Pilots warn Botany Bay cruise terminal could be unsafe for planes

Sydney Australia May 13, 2014 Boeing 777 wearing Virgin Australia Airways livery has just taking off from Kingsford Smith Airport . The plane is bound for USA.
By Alexandra Coulton


Pilots have warned that the proposed cruise passenger hub at Botany Bay could make it difficult for planes to land safely.

As the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay and White Bay struggle to keep up with growing passenger numbers, the state government is tossing up between Yarra Bay, Molineaux Point and Hayes Dock for a third terminal.

Fairfax reports the vice president of the Australian and International Pilots’ Association, Shane Loney has expressed concerns that large passenger ships at the Hayes Dock site could prevent the airport from operating “safely and efficiently”.

“We should not be putting obstacles there that make it more difficult to land a plane safely,” he told Fairfax.

“The [obstacle limitation surface] is intended to provide clear airspace for aircraft manoeuvring and these ships would represent a significant obstacle close to the runway end.

“While easily seen, circumstances may prevent a pilot from being able to avoid it.”

He also said the ships could create turbulence in strong winds rough enough to cause “control difficulties” for planes.

As for the other two sites, Loney said he suspects they would be far away enough to prevent interference.

Queen Mary 2 in Sydney Harbour

It comes as Randwick Council reached a unanimous decision to oppose the passenger hub being build in the area and will push for Yarra Bay and Frenchman’s Beach to be state heritage-listed to prevent development.

In the meantime, the government will boost berthing at White Bay and look at other options to increase numbers at the Overseas Passenger Terminal.

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