Air Traffic Control at an ISLAND AIRPORT

[@andyclegg2423]

I flew a Cessna 210 into YBHM back in May for a long weekend. Brian was terrific. On departure he gave me a discrete squawk code (which I wasn't expecting as I was departing his class D CTA into class G) and even phoned ahead to let Mackay know I was on my way en route to Brisbane. Awesome service, thanks Brian! Also the services of Hamilton Island Air were great - marshaling me in to a parking space, letting me park my plane for a couple of nights, and wheeling out some steps for me so I could check the fuel… a problem when you don't have wing struts. If anyone has the opportunity to fly themselves to Hamilton Island I'd recommend it. Amazing scenery and helpful people. Often windy but the runway is aligned with prevailing winds. I took off on runway 14 into a 25-28kt headwind, didn't use much of the runway :)

[@JasonRiley276]

Thanks for that info Andy. I am from Mackay and have wondered how accomodating they would be to private pilots

[@coenjohnston4425]

hey!! I'm a new PPL and Brian helped me in FPV through his airspace a few times! very helpful voice in some complicated airspace.

[@H89SA]

Just discovered your channel and I really enjoyed these 14 minutes. I hope you'll have 100k subscribers in no time! :)

[@StefanDrury]

Hey H89SA, thanks for subscribing to the channel, welcome! And thanks for the kind words, cheers, stef 👍

[@Peter-sn3bq]

rip steve

[@progamerkidoo2482]

Same!!😂😂

[@treypohe4593]

He was probably my ATC when I went to HTI...

[@anthonycarbone4253]

Hey mate, massive fan of your content! Young aviation enthusiast here and often find myself browsing through the rich amount of aviation youtube content and so glad to see and Aussie on the scene. Just a small piece of advice, I personally would reduce the amount of montages and non-aviation related stuff and maybe even add a concise opening to retain viewership (as opposed to a cab ride). Completely up to you, just love your content and would really like to see your account gain greater amounts of traction over the coming years. Keep it up! Love your work! ps. Yourself along with other aviation youtubers have inspired me to pursue attaining my gliding solo in the coming months, so thank you!

[@liveandletflyatc]

That Tower seems so nice and relaxed!

[@CC350]

2:11 not one but 2 retro roos off the right there! beauty

[@jeckotv7483]

The lounge view you showed us I sat in that chair u sat in because it’s a spectacular and stunning view of the gates and runway

[@joeirwin6212]

7:40 VH-LOL the best callsign ever

[@Matthew-zv8qe]

It’s VH-LQL lol

[@niconiconnu]

Joe Irwin LQL

[@gadestedt]

Malév had a better one, HA-LOL. ;)

[@marvelgoh5648]

Malev once had HA-LOL on their fleet.

[@sensah3978]

Joe Irwin it’s registration btw

[@alphadelta1219]

I saw KJN on Flightradar24 this morning! No I'm not stalking you or KJN, I was practicing my plane identification skills. It's mainly 172s, PA-44s, Saab 340s and Metroliners around Victoria for the light-lightish aircraft, a few 182 Skylanes too. And then there's RFDS's Beech Super Kings and the odd PC-12. But the main jets are 737s and A320s. Edit: Oh wow! You were sitting right where I was a couple years ago! Is Brunetti's still there? A 717!? Edit 2: Called it XD

[@JerryLaw]

The rocket pocket 717, one of my friend say it's the DC9 neo 😁

[@TonyHarrisonPhotography]

Also The Angry Puppy

[@jaysaviation2904]

or the mad dog

[@iSuom]

AKA MD95

[@themodelhumanbeing4188]

This is a 717 because Qantas only uses the 717 not the dc-9

[@beagle7622]

Started life as the MD95 similar in size to the old DC9-30. Pilots who flew the DC9’s loved them they threw them around a bit, had a few interesting flights on them. The Boeing 717 as noted is basically a renamed MD95, there were from memory some minor changes made to the Avionics otherwise the same Aircraft. Both Ansett & TAA (Qantas Domestic now) operated them for many years.

[@colinpotter7764]

40 years ago I was in charge of storing all of the Flight Progress Strips at the London Air Traffic Control Centre, we had quite a few of them!

[@tomhudson1409]

Gday! GREAT VIDEO! Just came across your channel, enjoyed it very much. Great to see things from the other side of the mic. And also what it is like inside your temp tower. I’m an FO with JQ, based out of Sydney, I regularly operate the JQ846 and JQ849 service from YSSY to YBHM. I have heard Brian’s voice many times, but never knew what he looked like. He has a distinctive voice and great disposition towards controlling, which makes my job easier when operating in a class D environment. Thanks again for making and sharing a great video, cheers!

[@kaimalcolm]

What an amazing job! A lot more busy than I thought.

[@rjmit8]

that lounge seat was the one i sat on (old lounge, same position) when i met stef on the 787 from melbourne to sydney

[@MichaelMcGinnis87]

I fly into Hammo semi regularly with Virgin. Prior to that I was with Surveillance in Broome - and it’s when Brian said ‘A very good afternoon to all my listeners’ when I recognised his voice. Pass on. Y congratulations on 40 years as an ATC!

[@alistairmccausland1580]

Brian the air traffic controller, what a fantastic experienced person to meet & interview.

[@richardcurtin]

Awesome. I flew into Hamilton Island on Sunday the 4th of Nov. believe I spoke to Brian on the radio. Best airport I’ve been to yet. Nice to put a face to the voice.

[@allanmaddison4073]

Close but no cigar. You were talking to me on one of my guest performances at Hamilton Island. I take it as a compliment if I sound like Brian though.

[@richardcurtin]

Well even better ! A response from the duty ATCO 👌 To be honest. I was too busy taking in the scenery and trying not to screw up the landing and make a fool of myself, to focus too much on the voice. I was doing some work for Airservices for the ARFF site. Will be back once the tower is commissioned. Well thanks for the great service, Allan.

[@h0ll1s]

Brian is awesome!! Can not wait for the full video!! Hamilton Island is so good, enjoy your time!

[@TrekzoneMedia]

Fantastic to hear Brian talk about his time with Airservices. He would definitely know my father, who worked in Port Headland and Perth TCU's as well as Brisbane center for forty years.

[@vlfreak]

cool video, brian seems like a chilled out bloke :)

[@sdawdawdawdawda1897]

Bro your content is SO COOl! I dont know why inidi channels are the best! Make more videos about visiting air traffic control towers!

[@StefanDrury]

Thanks, I've got a playlist of all my ATC visits here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4nHZoaris98oKM

[@nappa1610]

Worked at Hamilton island airport some years ago now.....pretty cool place to work if you like planes!

[@Jerram89]

For my 10 points, you're about to board the mighty Rolls-Royce powered Boeing 717-200: that has one of the highest power to weight ratios of any commercial airliner, and also one of the best engine spool up notes you'll hear.

[@rjmit8]

that's why it's called the 'pocket rocket'

[@carlgruber9919]

Hi Stefan, did you get around to posting that more detailed video on Hamilton Island ATC? I couldn't find it.

[@nativeafroeurasian]

3:10 I like that "walk" through the "airplane" in Sydney (don't know how to describe it)

[@rachellowden4548]

I’m a B717 FA and this video brought back memories for me when we used to do these HTI flights. Mainline do them now. ☹️

[@WBTravels]

@11:05 that jetstar AUS Airbus 320 greased that a very very nice and smooth landing

[@jogoldcoaster2847]

Hamilton Island, what an absolutely beautiful island, for a perfect holiday..

[@sliferxxxx]

Awesome channel. Greetings from a fellow air traffic controller in the USA.

[@ninipanini966]

The Qantas at 7:40, A.K.A VH-LOL just buttered his landing. almost perfect, but looks nice.

[@nicknielsen896]

Awesome video and glad you got to meet Brian! That’s awesome

[@bayleymillerov6318]

Hey stef long time no see I have missed you videos and they still bring joy to my day

[@issacsmith3169]

Very very very late but the second plane was a 717 200 which is the only 717 series that flies in Australia. I work on them at CBR airport. Nice little planes

[@treypohe4593]

It gets very (when I say very, I MEAN VERY) quiet at HTI after the last flight leaves or when there's a flight on the ground...probably makes sense as to how Brian had all this time! 😉

[@sharonanderson7831]

Awesome video! Can't wait for tomorrows video whenever that comes out .

[@simostravels8030]

I use to live in Carnarvon also schooled in Geraldton for 5 years both great places to live.... I flew a fair bit from Carnarvon to Geraldton and return for school. So thanks Brian 👍✈️🛫🛬 for keeping us safe

[@MechanicalFalcon]

Great to see it from the inside! still amazed as to what brought you to Hamilton Island, it's paradise there! Thanks Stef!

[@RockerboiProduction]

Aww sweet, Qantas still uses the Q300 it looks like. So nice!

[@jetstar7822]

i know im late but thats a boeing 717 i fly them for qantas im based at mackay qld just 30 nm (nautical miles) from hamilton island and that place is beautiful i like your vlogs keep them up

[@opecyna]

Enjoy flying tomorrow and I am looking forward to your materials. I hope to see you and have a chat on Saturday at YWOL.

[@the_singingavgeek3433]

That VA737 was clever flying backwards.

[@GeoffIsMyName8]

This makes me sad, we were gonna fly business here on Virgin Australia for my parents anniversary but they went down under sadly...

[@terrylanford6151]

Amazing video. The edits were top notch on this one Stef!

[@bobbrown8661]

Brian should do a collab with airforceproud95 😀

[@David-xk6xq]

Great video, only been to Hamilton once, Looking forward to seeing the full length video.

[@seanmcerlean]

That place looks stunning.look forward to the next one as always.

[@fukawi2]

Looking forward to the full video. I want to visit HI just to meet Brian now!

[@karpig8939]

Just subbed! You deserve a lot more subs than you have now! Editing and everything is excellent! Keep up the great work!

[@danzbjj]

what a fantastic video and great chat with Brian!

[@StefanDrury]

Yeah he's a champion hey? I loved spending the afternoon with him.

[@jamesbaxter9123]

B717😍😍😍 love the BR715 motors on them, they sound so good

[@archietect4924]

Hi there - I really enjoy your videos and your presentation style - the way you present is so relaxed and informal - i could easily imagine you on main tv doing this as a combined travelog programme. You should talk to the Networks about a formula. Looking forward to your next one. Best wishes. Phil.

[@thedave7760]

Ha Ha, networks, do you mean TV networks? Just to bring you up to date TV is dying and in some places almost dead. I agree though Steph has great presence on camera.

[@camerond-x5s]

Wow, Stef, you sure are getting around! A HUGE thumbs up for this one. :-) You make it look easy but Hammo is a REALLY long way to travel in a B717. Any reason you didn't fly direct from Melbourne in something a little larger?

[@wesdahlqvist_]

i have just came across your channel and i love aviation so obviously i had to watch it. then i realised that u took the same flights as me september 2018 i flew melbourne to sydney then sydney to hamilton island 😅

[@splashhs1]

Great video, really looking forward to the full length version. Cheers mate

[@PrinceHill]

Brian has been around, I've just started flying at Jandakott in Perth and Ive always wanted to go up to the tower and see how they operate, with Covid at the moment we are not allowed up, but I can only hope that when the restrictions clear we will be good to go up.

[@tzvimenashelifshitz3341]

7:45 BUTTER!

[@zakups7777]

Very nice video, liked it

[@Ozboyz60]

Hi Stefan...thanks for taking us on this journey with you. Great that you experimented with the 13cabs app ...and you use Uber. Please contact me about using VHA cars...chauffeured services...I’d like to show you how it works.

[@archietect4924]

Whilst digital media is massive and TV Networks and traditional ‘tv’ maybe beyond its peak, Networks are embracing digital media for viewing via smart devices. I think the ‘networks’/producers will still be commissioning programming and Steph does have presence that makes him very watchable. Whatever the future I think we both agree Steph produces interesting and very engaging short videos.

[@ckxrs2645]

im slightly confused here. if i heard it right, bryan mentioned that tower manages 60-90 aircrafts per day. however, flight radar shows that there are only 7 scheduled departures and 7 arrivals each day, making the total scheduled movements 14(excluding the planes flying around the island for scenic tours). so does that mean the other 40+ movements consist of scenic tour aircrafts? assuming half of which are departures, the other half arrivals. that would be alot of scenic planes each day!

[@mattmidgley2899]

ckxrs That’s correct, plus he didn’t mention the numerous private/business jets that visit (some can’t be tracked) also there would be roughly that many scenic flights again operating out of nearby shute harbour airport ( YSHR) which has been developed into an airpark also.

[@lips7591]

the short answer is yes: a lot of scenic planes each day (during tower hours)! a movement is a landing or take off within the CTR (control zone) during tower hours (0920-1530hr daily). As highlighted in the vid, hamilton island air have a stack of fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft: depending on season/holiday/conference/cruise ship activity there can be massive daily variations. HIA often operate up 4 helicopters in company at a time, each one counting as a movement. additionally: there are a number of helicopter landing sites in the zone not actually at the airport, e.g. qualia; and, in certain wind conditions, float planes will land on water within the zone - all these count. counted separately, but not included in movements are through flights, predominantly scenic flights from/to shute harbour airport, which is on the big island adjacent to the whitsunday islands (another 30-60+ per tower hours). don't forget the uber-rich: often in & out on private jets. in-short: it is a lot more complex than just the 6-9 scheduled airline movements, in fact the tower is there precisely to sort the 'big' jets from the scenic flights.

[@mikercflyer7383]

Really enjoyed this one ATC is fascinating to me would love to observe the operation.

[@nsw72]

Smashed it again, Steph 👍👍

[@GeneralKenobi-mz9ig]

I loved seeing this video, unique, quick and enjoyable! Hope your enjoying yourself up there stef!! As always keep up the awesome content!

[@toolowgo]

I've really been enjoying your content recently Stefan, the maintenance video and this one here have really captivated me! How are you getting from Sydney to Wollongong by the way?

[@rjmit8]

You sat in the exact same seat in the lounge that I sat on for the Dreamliner flight

[@sineuxanderson1203]

Good one Brian - You are a legend. "Air Services Australia aims to please :-)"

[@hughesh1904]

Hamilton Island is amazing. Went there on a holiday, Loves it. Went there on Jetstar. You went on the Qantas 717

[@David-xk6xq]

Hey Stef, you think you might fly the recent refurbished-EYZ up to HTI and see if Brian is still around, would love to see the remaining footage even if 30 minutes long 😊👍

[@EAFSQ9]

I wonder how busy BNE will get once 01L/19R becomes operational in 2020. Good video mate, subbed.

[@craigwillis3372]

Stefan you have done a great video yet again....glad Milkshake was not on this trip....too hot and muggy up there!!

[@gauravpausker6819]

Plz make videos on different ATC Towers

[@Igamerfellow]

Amazing! 3:59 Aye my home town.... Coffs... Great vid Stef!

[@PC-zd5pc]

I absolutely love HI! I go there all the time because my Mum is the head of marketing there. I go up on 737's and 717's sometimes.

[@jfwfreo]

Was Hamilton Island the one where the airport was originally built by Ansett back in the day?

[@VBHB83]

Love flying on the 717

[@lucascoletta3016]

Great video, keep them up👍👍

[@qualitypilots2220]

You do so good content!!!

[@niconiconnu]

I can't wait to see that extra footage of the control tower you talked about at the end of the vid!!!!

[@thomasgillis7632]

Superb video!

[@davidstevens4388]

wow verry inserting was it hot at Hamton island when you was there

[@downwinddemon]

This inspires me to try and get a tower tour at my local Class D airport.

[@spiro5327]

Nice haircut Stef. Brian is one cool dude, very accommodating. Maybe you could fly the Cirrus to Hamilton one day.

[@zacharytapsell4444]

Sweet vid Stef, See you on Sat

[@60frederick]

Great video again, Stefan!

[@davewestner]

American here....not sure of Aussie rules.....do the airlines fly in and out when the tower is closed, or do they schedule their flights to arrive and depart when it's open? Thanks!

[@CRFLAus]

Hahaha! A Pom lightly bashing Melbourne weather, careful Stefan!

[@hamishdavidson3368]

Boeing 717. Great vid.

[@kimmycarpentero8746]

I can relate the air traffic control. Hope to learn more from ur channel.

[@TREVORDAWSONTHD]

I've always wanted to go to Hamilton Island. Someday it will happen. I also love to see Daydream Island.

[@donnyb9273]

Have you been yet?

[@TREVORDAWSONTHD]

@@donnyb9273 Nope!

[@damienmilk3025]

Great video Stef it seems most controllers have done time in Broome or should I say pennants

[@Lewis_Bree]

Hey Brian, I may have talked to you on the Radio at Jandakot depending on how long ago you were there

[@lukap996]

Finally some ATC infos, cool

[@chosenoneglobalchosenonegl6798]

Thanks sir for this video,it was interesting

[@JodelFlyer]

Thanks for the video Stef. Interesting content as usual. Now going to see exactly where the island is! 😊 👍. 🇬🇧

[@iamskoza]

is it easy to fly your own plane in there and stay for a week?

[@lovemusic12374]

Love the editing, I really want to do ATC

[@51mightymurph]

I'm so jealous! It's been my dream to visit Hamilton island one

[@renzybenzy]

Amazing video about ATC, as always. Yeeey!

[@stewartwilkinsonsnr]

Enjoyed this video, super visit to the tower 😁✈️