Sydney Airport - Observation Deck Closure

[Sydney Airport]

As of Monday, 3 March 2014, Sydney Airport’s observation deck will be closed.

Members of the public can view the airfield from the Rydges hotel at T1.

Other public plane spotting locations can also be found at:

25 Threshold;
Lady Robinson’s Beach "The Beach";
Hammond Place;
Qantas Drive; and
Sheps Hill (Tower Mound).

[Sarah C]

Thats disappointing news - I assume this is permanent? What will happen to the deck now?

[John Thoroughgood]

Would sincerely appreciate knowing the reason why.

[Kurt A]

Hi all,

The ongoing deterioration of the Observation Deck's roof and support beams by way of corrosion is now a safety concern which has lead to its closure. There is no word on its restoration or any future development plans.

So for now, unfortunately we will have to sit tight until Sydney Airport releases more information regarding this site.

http://www.sydneyairport.com.au/find/service-categories/service-listing/service-detail.aspx?ser=%7B1503771B-2F62-4DFE-8ACD-7C167708A744%7D

[Sarah C]

Thanks for the details Kurt

[Sydney Airport]

The observation deck will be closed permanently.

Sydney Airport understands that the deck is popular with the aviation community, however this decision has been made for operational reasons and Sydney Airport is exploring a range of potential uses for the area.

Of course, there are still public areas from which to view the airfield, including the Rydges hotel at T1 and the public plane spotting locations listed on our website.

The decision to close the observation deck was not taken lightly and we are currently reviewing other options that would enable a unique experience overlooking the runway. If you have any suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact me via email (yssy.planespotter@syd.com.au).

We value our local plane spotters and will work to ensure you continue to have access to the airport through airport tours and competitions. For example, we recently partnered with the YSSY Forum to provide an opportunity to photograph the arrival of Sichuan Airlines in December.

If you wish to sign up to any updates or announcements for future airfield opportunities please sign up at the following address here (http://www.sydneyairport.com.au/corporate/community-environment-and-planning/aviation-community.aspx)

[Kurt A]

Now in mainstream media:

http://www.ausbt.com.au/sydney-airport-to-close-observation-deck


http://australianaviation.com.au/2014/02/sydney-observation-deck-to-close/

[John Thoroughgood]

Thanks so much Kurt.

Curious regarding Rydges hotel, I was under the impression that one had to book an airside room to view the airfield. Is there now another option?

Regards John

[Matthew Chisholm]

Safety concerns, operational reasons and now exploring a range of potential uses for the area. Meh.

[Justin L]

While I understand and respect SYD's decision from a business/operational standpoint, you used to get a good view from the T1 food court too, but the renovations a few years back with the airside connecting walkway now between the food court and windows have taken that away also. No more airside tours, now no observation deck. All the so called public viewing areas are not part of the Sydney Airport facilities. Still some good views airside within all three terminals, but nothing available landside...

[Sarah C]

Well said Justin - even the airside ones are being restricted, with more objects and building works blocking the views even more and more.

[Jim M]

Sorry guys, but to me it's all dribble.
Whilst the deck might need some repairs to render it safe, I accept and have no issue with a closure, whilst this occurs.
However, to close it permanently and then tell us all that the Rydges is available, when it clearly is not without booking a room, is nothing short of disgraceful. I, for one didn't come down in today's rain and am offended that they are taking me for a fool.

Whilst their competitions are great, you have to enter, and win. It is for a very small minority, without catering for anyone else.
This so called solution with a runway view, that they are supposedly working on, I doubt we will ever see. We have enough problems with the supposed spotting locations that the airport promotes as such, now. Parking problems, restricted views, security and so the list goes on.

I'm sorry to sound negative, but for me, this is just about the final straw and I am seriously thinking about whether or not, a trip out to the field is even worth it any more

Jim

[Scott L.]

It's all spin.

The observation deck is needed for income generating purposes. They need to maintain something that does not generate an income.

They are only half serious at being genuinely supportive of an aviation community. Unless it makes huge margin, they are not interested. Just look at the parking prices.

The hotel is nice, but it's hardly within reach of a spotter or the punter who wants to show the kids the planes before nana takes off. The other areas are dumps.

The "unique experience" will have a cost, make no mistake.

Bring on Badgerys creek and don't let Max and Macquarie Airports anywhere near it.

[Steve Bottom]

Just go to the Rydges Plaza, tell them Sydney airports sent you, and to send the bill to them...

[Kent Broadhead]

My parents didn't take me on a commercial flight until around 1975, but we'd fairly regularly go onto the T1 observation deck. I have strong memories of just how loud planes were in those days. Both my kids have been to the now closed observation deck as well.

I can see the difficulties with maintaining cleanliness and security (there clearly wasn't the bar and cafe demand), but well respected airports encourage aviation tourism. Surely a small investment and active promotion can generate income?

[Justin L]

Some airports even charge a nominal fee for entry to the observation deck.

[Brenden S]

Re open the radar field I say.

[Ryan Hothersall]

Some airports even charge a nominal fee for entry to the observation deck.

Deck at Frankfurt had a fee of 5 euros, which I thought was acceptable.

Viewing park at Manchester was something like 2-3 pound to get in.

[LES B]

Agree with Matthew Chisholm,Jim M,Scott 's comments. I am sure charging a 'nominal' and I mean nominal not like the car park, fee to visit the viewing deck. This would also keep the yahoo's off the area also. Serious aviation enthusiasts I am sure would pay a fee for the use of the area. The fee charge could be used for maintenance and cleaning of the deck. It is not only 'local' aviation enthusiasts that use the deck, but interstate and INTERNATIONAL enthusiasts look forward to using when is Sydney. Perhaps SACL should look at the Perth area - and find a area like that and make it into viewing area. Also the
Sheps Mound area - if they got rid of the multitude of lamp poles around the fence line would make it much better for photographers getting decent images without all the lamp poles in front of them. [I think the amount of lamp poles is a bit of an overkill by SACL].

[Jarden S]

Maybe they are trying to deter the spotters from there as well.

[David Heath]

It doesn't worry me. Never has been a great spot. I have fond memories of the old rooftop obs deck when I was a kid... that was a fantastic view... :)

[Stephen Brown]

As long as they build another one out over the Qantas Lounge near the apron, all is okay.

[Krzysztof M]

In the meantime, Heathrow opens new 270 degree observation deck:

'Kathryn Leahy, director of Terminal 4, said: "We are proud to be opening this viewing facility for passengers. We know that many travellers enjoy plane spotting and we are pleased to be able to provide them with the opportunity to do so once again.'

http://www.businesstraveller.com/news/100280/heathrow-opens-t4-plane-spotting-deck

[Kurt A]

Hi all,

Further to Sydney Airport's announcement last week regarding the closure of the Observation Deck, after a few weeks of planning, I am pleased to advise that the Rydges Airport Hotel and Sydney Airport have partnered up to support aviation community activities.

The Hotel has a private conference room called the ‘Dreamliner’ located on level 9 of the hotel, there is a small outside viewing deck which can be can be used as a viewing area at a minimal fee paid at the Hotel reception on arrival.

Please note this space is strictly subject to availability and opening times to this space will posted on Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel Facebook page daily:
https://www.facebook.com/RydgesSydneyAirportHotel

The prices are as follows:
• Individual pass - $10 per person including a beverage from Touch & Go Cafe & plane spotter fact sheet
• Family pass – 2 Adults & 2 Children $30 includes beverage from Touch & Go Café and plane spotter fact sheet

See the direct article here:
http://www.rydges.com/accommodation/sydney-nsw/sydney-airport/local-area/plane-spotting/

Sydney Airport also wish to advise that feedback and suggestions here, on social media and emails relating to the closure of the Observation Deck have been forwarded to their Customer Experience Team who are overseeing the closure. Sydey Airport reiterate that the closure of the observation deck is for operational reasons and that its future use is still being considered by the business.

Shep's Mound:
The recently approved Master Plan 2033 outlines the development of Sydney Airport over the next 20 years and that this development will be staged over time. The plan was subject to around two years of consultation with the community and other stakeholders and, given the staged approach, there are no immediate plans to make changes to Shep's Mound.

More to come, when I know more.

[Grahame Hutchison]

One of the great observation decks and bus tours is at Zurich Airport. For 5 Swiss Francs, and a quick security check, there is a massive observation deck with cafe and amusements for the kids, plus an excellent viewing location for the Runways 16/34 and 10/28. From here 8 Swiss Francs gets you on the 1 hour 15min bus tour, which covers all the airport aprons and gates, corporate apron, Swiss Air Rescue Riga Base, de-icing apron and snow plough facility, and stops for abour 15-20min right at the intersection of Runway 16/34 and 10/28. The bus tours run on Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.

What you need is a business model that works for the tour operator, and the airport, and that seems to be the case in Zurich. Each bus tour has a driver and a guide who explains the airport operation and the aircraft types. The Observation Deck and Bus tours are very popular with locals, tourists and spotters, who also spend at the many airport shops, food outlets and car park.

Here are some images shots from this location.

Looking back at Terminal A from the intersection of the runways.
http://www.16right.com/MessageBoard/Zurich/D100-2005-08-28_157.jpg

The observation deck from the bus tour.
http://www.16right.com/MessageBoard/Zurich/D200-2006-09-10_050.jpg

Terminal E from the Runway intersection - there is also an observation deck on top of this Terminal.
http://www.16right.com/MessageBoard/Zurich/D100-2005-08-28_168.jpg

Buses operating the airport tour stop at the Runway intesection for 15-20 minutes.
http://www.16right.com/MessageBoard/Zurich/D200-2006-09-10_124.jpg

Taxiing aircraft are very close to the bus turning area.
http://www.16right.com/MessageBoard/Zurich/D100-2005-08-28_078.jpg

Taxiing aircraft are very close to the bus turning area.
http://www.16right.com/MessageBoard/Zurich/D100-2005-08-28_095.jpg

Taxiing aircraft are very close to the bus turning area.
http://www.16right.com/MessageBoard/Zurich/D100-2005-08-28_148.jpg

Taxiing aircraft are very close to the bus turning area.
http://www.16right.com/MessageBoard/Zurich/D300-2008-08-30_183.jpg

Runway 16 departures shot from the observation deck.
http://www.16right.com/MessageBoard/Zurich/D100-2005-08-29_438.jpg

Runway 16 departures shot from the Runway 16/28 intersection.
http://www.16right.com/MessageBoard/Zurich/D100-2005-08-28_171.jpg

Runway 28 departures shot from the Runway 16/28 intersection.
http://www.16right.com/MessageBoard/Zurich/D100-2005-08-28_026.jpg

Runway 28 departures shot from the Runway 16/28 intersection.
http://www.16right.com/MessageBoard/Zurich/D100-2005-08-28_048.jpg

The observation deck in winter, you need to duck into the cafe every 30min to warm up. Very cold on the feet. They even snow plough the Observation Deck
for safety.
http://www.16right.com/MessageBoard/Zurich/D200-2006-03-05_123.jpg

Plenty or entertainment for young children.
http://www.16right.com/MessageBoard/Zurich/D200-2006-03-06_016.jpg

Not so good for photography in these conditions.
http://www.16right.com/MessageBoard/Zurich/D200-2006-03-06_151.jpg

[Grahame Hutchison]

More detail and images in previous post.

Runway 16 departures shot from the Runway 16/28 intersection.
http://www.16right.com/MessageBoard/Zurich/D100-2005-08-28_188.jpg

Runway 16 departures shot from the Runway 16/28 intersection.
http://www.16right.com/MessageBoard/Zurich/D100-2005-08-28_209.jpg

Singapore B747 under tow to the Terminal - shot from the Observation Deck.
http://www.16right.com/MessageBoard/Zurich/D200-2006-03-05_282.jpg

Runway 16 departures shot from the Observation Deck.
http://www.16right.com/MessageBoard/Zurich/D200-2006-03-05_173.jpg

The busy southern apron from the Observation Deck.
http://www.16right.com/MessageBoard/Zurich/D200-2006-03-05_022.jpg

Snow ploughs are busy all the time clearing runways, taxiways and aprons. They operate in a conga line of up to 12 units, each offset by
half a snow plough - shot from the Observation Deck. The aircraft on the middle right is taxiing via the de-icing bay prior to departure.
http://www.16right.com/MessageBoard/Zurich/D200-2006-03-05_359.jpg

Individual snow ploughs work on specific tasks - shot from the Observation Deck.
http://www.16right.com/MessageBoard/Zurich/D200-2006-03-05_360.jpg

Great action if you can capture it in difficult conditions - from the Observation Deck on a very wet day.
http://www.16right.com/MessageBoard/Zurich/D200-2007-06-25_244.jpg

[Sarah C]

Do any board members have any pictures of the original observation deck? I haven't seen many pictures of the deck itself, I can remember a lot of photos taken during the 70s and 80s from the deck but no images of the deck itself.

[Grahame Hutchison]

Hi Sarah,

From memory, the original observation deck ran the full length of Level 2 with access from the check-in area (the deck was quite narrow, more like a balcony). There was a walkway from the middle of this observation deck out onto the roof of the original gate lounge pier, which then stepped up to a viewing platform. There was a similar arrangement at Tullamarine, and I can remember shooting from this raised deck down in Melbourne as well as Mascot.

Back then there was minimal security and OH&S, and my friends and I would climb through the new Terminal Building while it was under construction.

I can't recall having any images of the actual deck, but it may be visible in some of my shots from the domestic side - I will have a look tonight. Possibly I may have a shot of the Tullamarine raised deck from the observation deck.

PS: Just remembered this image from one of my previous posts, "A Different View Of Sydney (http://yssyforum.net/board/showthread.php?t=3644&highlight=sydney)".

The observation deck runs the full length of the Terminal building (through the logo on the Thai B747 tail and below the Sydney International
Airpot sign). The onl Terminal control tower is behind the QF B747 tail, and from memory the raised observation deck on top of the pier was
between the Terminal and the Control Tower (around the nose of the Thai B747 nose).
http://www.16right.com/MessageBoard/TAA/TAA%20DC9-31%20VH-TJS%2019810700.jpg

[Grahame Hutchison]

There was also an Observation deck at the old TAA domestic Terminal. I will need to enlarge the original image, but I think you can see a crowd
of people just in front of the Concorde's tail.
http://www.16right.com/MessageBoard/YSSYOldImages2/British%20Concorde%20G-BOAE%2019850214.jpg

This image was taken from the old TAA Observation Deck - funny how you can remember taking a shot as far back as March 1981.
http://www.16right.com/MessageBoard/TAA/TAA%20B727-200%20VH-TBJ%2019810300.jpg

[Sarah C]

Memories! Thanks for sharing Graeme

[Tony G]

Thanks for the info all. Great news on the rydges option. Zurich looks like a spotters paradise, hope to get there some day.

Thanks for sharing the memories Grahame. Yes the observation deck did run the whole length of the terminal. It was also two levels. I was quite young the last time I was there so I cannot remember if both levels went the whole length. I don't think the bottom level did. I think there was also a small fee and a number of telescopes you could use.

The east-west terminal ( near the old control tower) was probably one of the best locations from memory (before the third runway). If you had a decent size lens you basically had access to every movement. The best part is you had Fokker 27s, 50s etc parked right under your nose.

[Kent Broadhead]

I think there was also a small fee and a number of telescopes you could use.
I loved those telescopes!

[Noel White]

Do you remember the "live" ATC messages on the observation deck?

Put your coin in and listen to 15 minutes of "recorded" ATC speak.

[Grahame Hutchison]

I had forgotten about the ATC speakers Noel, quite novel for back then.

Fokker F27-500F VH-FCC in October 1981 operating for the mainline Ansett operation shot from the TAA / East West Observation Deck Tony.
http://www.16right.com/MessageBoard/Ansett/Ansett%20F27-500F%20VH-FCC%2019810300.jpg

Fokker F27-500F VH-FCF in October 1981 operated by Ansett's Airlines of New South Wales shot from the TAA / East West Observation Deck.
http://www.16right.com/MessageBoard/Ansett/Ansett%20F27-500F%20VH-FCF%2019811100.jpg

East West F27-500F VH-EWQ in the early days of logo aircraft.
http://www.16right.com/MessageBoard/East%20West/VH-EWQ%20F27-500F%2004031984.jpg

East West F27-500F VH-EWP - no Cargo Terminal back then.
http://www.16right.com/MessageBoard/East%20West/VH-EWP F27-500F 00031981.jpg

East West F28-4000 VH-EWB - I remember flying to Melbourne via Albury in this aircraft.
http://www.16right.com/MessageBoard/East%20West/VH-EWB F28-4000 04031984.jpg

[Tony G]

Just as I remember Grahame. Thanks for posting. The top of the terminal carpark ( around the same area) was also a great location.

[Kurt A]

Rydges Airport Hotel and Sydney Airport have partnered up to support aviation community activities.

The Hotel has a private conference room called the ‘Dreamliner’ located on level 9 of the hotel, there is a small outside viewing deck which can be can be used as a viewing area at a minimal fee paid at the Hotel reception on arrival.

Please note this space is strictly subject to availability and opening times to this space will posted on Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel Facebook page daily:
https://www.facebook.com/RydgesSydneyAirportHotel

The prices are as follows:
• Individual pass - $10 per person including a beverage from Touch & Go Cafe & plane spotter fact sheet
• Family pass – 2 Adults & 2 Children $30 includes beverage from Touch & Go Café and plane spotter fact sheet

See the direct article here:
http://www.rydges.com/accommodation/sydney-nsw/sydney-airport/local-area/plane-spotting/


Some photos of the Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel Dreamliner Room view and Viewing Deck.

View from inside the Dreamliner Room:
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/Rydges_Sydney_Airport_1_zpsab3a349f.jpg

View of the actual Viewing Deck, which is accessible from the left hand side of the Dreamliner Room doors shown:
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/Rydges_Sydney_Airport_2_zpsd36a698c.jpg


Panorama view from the Viewing Deck from far left corner:
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/Rydges_Sydney_Airport_3_zps8bf994a2.jpg~original

Panorama view from the Viewing Deck from far right corner:
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/Rydges_Sydney_Airport_4_zpsc243b1ce.jpg~original

P.S: Unfortunately the area in front of the actual Viewing Deck where you see the green Exit Sign pole obstructing the view is a restricted space, and is not accessible.

[Nathan S]

I'm attending an event at the Dreamliner room at the end of the month, perfect spot for dinner and drinks!

[James R]

A little thing I know .. But does the international terminal still have the illuminated SYDNEY (KINGSFORD-SMITH) AIRPORT sign? With all the renovations, particularly recently, I hope it hasn't been lost. There was always something comforting about seeing those bright red letters out the window on arrival.

[Sarah C]

Great question James - I am sure the sign is gone after all the changes to the terminal. I remember that sign - I am sure someone will have a photo somewhere of it