PommyRick

Just thought I'd add, that doing it with an instructor was worthwhile, in the Citabria and in a PA28 it took around 1h30m from Camden.

Haha good spot. Did the same trip 3 times in a week! Definitely ranks amongst my favourite aviation experiences.

[GALLERY=media, 3694]Harbour Scenic 1 - Sydney by PommyRick posted Feb 10, 2016 at 6:55 PM[/GALLERY] [GALLERY=media, 3693]Harbour Scenic 1 - Sydney by PommyRick posted Feb 10, 2016 at 6:55 PM[/GALLERY] [GALLERY=media, 3692]Harbour Scenic 1 - Sydney by PommyRick posted Feb 10, 2016 at 6:55 PM[/GALLERY] [GALLERY=media, 3691]Harbour Scenic 1 - Sydney by PommyRick posted Feb 10, 2016 at 6:55 PM[/GALLERY]

Thought i'd come back with some feedback on doing the Harbour Scenic, which I've now done three times and will be doing it a few more times in the coming months as friends and family ask for it. With all the research from here, the VFR guide and ERSA I was prepared to do it solo, however the school I rented the Citabria from encouraged me to go with an instructor (they didn't mandate, but strongly encouraged) the first time. I had very little input from the instructor, but did glean a few tips which made it easier. So with a flight plan filed from Camden DCT PSP PRT HSY LRF HBB MANLY SECF, lifejackets and ELT in hand, I flew the route at 1500ft, called into Sydney Centre at PRT requesting harbour scenic, then before reaching LRF was transferred over to terminal and then at LRF was given a Harbour Scenic 1 (with another frequency change), direct to the Bridge performed the orbits and then requested Victor 1 South. Followed the harbour out at 1500, then after clearing the heads was cleared down to 500ft, and then onto the Victor 1 frequency. Chose to stay at 500ft up until SECF, but could have climbed slightly earlier. On the third time I did this route I was only cleared for Harbour Scenic 2, and then at Chatswood CBD they had a change of mind and cleared me to the Bridge. Traffic wise, the first pinch point was meeting the traffic in/out of Bankstown between Prospect Reservoir and Pennant Hills. Going onto Harbour Scenic 1 you are of course well above the seaplanes and helicopters in the Harbour, however when you come out and descend into Victor 1 things get a little busier as you join the helicopter traffic (and anyone else on the route), the radio seems to get quite busy at that point working out where everyone is. I feel that if you read the procedures, can use the standard phraseology on the radio, can hold a heading and altitude accurately then it should be quite straightforward. The ATC seemed really good, friendly and helpful. Thank you for all the comments, particularly mnewbury.

I did my Tailwheel endorsement last year and wish I'd converted earlier, it adds a whole new dimension to flying. However, I think I've been close to ground looping on two occasions which I hope are enough to remind me to keep the stick back and the wing down.

Those videos are great, I saw this a few times at Camden at the back end of last year. Have to say I'd love to know more about this, is that a full time paid team operating it? How do you even become a blimp pilot, must be pretty awesome.

Hi, please do PM me, all information is gratefully received. Thanks for everyone's replies; it's one thing reading the official procedures and another knowing whether you can get transit/short cuts or advice on best way to get through. Really looking forward to doing the flight. Is it common to have a Harbour Scenic refused or is it the exception?

I'm looking at doing the Victor 1 / Harbour Scenic from Camden in the coming weeks, and despite the formal reading and trying a few different routes into OzRunways, I would appreciate some experiences/advice from anyone familiar with it. Do they ever offer a transit direct from Parramatta? Or is it always the long way round?

Ah, lets also all just get an instrument rating and autopilots, no point in VFR... I think you are brainwashed into the controlled airspace is safer mentality, it is suitable around busy airspace, but elsewhere it's unnecessary. Radar services outside controlled airspace is very effective where provided, and with a deconfliction service for those who need it or IFR craft its good, whilst the rest can keep a listening watch (perhaps with an associated squark) to traffic information, but no need to be told where you can and can't go.

I disagree completely. Radar service outside controlled airspace would be more then sufficient to improve separation, but even then there is a lot more to accidents then having ATC driving you around.

Has anyone purchased life insurance that specifically covers for recreational flying? What is it costing you? Any companies recommended for it? Do any of the normal providers offer for private pilots?

I agree. I did 60% of my PPL in a small airfield then finished it off intensively at an international airport mixing with the big boys. When I arrived at the school to book the lessons, they gave my a circuit/Comms cheat sheet and told me to learn it over the weekend before my lesson, when I returned the CFI took me up for two circuits then sent me off solo in the circuit for another hour. its just learning the routine and really isn't worth paying a major premium for. If you can land comfortably on small grass strips, landing on the C/L of a commercial runway at the right position to vacate at you chosen exit/taxiway will be a piece of cake.

I had similar thoughts about converting my UK/EASA PPL to something less expensive, as to be honest the largest thing that I'm interested in flying is a Sportscruiser/Pipersports, but in the end decided to just go the whole hog. The Class 2 was frustrating, in the UK the doctor conducting it was a pilot (at Sherburn in Elmet) and it was a bit more practical, but the Class 2 here was done by a doctor strictly following a checklist of items. The plan is to do the BFR and then get an RAA license on the back of the CASA PPL.

Thanks for meeting up today, was good to talk aviation. Will probably see you on Saturday at Maitland.

Thats great, PM sent. thanks.

Good to know it's a friendly bunch then!

Thought I'd post back on this thread to say that I've eventually gotten around to sorting out my PPL conversion from EASA to CASA, with the next step being some time with an instructor and a BFR. For my own sake I intend to hit the books to too. I will drop by the Oaks at some point, RAA seems to be the practical way to go here. I am also really keen to meet anyone locally for a beer (my shout) to glean some local advice, I have a lot of questions!

I don't see the real problem with maintaining a smaller aerodrome between large commercial airports, it doesn't seem to be an issue in London or the USA.

Thanks for the info guys, will definately check it out. Are clubs and aircraft groups here as social as in the UK ?

Just recently moved to the lower blue mountains (10-15 min from Penrith, NSW), and from the UK originally. Looking to pick up the flying again over here and have started with the paperwork and processes to convert my PPL from EASA to CASA. Looking to find a club or join a group aircraft (sports/light aircraft) in my area. Not really interested in flying from larger GA fields, prefer grass strip and a bit of adventure. Discovered on the internet an airfield in Wallacia, tried to find it out without luck. Would be great to meet up with any pilots from the area. Thanks, PommyRick