Goulburn to Maitland? Anyone done this trip?

[boingk]

Hey there everyone, just looking at flying from Goulburn to either Maitland or Warnervale near Newcastle and was wondering the most appropriate route.

 

I have my World Aeronautical, Visual Navigation and Sydney Flying charts all arrayed out over the desk and have thought I could do it one of two ways:

 

1: Fly a relatively Northbound course from Goulburn and stay out of the whole Sydney shemozzle, then cut East to go to either Maitland or Warnervale.

 

2: Fly a relatively Eastbound course and cut right through Sydney, being careful to observe all NOTAMs and flight level restrictions. Navigate over the Western Sydney region and then head relavitely Northbound to get to Maitland or Warnervale.

 

I should point out that I would be doing this in a non factory built or certified engine powered craft - ie either a 101.28 or 95.10 registered craft - and want to stay legal! Either craft have a full accompaniment of appropriate VFR instruments and radio.

 

Cheers - boingk

 

 

[facthunter]

There's some rough country possible there. I have always gone close to bankstown and then coastal in singles. This involves close to CTA etc so don't stray off course. The other, go W NW and inland of the ranges is a possibility but you have to cross into the Hunter valley somewhere near Denman. Pick your weather. You can drop in at Mudgee or Bathurst. Nev

 

 

[boingk]

Thanks Nev, would definitely consider the Mudgee or Bathurst aerodromes as alternates as I'm familiar with the area there moreso than Sydney or Newcastle.

 

I would probably be more comfortable with coastal up past Sydney as you described... but I do not currently have a lifejacket. Are there any that I should be aware of or just something with Australian Standard ticket on it?

 

This would be a weather dependant flight for sure. I generally travel up that way every weekend to see my girlfriend but am considering flying to make the trip a bit more enjoyable. If the weather is bad take the car, if not go flying!

 

Cheers - boingk

 

 

[IanR]

The light aircraft lane is a pretty straight forward route - well documented on the VTC

 

 

[sfGnome]

I can't say that I've done Goulburn to Maitland in one go, but I've done all the constituent parts. I think that the easiest way is around the west side of the range, turn left somewhere north west of Mudgee and come down the valley (and admire all those lovely coal mines...). Alternatively, go via Mittagong, The Oaks, Prospect, up the VFR lane to Mooney Mooney and up to Maitland from there. Much shorter, but you'll have to be confident of sticking to your path well. I live under the VFR lane and it is scary watching the occasional light plane going up the down lane or vice versa. Of course, if you aren't allowed to take your aircraft over built up areas, then it's Go West, Young Man.

 

 

[robinsm]

Unless you have written Raa-aus permission to fly over built up areas (needed for non factory 95.10 etc aircraft) then you are stuck with the Bathurst/mudgee route. Ring Raa.aus and see if you can get the exemption. I have one for the Xair (582 rotax motor) so it shouldn't be to hard to get. This will cover you for the VFR lane through sydney. The Victor one lane needs a life jacket. Contact Dave Smith at Wollongong airport, he manufactures them. They are a belt one that pulls out of a pocket in the belt. They are certified and about $120 I think. I carry one in the plane. I will be out there on Sunday if you want to have a look at it. Dav's number is 0419 464 112. He runs Air Safety Solutions at Albion Park airport (Wollongong airport). He and Maggie are great to deal with and are regulars at Goulburn in their Storm aircraft.

 

 

[boingk]

Thanks guys, thats really helpful. All my flying to date has been in between 'Western' cities and towns such as Goulburn, Bathurst, Yass etc and only a few coastal ones such as Maruya and Wollongong - those coastal ones in a VH-reg C150.

 

I would be interested in the RAA-Aus ticket for flight over built up areas as I'm looking to buy a 4-stroke 95.10 reg craft and would need it for the V1 route.

 

Cheers - boingk

 

 

[sfGnome]

Only guessing here, but given that Victor 1 is totally *not* over built up areas, I presume you could fly it with impunity. It's only to the west of the city that you'd need the exemption.

 

 

[boingk]

Thats what I was thinking, and would perhaps be the best way for me to do it provided I get an approved life vest and ELT beacon.

 

Cheers - boingk

 

 

[motzartmerv]

Yea go the victor 1. Get yaself a PFD or borrow someones. The V1 is not over populated areas, believe me, its not..lol... From YGLB, track to Mittagong, wedderburn, over the escarpment to Jibbon point and hit the victor 1. Quickest, easiest, safest way.

 

 

[Captain]

Yea go the victor 1. Get yaself a PFD or borrow someones. The V1 is not over populated areas, believe me, its not..lol... From YGLB, track to Mittagong, wedderburn, over the escarpment to Jibbon point and hit the victor 1. Quickest, easiest, safest way.

And it's a buzz going through there too.

 

 

[boingk]

Yeah gotta admit I love the Mittagong route through all the raised highlands and so on. Great flying country - especially when you negotiate the dropoff into Wollongong! 10 mile call whilst on rapid descent over a cliff? Sure, why not!?

 

Just checked out a PFD online that complies with the new regulations and is affordable and compact. This is the one for anyone interested:

 

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/310340495727?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

 

Cheers again everyone.