View Full Version : Possible YSSY Spotting Weekend 2012???
Nigel C
27th June 2011, 10:12 PM
OK folks. Following some light discussion at the DoG dinner last Thursday, it's time to throw it out there...
If a spotting weekend (Friday night-Sunday afternoon inclusive ) was to be organised for 2012, what would be the preferred time of year, and would you go regardless of the time of year it was to be organised?
Previously, the YSSY Spotting Weekend has been held in February, but there have been numerous pros and cons associated with having it at that time of the year, including but not limited to the heat, heat haze for photography, length of available daylight for spotting, availability of accommodation etc.
So, to kick start things for a possible spotting weekend, what is the preferred time of year for a spotting weekend. I have included a poll for possible times of the year to get things going. I have left out the Christmas school holiday period at each end of the year so you can all spend time with the family!
But for the rest of the thread, what activities would you like to see at a spotting weekend? Dinners with a message board awards night? Planeplotter/ADS-B demonstrations? Photography hints and tips sessions? Others? Throw it out here and let's discuss it!
Remember, if a weekend is organised, then your input to its format is vital. Let's use this thread to rationally brainstorm what you'd like to see and do.
Grant Smith
28th June 2011, 12:06 AM
Throw in a golf day on the Sunday ;)
Adam P.
28th June 2011, 11:15 AM
I think the previous formula has worked reasonably well - a number of 'organised' events like drinks on the Fri and a Saturday dinner but with plenty of available time for geeking at aeroplanes for those that way inclined.
Time of year doesn't matter to me, though I reckon it's far more pleasant to stand around outside when it's not the middle of winter. People tend to stay in their cars when it's cold, thus defeating the more social purposes of the weekend.
And what's this, Nigel being the social secretary???
David Ramsay
28th June 2011, 02:03 PM
People tend to stay in their cars when it's cold
Doesn't work on a push bike, mate. :p
Brock Little
28th June 2011, 04:56 PM
Would be good if its on the school holidays so some of the younger members like myself can make it, just to meet you all and of course spot! :)
Raymond Rowe
28th June 2011, 08:23 PM
How about the long weekend in october a great way to fly up there for model railway exhb and then the nights drinking with everyone .
John Arena
28th June 2011, 11:24 PM
Either the April or October school holidays, that way our younger, next generation of spotters can attend. also, its a happy compromise between daylight hours and heat-haze
John
Nigel C
29th June 2011, 01:06 AM
Brock, perhaps you can suggest that mum and dad go to Sydney for a 'weekend away' while you spend time at the airport? I'm sure they'll find plenty to do while you're spotting and having dinner on Saturday night;)
John, I must be way out of touch with the current schooling system, but I thought weekends meant that kids had the free time to go and do things. :confused: It would give the interstaters time to fly in on Friday night or Saturday morning and fly home on Sunday evening and still be back to school on Monday morning.
But seriously, the proposed months I've suggested were to purposely avoid school holidays so that during that time the younger mob can go on family holidays or do family activities (which their parents may/will appreciate).
Jacob P
29th June 2011, 10:52 AM
Happy with any time of year, also I like the idea of a golf day!
Mick F
29th June 2011, 10:56 AM
Outside of school holidays preferred thanks. The flights are much cheaper.
Mick
James S.
29th June 2011, 01:17 PM
As long as it's on a weekend, count me in!
Will be good to meet some of you guys! :)
Craig Murray
29th June 2011, 08:34 PM
It must be on a weekend, it must be outside of school holidays.
Good job in throwing this idea out there Nigel, the best ideas always come to light at the DoG!
Nigel C
29th June 2011, 08:45 PM
Thanks Craig.
Who knows...perhaps I might actually make it to a weekend myself?:eek:
Craig Murray
1st July 2011, 07:29 AM
Why do I get the feeling that you guys on this board just want to push the younger members away.
Not true Zac, a dinner was recently held at the DoG (a popular convening place for board members) with all users welcome regardless of age. This was organised by a highly respected long term member of this board.
May is firming as the preferred month, bearing in mind that plenty of people travel from interstate the requirement to hold the event outside of school holidays is a must. Schools aren't open on weekends so it's pretty much a win/win situation for everyone.
Nigel has put forth a great idea, one that I support and will be attending. No date will have unilateral support - the best is being done to cater for all!
Get voting, get excited and lets get a great weekend planned!
Brock Little
1st July 2011, 08:13 AM
With the amount of work that gets piled on us as students, it's a surprise that we can actually do something on the weekends! :p
Nonetheless, May is not the end of term, so it should be fine.
Raymond Rowe
1st July 2011, 10:04 PM
Looking forward to the planned weekend whenever.About time for some more early morning rises and very little sleep in between drinks.Hope they live up to their name and many more pranks can be done.Hope the PEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRRRRRF office can attend as well.Would not be a weekend without granie or flushy there for the friday night entertainment.
Grant Smith
2nd July 2011, 12:21 AM
As long as the perf office don't pull out with toe injuries things will be business as usual...
If the JQ staff/crew are still at the Stamford, things should also be business as usual :D
Nigel C
7th July 2011, 10:00 PM
Ok, so with nearly 50% of the vote for May 2012 as the next Spotting Weekend time of year, I think it's fair to say that's the preliminary month set at this stage.
It's not too late to vote, so if you haven't done so and are keen to attend, now's the time to let your voice be heard!
Are previous year's spotting weekends the preferred format for activities?
Any suggestions for activities/timetables are welcome. If you have a full weekend's activities plan in mind, please post them here for discussion.
Adam P.
7th July 2011, 11:01 PM
Friday drinks give people the chance to arrive at their leisure... somewhere 'close by' the airport given many out-of-towners stay nearby (I know the Stamford has worked in years past).
Something organised on the Saturday evening also gets people together in an environment that's a bit different to the usual 'fence-side' antics.
Not too much 'organised' during the day to allow for the crowds to shift around with the runways in use on the day. Lunch can be organised 'on the fly' so to speak.
So pretty much sticking to the forumula as used in previous years I reckon!
Mick F
7th July 2011, 11:15 PM
So pretty much sticking to the forumula as used in previous years I reckon!
So does that include drinking at the AV8 Bar until you're falling over and grabbing the bar mats as you go? Then requiring help in the elevator up to your room?
I've still got that bar mat too....
Adam P.
8th July 2011, 12:17 PM
Only if there's a retired Scottish couple to pick up the tab, Floody...
Stephen Brown
8th July 2011, 01:21 PM
So I take it Nigel is volunteering to organise the whole weekend. Sounds like a plan!!
Amsy will love you for that.
Nigel C
8th July 2011, 03:55 PM
I'm rostered to be working the weekends in May of 2012, but now that some interest has been generated I can tender the organising process back to Amsy.
I'm sure he'll thank me for that. ;)
Beau Chenery
8th July 2011, 10:32 PM
Please do not do it during School Holidays
Brenden S
10th July 2011, 02:35 PM
Anyone Keen on "hiring" one of those double decker buses and keep it parked in the compound there? Would be good close up action.
Raymond Rowe
11th July 2011, 08:05 PM
Good idea Brendan i would be in on that.
Jayden Laing
11th July 2011, 08:24 PM
Those double decker buses have long GONE. Its more like a coach bus depot now for Greyhound.
Brenden S
12th July 2011, 01:57 PM
Bugger. I wonder if someone could arrange something then to be able to use a section with a viewing platform or scaffolding in their compound? Beats trying to photograph between the poles.
Nigel C
12th July 2011, 03:40 PM
There's something for you to organise Brenden.;)
matthew mcdonald
12th July 2011, 05:23 PM
How about (depending on prices) hiring a boat for 34L operation and park it out where allowed hahahaha.
Brenden S
13th July 2011, 07:45 PM
Nigel, a little hard to organise something via the Perth Office. However all I am trying to think about is doing something a little different. Shame we can't use a small section of the radar field.
Nigel C
13th July 2011, 08:26 PM
Of course you can organise it! Just need to make a few phone calls or send a few emails!
As for the radar field, again, make some enquiries. Have a chat to the property section of SACL and find out if it's possible. There may be conditions imposed on it's use, or they may refer you to someone who can help, but the worst anyone can say is no, and you won't know if you don't ask!
Any spotting weekend that is organised can't just be a one man organising commitee (just ask Kurt). It will take a team effort, and if those with the ideas can be the ones who make the arrangements, then bit by bit it will come together. There are enough people here who have a friend of a friend of a friend that can possibly make it happen.
Brenden S
14th July 2011, 11:32 AM
PM sent Nigel.
Very true in what you have said.
Lee G
14th July 2011, 12:11 PM
Brendan,
Need me to help in anyway? PM me on FB if I can assist.
Lee
Stephen Brown
14th July 2011, 10:34 PM
Any spotting weekend that is organised can't just be a one man organising commitee (just ask Kurt). It will take a team effort, and if those with the ideas can be the ones who make the arrangements, then bit by bit it will come together. There are enough people here who have a friend of a friend of a friend that can possibly make it happen.
I can only strongly second this. I have helped Amsy in the past and it has been a massive job to co-ordinate all the necessary parts of the weekend. If we're going to have another weekend I think we will need to share to duties around a little more so that we don't have Amsy doing the bulk of the work. That way everyone can enjoy the social and geeking atmosphere of the weekend and no one person is tied down running the weekend.
I'm happy to help as I have done before, but it will be so much better if we have a group or committee of organisers.
Beau Chenery
30th July 2011, 07:09 PM
Guys,
Firstly, I love the spotting you lads put together and appreciate the effort everyone does to get it to the state thats its get to.
If we could just make it a gathering maybe it would make it easy:
Friday night - Drinks at Av8 Bar
Saturday - Spotting - Mound by morning, Beach by Afternoon
Saturday night - Dinner at Rowers, followed by drinks at Av8
Sunday - Spotting by Mound, Beach by Afternoon, allow people to depart..
As simple as that would be unreal!
Cheers
Beau
Danny Rizk
15th August 2011, 04:42 PM
Mid May will coincide with the Sydney Aviation Model Show 2012... ;)
Matthew Chisholm
21st August 2011, 02:06 PM
Happy to help if needed
Martin Buzzell
23rd August 2011, 04:45 PM
Do QF still run tours of the Jetbase? Just for something extra.
Brenden S
23rd August 2011, 08:27 PM
No, and no more tours of the airport. However a private tour can be arranged for a decent dent in your wallet.
Kurt A
1st September 2011, 04:55 PM
I'm rostered to be working the weekends in May of 2012, but now that some interest has been generated I can tender the organising process back to Amsy.
I'm sure he'll thank me for that. ;)
Eeeik, you go away for a couple of months, and looks what happens, you leave Nigel in charge and he's organising a circus at his own farm. I reckon now that he's started, he can continue to help prepare the weekend, eh! Back to you Nig..... :p
Well, lots of ideas and lots of interest, with 50% of the 62 voters so far hedging for May 2012, we may just have our date secured!
Just to clarify, we must be very realistic and sensible in deciding when to have such a weekend, and I think there's been some very valid debate that supports having the weekend in May will be most suitable. It also makes logical sense to go with the majority vote, as a Spotting Weekend is only a success when people come and participate. So, if we've already got 30-odd starters, we're in good shape. You've also got plenty of time to prepare :)
The past 8 Spotting Weekends have all occurred in February. I continually receive feedback from many people with different ideas and reasons why; asking to change the dates to a different part of the year. So that's what we're doing. Let's mix it up. Now, I know we're never going to please everyone with a new date, but we can only try. And hey, if it doesn't work out this time, well, we learn our lesson and can always choose a different month in the future.
Also, as a long time member, and once a schoolboy-plane-spotter myself, let me assure you that no one is trying to push away the new kids or the 'younger generation'. That's not what these weekends are about. I attended my first Spotting Weekend at YSSY almost 12 years ago when I was a younger lad, and since that day I've formed many great life-long friendships. Every time we've held a spotting weekend, we've always encouraged kids and families to come along and join in the fun, participate and meet new people. We've always fostered a friendly and welcoming environment. And if a weekend goes ahead in 2012, it will be no different!
You only get out of it what you put in, so I encourage you to attend. Our online environment at times can be very critical and bitter... Though, outside along the fence-line and along the runways the atmosphere is very different. I challenge you to get away from the online-forum for a weekend, be forthcoming, meet new people, travel to Sydney, get out, enjoy your hobby. You'll be amazed at what you might learn and what new friendships you forge.
Now, it is true what people say, the organising of such a weekend can be quite overwhelming, so again, it really comes down to how much you want to get out of the weekend. I for one prefer simplicity by keeping the weekend pretty stress free, allowing people to do what they like and spot where they like during the day and then meet together for dinner on the Saturday night. This has worked well in the past.
I can easily put the wheels in motion and reach out to the relevant authorities to start the process of creating our 9th Spotting Weekend (with Nigel's help of course ;)). But for those of you with the more grand ideas, we might be best starting an organising committee where we can round-table what's realistic vs overkill. This will help push the weekend forward and together we can share the workload.
If you'd like to join in, and you think you have a sensible idea, please let me know via personal message. Together, let's bring the 2012 Spotting Weekend alive.
Brad Varney
1st September 2011, 05:10 PM
I'm alright for any weekend :)
If you can, please make them away from my school examination periods so i'm less rushed ect. I don't think i'll be able to attend the dinners though. :(
I think i'm one of youngest members here :D If there using 16, i'm guessing there wont be any Qantas drive spotting. Or what about rwy 25.
Shayne G
1st September 2011, 06:21 PM
If there using 16, i'm guessing there wont be any Qantas drive spotting
Hi Brad,
just curious to why you think there will be no Qantas Drive spotting?
I cannot see any other posts suggesting this.
Jayden Laing
2nd September 2011, 12:01 PM
The dog park is really only good for 34L departures Chris. The row of trees along the bottom of the hill are growing like wildfire & are now obstructing any decent views of 16R arrivals especially of Qantas Drive.
Bernie P
2nd September 2011, 01:33 PM
The dog park is really only good for 34L departures Chris. The row of trees along the bottom of the hill are growing like wildfire & are now obstructing any decent views of 16R arrivals especially of Qantas Drive.
Horrible Casurina's they are too!! AND, they (most like a lot of other plants) detest Glyphosate... not that I would condone the use of it :D
But yes, the dog park is a great site of an afternoon, and with the golf driving range there, toilets and refreshments can be found. Its also good to take a fold out chair as well... Most of the people up there are OK with 'spotters' being in there, but there are some that take exception to being in a 'DOG PARK' that is a leash free area as well. So, if the dogs a male, WATCH YOUR GEAR!!!! ;)
Darren Butterworth
3rd September 2011, 05:12 PM
Bring Macc along to chase them away Bernie
Brad Varney
4th September 2011, 01:54 PM
Hey shayne.
Qantas drive is never mentioned, out of all the times iv'e been there iv'e only met and seen one spotter, it seems no one go's there, is this because of parking?
It's a pretty long walk to Qantas drive from any source of parking really, IMO it's one of the most isolated spots in public transport prospective.
Andrew Coggan
4th September 2011, 02:01 PM
IMO it's one of the most isolated spots in public transport prospective.
There is a bus stop about 200m away from the billboard area. The bus that stops there is the 400 so it means that you can connect to both the east and west sides of the airport. Not to mention that the International Terminal is only a 10 minute walk away where there are taxis and another route 400 bus stop.
So I'm not really sure what you mean about public transport issues there Brad? :confused: I mean, I am able to get buses there and on several occasions I have walked there from the domestic Terminal and Mascot.
James S.
4th September 2011, 03:20 PM
Yep, I second that, it's pretty easy to get to if you ask me, the mound would be the hardest to get to IMO from a public transport point of view, just use the State Transit sight to give you options on getting there.
Brad Varney
4th September 2011, 08:17 PM
At the mound I get the long term car park bus, there more frequent then the 400 bus.
it seems such a long walk from QF drive to that bus stop.
James S.
4th September 2011, 10:14 PM
The 400 comes like every 10 minutes doesn't it? It's an express route bus!
And to walk to QF Drive, it's just as long as it is if you were to be driving there in your own car.
Brad Varney
10th September 2011, 12:21 AM
They usually come around every 20 mins.
Shayne G
6th December 2011, 05:42 PM
Almost 3 months has lapsed with no solid plans so far it seems.
With May 2012 rapidly creeping up on us I think you guys need to start some solid plans now ;)
Nigel C
6th December 2011, 06:58 PM
You guys? Don't be thinking you can't be a part of this!
In response to your post, all I can suggest is that a night at the DoG be organised soon so the 'planning committee', i.e. all of you, can discuss the best date and a loose schedule of dinners/drinks/spotting etc.
How does 1800 on the Friday 16th December at the Duke of Gloucester Hotel, Randwick sound? Any takers?
Beau Chenery
6th December 2011, 07:05 PM
What about a loose weekend of dinners/drinks/spotting scheduled for something permanent next year?
ie no mods/admins do any huge weekends of pressos or whatever, just a casual rockup spot then a few drinks somewhere.. Thoughts?
Kurt A
6th December 2011, 09:08 PM
Nigel is correct, we're happy to have people from the floor start the planning. I'm also happy to nominate myself as the central point of contact if that's what most people prefer.
From a "date" perspective, I think it's fairly safe to keep 11-13 May 2012 blocked in your calendar for the Spotting Weekend next year.
Given the busy Christmas period ahead, I unfortunately won't get much time to make any "solid" plans until the new year.
Nig, unfortunately next Friday is a no-goer. May need to wait until Jan.
Nigel C
6th December 2011, 09:36 PM
Kurt, early next year is fine with me too. I'll check my roster for possible DoG dates and let you know. I'll be working on the proposed spotting weekend dates, but I might be able to join Saturday night's festivities.
Beau, agreed, an informal weekend would be easy to 'plan'.
Grant Smith
6th December 2011, 10:32 PM
From a "date" perspective, I think it's fairly safe to keep 11-13 May 2012 blocked in your calendar for the Spotting Weekend next year..
I'll back that weekend in as well, looking cheaper by the minute... :D
Brenden S
8th December 2011, 12:57 PM
Nige have you found that email address for me yet mate?
Philip Argy
9th December 2011, 08:45 PM
In case it's important to anyone, note that 13 May 2012 is Mothers' Day.
Lawrie L
11th December 2011, 04:14 PM
ok is it confirmed that SYD spotting weekend will be held on May 2012? We need to check airfare regularly
Lawrie L
28th January 2012, 05:40 PM
any words about SYD spotting weekend??? I havent heard from you for long times... what happened?
Nigel C
28th January 2012, 06:02 PM
I think everyone's been busy lately. I'll get around to organising a DoG night soon so people can gather, talk #%$@ and work out any details that may need to be sorted.
David Ramsay
28th January 2012, 06:36 PM
so people can gather, talk #%$@ and work out any details
No eating and drinking?? :eek:
Nigel C
28th January 2012, 07:49 PM
I thought that part was a given...then again, so is the talking #%$@
Kieran Wells
28th January 2012, 08:18 PM
then again, so is the talking #%$@
Can't wait to join the talking =D
David Knudsen
29th January 2012, 01:55 PM
We're still hopeful for a May spotting weekend, but we're all a little tight on time at present, anyone based in Sydney who may be able to help with organisation please email us boardadmin@yssyforum.net and we'll be able to get in touch once things firm up a bit. Thanks.
In the meantime we're still very much open to suggestion for any events/activities for the weekend, so feel free to discuss in here. We do have a small fund left over from the last spotting weekend that we are hoping to use to hire a mini bus and driver for the weekend to make things a bit easier for interstate visitors and people with transport in SYD, if anyone has any connections that may make that process possible please let us know.
James Thomson
14th February 2012, 07:45 PM
I should be able to go-CANT WAIT!!! first time too
Montague S
21st February 2012, 07:44 AM
count me in...
Ian Knight
23rd February 2012, 09:17 AM
I'd love to be there but unfortunately won't be able to make it, bad time of year for us!
Stephen Brown
23rd February 2012, 10:14 AM
So no midnight show from the 5th floor of the Formula 1 then???
Kurt A
23rd February 2012, 11:43 AM
bad time of year for us!
Won't be the same without you guys.
Ian Knight
2nd March 2012, 12:09 PM
Sorry guys, no show from the F1 windows this year! We're old and married now anyway, so the show would come from the stamford windows, and probably be quicker... Might try and come up for a weekend sometime in Sep/Oct this year to catch up with some folks, we'll see how it goes!
Stuart Trevena
2nd March 2012, 10:38 PM
Hi All,
I am considering my options at this stage, as I have never been to a Spotters Weekend.
Where do you guys stay in Sydney?
Do we need a Hire Car to get around?
Please advise
Stuart
Kurt A
3rd March 2012, 12:16 AM
Hi Stuart,
Would be great to have you come along.
In past years we've managed to get some good hotel deals nearby, but more recently these rates are usually superseded by last minute accommodation websites. So your best bet is to find cheap accommodation near the airport via an online website. The F1 Hotel is the closest, then there's the Stamford Plaza, The Quest, Ibis and Holiday Inn further back. Currently on Wotif.com, the F1 and Ibis have the best rates under $130 per night.
Re transport, there's usually enough locals driving around that can swing by and pick you up and look after you during the day. We will encourage people who require transport during the day to make contact with us closer to the event so no one is left out. Of course, if you prefer your own freedom, then a rental car could be handy.... as walking to some of the spotting locations isn't easily achieved by foot.
At this stage we do anticipate the usage of a rental car/van during the entire weekend, so closer to the date we'll ensure you're well looked after.
In other news we should have a neat agenda for the weekend posted in the coming week.
A McLaughlin
3rd March 2012, 04:29 PM
Kurt - did you get my PM?
Kurt A
3rd March 2012, 08:29 PM
Yeah mate, just gotta get around to it :)
Kurt A
30th March 2012, 02:55 PM
ok is it confirmed that SYD spotting weekend will be held on May 2012? We need to check airfare regularly
Wow, sorry I missed this earlier Lawrie. Yes, we're full steam this week with the organising. Definitely Friday 11th to 13th May. Book it in.
vBulletin® v3.8.11, Copyright ©2000-2025, vBulletin Solutions Inc.