Confirmed Spotting Weekend Airside Tour - Discussion

[Kurt A]

Hi all,

An approach has been made to SACL to see if a Spotting Weekend-only airfield tour would be available for Saturday 12 May.

At this stage I'm waiting for a reply from SACL but would like to gauge potential numbers should such a proposal get the go ahead. I stress that at this stage it’s only a proposal, and that the final decision rests with SACL.

Understand that screening and identification would be a requirement, and there may be a cost. Whether photography would be allowed airside would obviously be entirely at SACL's discretion too. Whilst I am pushing for it of course, it’s certainly not guaranteed.

If you’re not interested at all, please don’t answer the poll, thank you. This poll is only to gauge potential numbers for Saturday 12 May.

OK, so hit it up top of screen...

[A McLaughlin]

One quick suggestion - as some of the YSSY forum members are under 18, it might be worth checking what restrictions there will be on age for an airside tour, and who can and cannot act as a guardian in this instance.

[Kurt A]

Good point Andrew. Should we get as far as confirming a tour, I will make sure this is clear before we open up for registrations.

Thank you.

[Tony G]

That is amazing news!!!! I hope to get on the airside tour. Nice work by all involved. I'm sure if they did this on a regular basis it will be very successful. The thought of taking photos without any light poles or fences and being up close will be awesome.

[Nigel C]

Parking spots are available at Hammond Place as Kurt mentioned, however if you're on the tour and are able to car pool with one or more 'tourists', then that will ease the squeeze somewhat.

Also, the buildings surrounding the car park are operational 24/7, so if you're on the tour please be considerate to the staff who work there. :)

[Nigel C]

So, who's coming on the tour?

[A McLaughlin]

Enjoy the tour folks. Having been airside for various events previously, I'll leave a space for a newbie.

What I can say is there are few things more fun than being right alongside an active runway taking pics of landing or rotating big jets.

See you when you get back landside!

[Lee G]

I won't ever pass up a chance like this one .... getting a seat on that bus however could prove just as hard as winning the meat raffle at the local RSL! :)

[Kieran Wells]

I'll be throwing my hat in Nigel..

[Philip Argy]

Terrific negotiating to get this in place. I've done these tours in the past and they are really excellent, but this one would be very special with extras from the sound of it.

Unfortunately I'm committed to my son's soccer game on 12/5 and won't be able to participate but here's hoping we get to do it again (which means the first 32 had better behave impeccably)!

[Nigel C]

All that's missing is a knowledgeable tour guide....

Any volunteers?

[Jayden Laing]

Sounds good Mr Ams!! Congrats on all your ( & fellow committee members for the result) & hard work. I believe I meet the above requirements & would love to attend the airside tour!

[Tim Bowrey]

All that's missing is a knowledgeable tour guide....

Any volunteers?

Sounds like you just volunteered yourself Nige. :p Many thanks to Kurt and team for the great efforts! I'm going to be standing by on Thursday 8.30pm for when the thread opens.

[Nigel C]

I can't be the tour guide...I'll be escorting the bus from the car in front!

[NeilP]

Via radio, surely?...

[Nigel C]

I'll plan on having radio comms with the bus, but I won't be able to provide a running commentary. I'm sure there will be enough people on board who can answer most questions, especially those with the airline knowledge. I'll be happy to answer questions at the stopping points :)

[Tim Bowrey]

I'm sure there will be enough people on board who can answer most questions, especially those with the airline knowledge.

I think Amsy will step up :)

[Kurt A]

Did Nigel pay you to say that! :p

[Nigel C]

No, but I was considering it. But seeing as Tim coughed that up all by himself, I'll put the cash back in the pocket for the next brilliant idea ;)

Chris I don't have a lot of knowledge on the airline/schedule side of things, mine is more day-of-operations and airport specific, most of which would probably bore you all to pieces :) But I'll be happy to chat to anyone who's there.

[George G]

Can't attend as i have only been a spotter for 3 months..

Enjoy guys! :)

[Bernie P]

...... day-of-operations and airport specific, most of which would probably bore you all to pieces :) .....

I'd happily have a look at your turf, cough cough, green stuff along the runways/taxiways Nigel, and tell you if they need any additional attention... Any day is good for me!! :D :D

[Nigel C]

Haha...the only attention they need is a good mow I think!

[David M]

Nige... Can I get a seat with you in the escort vehicle? :-P

[Andrew Coggan]

Unfortunately I'm a few months too young :( Maybe next year.

[Nigel C]

For those who are attending the airside tour, can I suggest you buy a pair of ear plugs from your local chemist or hardware store. Ear plugs are cheap and they will protect your hearing in the airside environment!

If you have ear muffs, then please bring them along.


Dave, I'd love to, but the seats in the Prado are already taken. :)

[Erik H. Bakke]

I'll be up at the mound in the morning of 12 May, so if anyone needs transport to Hammond Place, I've got up to 3 seats available.

[Jaryd stock]

Just wondering too, either Nigel or Kurt might be able to answer. No doubt we would have to wear Hi-viz vests or something similar while on the tour or at least outside anyway, will they be provided or do we bring our own?

[Kurt A]

Yes, high-viz vests will be required during the tour. This will be organised as part of the administration between 8am and 9am. Good question, and already covered.

[KatieY]

Thank you so much for making this tour happen Kurt. I work Airside at the international and wish I could be outside with the aircraft rather than inside staring at them, but I am so very excited to be even closer to them next weekend . Looking forward to seeing YSSY forum faces!

[Kieran Wells]

For those who are attending the airside tour, can I suggest you buy a pair of ear plugs from your local chemist or hardware store. Ear plugs are cheap and they will protect your hearing in the airside environment!

Officeworks sell cheap sets of industrial earplugs. Each set costs $1.03, and is availible in store only.

http://www.officeworks.com.au/retail/products/Office-Supplies/Work-Safety/Safety-Equipment/LE2050

If anyone would like a set of these, PM me, and ill happily supply for the airside tour.

(Note/Disclaimer: I work for Officeworks, and i have stock of the above!)

[Nigel C]

Hi-viz vests have been organised, and yes they must be worn at all times.

Thanks for the positive response to the tour. What started as a bit of idle chat has now become a reality thanks to the work put in by Anne, Kurt and numerous other people behind the scenes. For me, well I'm looking forward to showing you guys some of what I see everyday at work, as well as putting some more faces to the names I see here.

[Lee G]

Nigel, it certainly shows that there is a market for this kind of tour, albeit for the hardcore spotters and photographer - who knows - maybe it's the start of something good... ;)

[Sarah C]

Well said Katie, I am sure all the lucky people who are going would agree with your comments

[Darren T.]

I wish I could have made it. But *sigh* Duty calls :p

[KatieY]

Hi guys got my vis pass email today and I'm confused as what we have to do , send and scan a picture ? Any form of ID photo eg ASIC photo or passport photo ?I tried getting through to ID services but had problems calling . It's difficult and very frustrating not having a computer while on Holiday :/

[KatieY]

Thanks Chris! We also have to send the form back tomorrow too? Sorry I'm not 100% thinking straight , so much on my mind including this tour which I'm so excited about ! :)

[Stephen Brown]

As I understand it, it is a photo identification that needs to be scanned and emailed.

e.g. Drivers Licence or passport.

From the email......
- complete and return the attach Visitor Pass Form

- scan and email a coloured photo identification

- time to be received by Tuesday 8 May 2012

Then bring the same ID with you on Saturday morning.

[Kurt A]

YES - Browneye is correct!

Scanning or taking a photo simply of yourself is not sufficient photo ID.

It must be a Drivers Licence, Passport or valid ID card, that has not only your Photo on it, but your ID details too.

For the application, well this must be printed and then filled out manually, as it requires your signature. So get down to your local Officeworks, or internet cafe and print out the form and complete all the sections above the word "Sponsor". The rest will be done on the day. Simple!

Also, for those that don't have a scanner, simply take a nice bright/clear photo of your ID and completed Application Form and send each through on A4 size, so it can still be printed at the other end.
Or, while you're at Officeworks or the local internet cafe, scan in your ID and completed Application Form right then and there. Done!

And yes, this must be sent through to Yssy.Planespotter@syd.com.au (Yssy.Planespotter@syd.com.au) by close of business tomorrow, Tuesday 8th May.

Any questions, please just contact me via email or PM, there's no need to phone anyone else or contact ID services to complicate the matter.

[KatieY]

Thanks for clearing this up Kurt. All good , Ta :-)

[Nigel C]

For those attending the bus tour, can I remind you to be absolutely ready to rock at The Lauriston Park Centre, Hammond Place at 0800 sharp? The car park is available at any time that morning, and the sooner we can get the visitor pass process and introduction/safety briefing going the less-rushed the start of the tour will be and hopefully the more time can be spent touring!

I'm looking forward to seeing you all!
Cheers

[Jacob P]

There was always an interest in this kind of thing - it's great to see that it has become a reality. I would love to see it become a more regular thing if there is a way to make it happen.

I believe Zurich airport does a similar tour, offering advantageous locations for photography, clear of fences and light-posts and other similar annoying obstructions that we hate to see in our photos.

Here in Prague Airport there is a spotting club whereby you pass a security check and get your ASIC (or equivalent over here) issued as a spotter and can access the airside areas of the airport with relative ease for photography purposes (great for those special movements). There is also the possibility to hire an escorted card to take up to 5 PAX anywhere in the airport to photograph and all this can be arranged with 24 hour prior notice not to mention the escort costs about $100 for 4 hours for up to 5 people, I'm just in the process of getting my ASIC so will see how it pans out (will put pics up in few weeks).

In addition to this we also have spotting platforms by each of the RWYs which raise you above the fenceline about 2M *** well as customised photography holes in the fence big enough to it you 500MM lenses. If anyone ever come to Prague (PRG) let me know and I'll organise something for you here.

Would be awesome if you guys could get something like this in SYD eventually. Have been told it has taken the spotters here 5 years to get to this stage with ongoing airport negotiations but also the airport is trying to improve its public image which is why its important for them to integrate the spotting community.

[Kieran Wells]

For the application, well this must be printed and then filled out manually, as it requires your signature. So get down to your local Officeworks, or internet cafe and print out the form and complete all the sections above the word "Sponsor". The rest will be done on the day. Simple!



Any Officeworks store will be happy to assist you in your scanning needs. We can scan to a USB, Printing per page starts at 10c per page black and white. All stores have these services available, but if you are close to Blacktown, feel free to pop in and say Hi to me!

[Maikha Ly]

I'm with Chris on this one. I've been a little paranoid that emails aren't received and I'll lose my spot, particularly with how far I'm travelling.

[Lee G]

Rug up nice and warm for the weekend people ...........

"However, by the weekend a low tracking across the bight is expected to push the warmth away and replacing it with a surge of cold, strong southerly winds mainly affecting Southern NSW.

Snowfall is likely on the highlands of those areas."

16 should be in operation on Saturday if the BoM is correct.

[Kieran Wells]

I wonder if we are actually going to get a courtesy reply to let us know that our emails with photo identification and the rest have been received?


I got one late this afternoon. There sure is a lot of paperwork to go through with them, and im sure a response will come in due time.

[Nigel C]

Maikha, you won't lose your spot. Only a certain number of applications were taken and you were one of them. :)

I'm sure there's no issues with the applications and you'll get a response pretty soon. If I'm not mistaken the applications were all meant to be in by close of business today, so perhaps they'll be bulk sorted in the next day or so.

16's works out pretty well for what's planned I think. Temps are forecast to be from 13-21.

[Kurt A]

Hi guys,

Rest easy. I have been in contact with Anne at SACL, and everyone's documents have been accounted for except 1 (applicant notified).

Time to sit back, relax and look forward to the weekend :)

Don't forget, we're actually kicking things off on Friday afternoon down by the 34L Beach wall, then over to the City for a meal and drinks at Bungalow 8. Looking forward to seeing you then.


P.S: For those on the tour, don't forget to actually bring the ID that you sent to Anne, with you on the weekend. If you forget, that would be a silly, embarrassing and miserable error :eek:

P.S.S: Please make sure you're on time. You don't want to be the embarrassed one standing there as we depart.

[Maikha Ly]

Looking forward to this weekend, and putting some names to faces!

My email has been particularly unreliable in recent weeks, hence my concern.Likewise my work email which I registered for the tour with.

[Tim Bowrey]

A question for the organizers only,

Myself and a few others who are on the tour are a little concerned about the location for photography. There is supposed to be southerly winds on Saturday giving us 16 ops but I have noticed from other runway side shots that they are taken from the western side adjacent to taxiway Alpha making it backlit. Because ours is in the morning are SACL going to put us on the eastern side of the runway near the touchdown zone?

This is what I am referring to. Link (http://www.ausbt.com.au/virgin-s-qantas-kill-shot-affordable-flexible-fares)

Thanks and looking forward to it!

[Kurt A]

All stationary photography locations will be on the eastern side of 34L/16R. Our access/tour has nothing to do with past events etc. We have approval for our own proposal.

[Nigel C]

Tim, quite often the photographer will ask us to put them in a spot where they can hopefully get a Sydney specific shot, ie they want the city in the background.

As Kurt has said, the spots determined for this tour are all on the eastern side. Where we end up depends on the wind.

[Tim Bowrey]

Thanks for that guys!

[Nigel C]

One more day....

[Sarah C]

24 hours and 30 minutes.......but who is counting?;)

[Sydney Airport]

Notice to the 8 RED ASIC holders for the airfield tour.

Please take your RED ASIC with you tomorrow morning as your access pass to the airfield tour. You have not been issued with a VIC pass.

[Nigel C]

And make sure everyone's on time! The quicker we can get you all together and on the bus, the quicker we can get the tour underway.

It will be a historic day for the airport and spotting community at Sydney, and I look forward to sharing it with you. Let's hope for clear skies and not too much breeze!

Cheers

[Kieran Wells]

IT'S HERE! IT'S HERE!!!(jumps up and down in excitement!!!)

[Nigel C]

Don't forget your ID folks!

[Sarah C]

Almost perfect weather today, and not too cold either. We are lucky!

[Erik H. Bakke]

Sounded like we caused a fair bit of conversation on the airbands this morning, too.