Pope.

One assumes the RAAF won't be re-enforcing their photographic laws?!

[Andrew McLaughlin]

I believe that the best places are at each end of the runway. At one end there is a dirt cutout from the road and anything landing can be seen perfectly, while at the other end there is a shaded road to park, although the view of oncoming traffic is kind of cut out by a few buildings.

I can almost guarantee there will be special event clearways along the roadways at both ends of the runway at Richmond...good luck!

[Philip Argy]

Update - edited excerpts from this morning's Sydney Morning Herald (page 7, column 1):



Since 1964 popes have always flown out of Rome with Italy's national carrier, Alitalia - always using the same call sign, AZ4000 - while the host country's national carrier usually returns him to the Vatican.

And while air traffic controllers often joke about clearing "Shepherd One" for take-off and landing, Pope Benedict's flight out of Rome bound for Sydney this morning certainly won't be economy class.

....

"The first class cabin will appear very very different ... at least two big comfortable arm chairs - not like airline seats at all - a bed for His Holiness, work tables, baskets of flowers and a kneeler and crucifix for inflight prayer", a seasoned Vatican observer told the Herald.

Alitalia tries to share the roster among its pilots and onboard personnel who apparently scramble for the honour of looking after the Pope - and for the chance to pose for the much treasured, traditional photo call at the door of the aircraft before departure.

The flight to Sydney is on a Boeing 777 and while the first class cabin is set aside for the pontiff alone, the cabin behind, usually configured as business class, will become home ... to the 27-strong Vatican entourage that is accompanying him to Sydney, with 44 journalists (including 5 Australians) filling the economy class cabin as the media contingent.

[Tim Bowrey]

I will be heading out to Richmond tomorrow. Can anyone give me some decent roads to go on like the Motorways as this will be my longest trip by myself as im still on my red P's;) I will research a little more but i understand there will be some road closes as the pope is staying at Kenthurst or something for a few days.

Tim

[Kieran Wells]

I will be heading out to Richmond tomorrow. Can anyone give me some decent roads to go on like the Motorways as this will be my longest trip by myself as im still on my red P's;) I will research a little more but i understand there will be some road closes as the pope is staying at Kenthurst or something for a few days.

Tim

Tim depending on where you are coming from, there would be one main way to get out to richmond. Get on to the M7, either from M4, M5, M2 and take the Richmond Rd exit. Follow Richmond Rd up past Windsor downs, and at the roundabout, turn right(george st). Follow this until you go under the rail bridge and then there is a set of lights. Turn left. this road runs parallel to the railway line and the air base is on your right at Clarendon. My best tip for parking would be the hawksbury race track(on the other side of the railway line to the air base, and then walk back across.)

[Jason Mac]

Tim,

From Cronulla.......Get onto the M5 and then take the M7... From there, follow Kierans directions

Jason

[Joseph D]

M5 and M7 and then onto Old Windsor Road.

If you want to avoid the ridiculous tolls, you can go King Georges Rd, M4, James Ruse Drive and Old Windsor Road.

There shouldn't be any major road closures out this way. I think the majority will be near the city.

EDIT: Lol, we all replied at the same time.

[Stuart Trevena]

Hi All,

Here is a further update taken from Reuters:

Pope leaves Rome for Australia trip
Sat Jul 12, 2008 5:09am EDT

Pope Benedict left Rome on Saturday for a trip to Australia to preside at the Roman Catholic Church's World Day of Youth events.

The chartered Alitalia B777 plane carrying the pope, his entourage and journalists left Rome's Fiumicino airport for the 15 hour, 45 minute non-stop flight to Darwin, where it will make a re-fuelling stop before continuing to Sydney.

He returns to Rome on July 21 at the end of his ninth trip outside Italy since his election in 2005.



Stuart

[Peter Agatsiotis]

Channel 7 showed footage of EI-DBL taxiing at Rome with the Papal pendants showing above the cockpit windows.

[Brian Wilkes]

Like to know where all these Aero Mexico's and other charters are!

[Tim Bowrey]

Ok thanks for the help everyone its much appreciated.. Ill let you know i printed it off;) Lets hope i make it.

Tim

[matthew mcdonald]

Can somebody please tell me what the frequency for air traffic control at richmond is, what runway is probably going to be used taking into account today's weather and if there has been anymore arrival time updates.

Any responses would be greatly appreciated.

[andrew evans]

*Richmond - YSRI TWR/MBZ
119.7 Richmond Centre
Approach Frequency: 135.900 MHz
Approach Frequency: 124.550 MHz
135.5 Richmond Tower/MBZ
Ground Frequency: 121.650 MHz
Ground Frequency: 128.250 MHz
257.3000 Tower
269.2000 Air Movements

[Steve Jones]

There is a Northwest 747-200 on charter from Pittsburgh to SYD (via HNL) for World Youth Day. Info from another site is that it will arrive sometime early July 15 local SYD time - it is delayed because of mechanical issues.

NW flt 9988 is scheduled to leave PIT at 0015z

[Andrew C]

There is a Northwest 747-200 on charter from Pittsburgh to SYD (via HNL) for World Youth Day. Info from another site is that it will arrive sometime early July 15 local SYD time - it is delayed because of mechanical issues.

NW flt 9988 is scheduled to leave PIT at 0015z

NW 9988 due in 0900 Tuesday from HNL.

[Tim Bowrey]

NW 9988 due in 0900 Tuesday from HNL.

Cheers for the Info Andrew. Any ideas if it will be the old or new livery? Like when the 2 NWA came there was one old and one new. Im hoping for the old;) I should be able to get there.

Tim

[Brian Wilkes]

Nah current livery and hope its parks at YMML:D

[Sarah C]

Not special (and probably has nothing to do with WYD) but an NZ 747-400 was in today. I think there might be two - one left 2 hours ago and the other is lining up for departure. And there was a 777 leaving this morning. I wonder if that increase in capacity has anything to do with it.

[David Ramsay]

NZ put on an extra flight today which was a 744 and upgraded one of the regular flights to a 744. However I notice that the same extra 744 flight is showing MTW next week also.

[lloyd fox]

NW went over Brissie about 20 mins ago.

Cheers Lloyd

[David C]

NZ put on an extra flight today which was a 744 and upgraded one of the regular flights to a 744. However I notice that the same extra 744 flight is showing MTW next week also.

There was a NZ 744 in on Sunday too .. ZK-SUJ I think if my memory cells are not letting me down . Operated the ANZ 107 I believe ..

Dave C

[Seth Jaworski]

N623US arrived on 34L around 7:30am.
http://jetphotos.net/viewqueued_b.php?id=2019586

[Bernie P]

N623US arrived on 34L around 7:30am.
http://jetphotos.net/viewqueued_b.php?id=2019586

Lovely shot thre Seth... Pity they only sent an old bird down though!

[Sarah C]

Lovely shot Seth - it was a shame I missed it by only 10 minutes but your photo is superb. Lovely morning light. :)

[Steve Jones]

But I bet all the cabin crew would have been 85+, given the cabin crew seniority a rare trip to Australia would attract... How long is the aircraft on the ground for?

[Tim Bowrey]

N623US arrived on 34L around 7:30am.
http://jetphotos.net/viewqueued_b.php?id=2019586

Nice shot Seth, i saw you up on the ladder clicking away. I hope mine turned out as crisp as yours mate.

Tim

[Seth Jaworski]

Thanks. Were you one of the guys standing around that mazda 121?

[Tim Bowrey]

Thanks. Were you one of the guys standing around that mazda 121?

Yeah thats what i was driving yet i hate to admit it;) We had exactly the same camera but i had the cream jumper on. Hope to spot with you one day mate.

Tim

[Tim Bowrey]

Theres mine and theres you when EBW passed to PER.

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i191/Marlb0ro/Tims%20Stuff/n623us.jpg

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i191/Marlb0ro/Tims%20Stuff/IMG_3001.jpg

[Andrew McLaughlin]

Anything due in tomorrow (Wednesday) morning?

I'm planning on being down there at lunchtime but might come down earlier if there's anything unusual due in.

Cheers

[Nicholas Togias]

hahah I was there this morning too guys, didn't notice you there! What airline operated the blue md-80 this morning???

[Rhys Xanthis]

hahah I was there this morning too guys, didn't notice you there! What airline operated the blue md-80 this morning???
thats the mineralogy jet i think?

[andrew evans]

that is correct i saw it land at approx 1320hrs yesterday.

[lloyd fox]

VP-CBH did 2 flights BNE-SYD yesterday.

VP-CBI did a BNE-SYD flight on Monday.

[John Thoroughgood]

Gotta express some disappointment. After all the hype re WYD, from a spotters viewpoint, it has proved to be almost a non-event.
Three months ago, I booked, inflated priced accomodation in Sydney for Monday night next expecting Mon-Tues (my only days off) to maybe host a string of interesting departures. Not looking real promising, eh?

Have UPS began sending their 747s to Sydney yet, as hinted on a thread earlier in the year, to start in May.

[Nigel C]

Nope. UPS are still sending the MD-11's.

[Paul P.]

Does anyone know what the pope is flying out on?

[Nigel C]

A wing and a prayer?

Ducks, runs, hides...

[John Thoroughgood]

Thanks Nigel. Cheers!

[Sarah C]

Does anyone know what the pope is flying out on?

On the 21st, a QF 744ER SYD/DRW/FCO. It would be nice if it was VH-OEJ!

[Anthony J]

On the 21st, a QF 744ER SYD/DRW/FCO. It would be nice if it was VH-OEJ!
Sorry to correct you Sarah but my understanding is that it's SYD-DRW-CIA.

[Tim Bowrey]

Well OEJ is due back in SYD tomorrow from LAX so if it flys out to LAX again he the Pope wont fly on her:(

Is anything due to arrive/depart tomorrow anytime?

Tim

[Jethro H]

I see the Pope is going to be choppered around Sunday morning.

[David N]

-CPH (S-76) , departed Victoria Barracks, two circuits of Randwick Race Course.

Great shots from the Seven chopper on Weekend Sunrise this morning.
Police Chopper also landed there, not sure what the other helicopter was parked on the corner of the oval.

[Jethro H]

-CPH (S-76) , departed Victoria Barracks, two circuits of Randwick Race Course.

That's one of the Packer machines isn't it?

[Nigel C]

Yes indeed!

It's parked in the GA at YSSY next to the other S-76 VH-XUX at the moment. It's not too often these two are in town together, let alone parked next to each other.

[Gareth Forwood]

Hi everyone,
Does anyone know which day will be best next week for spotting with all the increased WYD traffic?

[Sarah C]

Rego of aircraft Pope is departing on is VH-OEE

[David C]

Rego of aircraft Pope is departing on is VH-OEE

And it's call sign is "Qantas 6035"

Dave C

[Adrian B]

Nice shots of taxi and departure on sunrise chopper. I think OEE taxied Bravo Lima Alpha for a 34L departure

[Sarah C]

Great shots of the take off. Anyone at the Mound would have got a great view of the very long taxi and take off. The camera work from the chopper was great! :)

[bernard smith]

Also interesting to see -OEE given priority with one company aircraft (op QF739?) doing a loop from B2 onto B1!

[Tim Bowrey]

Yeah there were heaps of people there thismorning and only about 3 of us stayed for NWA9989 to depart in the afternoon. He was told by Clearance Delivery that it was up to the captain whether he wanted to use 25 or 34L which he chose 34L luckily.

Tim

[Nick W.]

Expect some sort of medallion/memorabillia after this flight. I was browsing the cabinets of aircraft models today in pilot recruitment and i saw a mediallion that Pope John Paull II gave the qantas flight crew on a flight he was carried on.

[Tim Bowrey]

Ill bung up some photos of today once edited and ill try and get an audio clip i took of the NWA ATC as it was leaving. Im not sure how but ill give it a go.

Tim

[Tim Bowrey]

Here are some pics;

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i191/Marlb0ro/Tims%20Stuff/vhoeenose.jpg

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i191/Marlb0ro/Tims%20Stuff/vhoee2.jpg

A little sticker i noticed while editing. Anyones guess to what it is.
http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i191/Marlb0ro/Tims%20Stuff/symbol.jpg

Tim

[Paul McFarlane]

A little sticker i noticed while editing. Anyones guess to what it is.

Tim

That would be Pope Benedict's coat of arms.

Further info here..

http://www.drvc.org/pope/benedictxvi/crest.html

Cheers

Paul

[Grant Smith]

A little sticker i noticed while editing. Anyones guess to what it is.
http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i191/Marlb0ro/Tims%20Stuff/symbol.jpg

Tim

Originally reported here: http://www.yssyforum.net/board/showthread.php?t=766&page=4

[Tim Bowrey]

Oh well, theres a photo of it on the aircraft;)

Tim

[Sarah C]

Lovely shots Tim - that was almost the perfect spot for rotation for anyone at the mound.

[Mark Harrington]

I must admit it was quite a surprise seeing a QF744 depart from Darwin this afternoon!

[Tim Bowrey]

I must admit it was quite a surprise seeing a QF744 depart from Darwin this afternoon!

I bet! Youd only get 767 Qantas and smaller i'd asume aswel as some other Air Force jets. Do you have any photos?

Tim

[Nigel C]

From what I've seen, the only carrier that turned up for WYD that isn't a regular was the NorthWest B742. All the rest are either additional flights or charters from the carriers that we already get.

Somewhat of a fizzer for the spotters I would imagine.

[Tim Bowrey]

From what I've seen, the only carrier that turned up for WYD that isn't a regular was the NorthWest B742. All the rest are either additional flights or charters from the carriers that we already get.

Somewhat of a fizzer for the spotters I would imagine.

Yeah too right Nigel. We got like the extra couple of Mauritious services and a few NZ744's like today 2 744's and one 777 arrived. I was kind of expecting almost a mini APEC but no military but more different airlines like Manchester got with the Champions League. But anyway, it was better than nothing;)

Tim

[lloyd fox]

I believe 4 factors influenced the lack of charters and different carriers

1/ Lesser number of pilgrims than originally expected.

2/High cost of fuel for say L1011 operators which were expected

3/Most importantly airlines dont like to take their aircraft out of service for too long and in this case where the event went for a week -no way.
In case of soccer finals aircraft are usually in and out within 24 hrs and sometimes same day therefore reducing any loss of income which would have occurred if the aircraft parked for a week.

4/a huge lead in time allowing the pilgrims to book on scheduled flights a long time out.

PS PX operted a few 763 flights as well.

Cheers Lloyd

[Mark Harrington]

I bet! Youd only get 767 Qantas and smaller i'd asume aswel as some other Air Force jets. Do you have any photos?

Tim

Unfortunately I didn't have my camera with me.:mad: Darwin got some interesting traffic during pitch black, lots of fighters and 707's etc. We also get a North American 767 every so often.

There are two B52's parked in the Military area, due to depart today too. I'll try and have my camera on me for them!

[Philip Argy]

If you've got some spare cash and missed a photo, here's a chance to get your hands on a unique memento in Mystic White livery:

http://carsguide.news.com.au/site/motoring-news/story/pope_mobile_for_sale_on_carsguide_com_au/

:D

[John Thoroughgood]

Hi Tim. Nice to meet you, and congratulations on your good work yesterday. Fine shots you posted.
Another pair of Air Mauritius in today, as the pilgrims continued to disperse.

[Tim Bowrey]

Hi Tim. Nice to meet you, and congratulations on your good work yesterday. Fine shots you posted.
Another pair of Air Mauritius in today, as the pilgrims continued to disperse.

Yeah nice to meet and spot with you John. Take a look at my photos if you'd like in my signature below. None quite up from that day though yet.

Tim