Behind the Scenes: Sydney Air Traffic Control

Air traffic controller on arrivals

It wasn't until I saw the film Pushing Tin, that I realised the complexities involved in Air Traffic Control. Like so many things in this world, you take for granted the behind-the-scenes effort that goes into getting a passenger plane into the air and back down again in safety.

So when fellow SydneyPhotoblogger Speedy_MSD volunteered to show a small group of us around his place of work, I jumped at the chance for a school-excursion-like sticky beak.


Sydneyphotobloggers on tour inside the TCU (radar room)


Air traffic controllers on departures


Control panels

After a brief overview and tour (did you know that Air Services Australia controls 11% of the world's airspace?), we headed up to the old Air Traffic Control tower (a new one was completed in 1996) with 360 degree views over Botany Bay.


Singapore Airlines cargo flight lands against a Sydney sunset


Sunset


Botany Bay by twilight


Outside on the old Sydney Air Traffic Control observation deck


Comet McNaught

As dusk fell we realised we could all see Comet McNaught, one of the brightest comets visible to the naked eye.

Finally we were treated to a bird-eyes view of fireworks, a weekly event during January, provided for locals by Air Traffic Control.


Fireworks off Cooks Park, Kyeemagh





Related links:
Air Services Australia
Air Traffic Control recruitment
Sydney Airport