Sydney to Queenstown

[Michael Blakely]

I was inspired by this photo on Airliners.net to travel to Queenstown, New Zealand. http://www.airliners.net/photo/Qantas-( ... ddfdf9c93a
When I first saw the photo, I thought it was a Norwegian fjord, and was surprised to see it was in New Zealand. "With all the water and mountains, it must be a fun approach" I thought. I was not disappointed.

Well, Queenstown is a long way from Los Angeles, but has service to both Syndney and Auckland, so I connected the three in my FREQ. Queenstown also isn't very big, so a Qantas 737 does quite nicely.

[Michael Blakely]

Departing Sydney to the North lets the passengers see all the famous Sydney landmarks, the Sydney Tower, the Harbour Bridget, and the Sydney Opera House.

[Michael Blakely]

These next two shots show how someone has very inconveniently placed a large mountain in front of the threshold. As a result, the ILS does not run TO the runway, but instead runs PAST the runway on the right side. It is left to the pilot to make a visual on the runway and sideslip to the left a few hundred yards.

[Michael Blakely]

Here is a view of the airfield from the top of the mountain.

http://www.airliners.net/photo//0971349 ... 8c495d5aee

[Michael Blakely]

Being a bit rusty at sideslipping before touchdown, I was not lined up well on my first approach. Time to go around. WOW! Look at the cliff on the far side of the airport! (I don't think it's that dramatic in real life).

[Michael Blakely]

Second time around is MUCH better.

Hmmm. Now which one should I take to Auckland?

[Harold Henderson]

I feel a dangerous airports GFI rising ...

[Arturo Carvajal]

Congratulations Michael!!

I will try this visual landing next!!

[Theodore Martin]

I feel a dangerous airports GFI rising ...

Sounds like a good idea to me...