FLYING WITH THE BIG JETS at Sydney Airport

Approach and landing at Sydney International Airport in a Cirrus SR22. What's it like landing a small plane at a big airport? Hear Air Traffic Control (ATC) calls, watch multiple-camera angles, and see me land at Sydney Airport, then take-off and fly an orbit around Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Aircraft on the ground at Sydney Airport include Qantas Boeing 747, Airbus A330 and A380, Qantaslink Dash 8 Q400, Jetstar A320 and more. Hear me talking to Sydney Approach, Sydney Tower, and Ground, and watch as I land my aircraft at Sydney International Airport (YSSY).
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VERY IMPORTANT: I am a private pilot and am NOT qualified to give flying instruction. This video, like all videos on this channel, has been significantly edited from the original source footage and is provided for entertainment purposes only. Many radio calls and procedures have been omitted. If you have any questions about anything you see or hear, please speak to a Certified Flying Instructor first.

[@charlesjjones]

Gday Stef, love your work mate, it’s very cool to see the ‘flip side of the coin’! As one of the Approach controllers at Sydney it was kinda cool to see your intensity for the descent and subsequent vectors for final! Also reassuring that despite your size you were properly briefed and prepared for your arrival into complex airspace. Pre-pandemic the norm was 900-1000 moves a day and now unfortunately it’s 130ish, the complexity of Sydney’s airspace was entirely derived from its high volume, in the current environment there is nothing complex at all about our work. For what it’s worth you definitely earned a socially distant crisp high five for your professionalism. We cant do it right now of course but if you’re interested in having a look inside the Tower and the TCU (Terminal Control Unit... where we do Approach and Departures) shoot me a message and we can work something out!

[@thomaszapantis9429]

Hey Charles, What would your advice be to a student pilot who's trying to familiarize himself with radio calls. Some times I just go completely blank when ATC is talking to me :(

[@NDCDA62]

Well that's really nice of you Charles !! Aviators sticking together. Hope you get back up and running soon.

[@A1RTV]

@@thomaszapantis9429 hey mate, i am currently completing my PPL at Moorabbin Airport (YMMB). I can recommend practicing and further familiarising yourself with the lingo by contacting ATC on a flight simulator such as X Plane or Microsoft Flight Simulator. I have been playing those games since i was a little kid and my instructor was very impressed that i could structure my communications with ATC correctly on my first attempt.

[@charlesjjones]

Thomas Zapantis Thomas Zapantis apologies for the delay in responding. My first piece of advice is to get into the books, in particular AIP Gen 3.4 that’s the phraseology section. Towards the back the section it has all the correct ATC and pilots phrases and responses for most situations. It’s set out from engine start, taxi, take off etc to landing. You don’t need to know every phrase but it’s a good place to start, after reading it a few times in context of some scenarios you’re familiar with they’ll quickly make sense. Another if you have access to one is a radio scanner, flight radar (the phone app) or watch live traffic from somewhere appropriate. Pick an aircraft, anticipate its next move (takeoff, taxi, touch and go etc) and simulate the radio call and the expected response. We used to do this all time in the sim on ATC course. Finally A1RTVs suggestion is also great one! There’s enough real people with genuine experience that’ll help.

[@StefanDrury]

Hey Charles, sorry I didn't see this comment until now. Thanks for the message and the offer. Can you put your details into the form at the bottom of the page here: www.stef747.com/faqs-contact-stef/ and I'll get in touch. I'd love to take a look around the Tower / TCU at Sydney, I'm sure the viewers would be interested in that too. Thank you.

[@lucasorford]

When your Mum tells you to go outside so you say to her i’ll fly to Sydney and back

[@msaviation478]

Lucas Playz hahahaha

[@Dixon_1974]

Oddly specific

[@georgehall945]

Oddly random

[@jimlaw8199]

Randomly specific

[@philipmead3575]

Who else loves seeing a notification that a new video has been uploaded? When I see the notification, I go make myself a coffee turn on the TV and put on the video as I consume my coffee before I start my workday. I must admit I also watch/ re-watch some of the videos as I am working.

[@shafimnain400]

That’s good but I am interested in what you do.

[@alexkoch8716]

Did one of the Q400 pilots say hey stef? That’s so cool

[@LunarLithos]

yeah he did

[@H0901-l4u]

Imagine getting recognised by commercial airliners at Sydney International Airport. That would be so awesome!

[@onelpeiris]

Time Stamp: 10:35 You're Welcome 👍

[@davefrommelbourne1237]

Absolutely Awesome! Love the QLink acknowledgement and the footage at 12:12 👍

[@jordanryan673]

When are you flying to Brisbane !!

[@imjustsomeguy72]

9:46 That shot of all the A320s lined up on the runway is so sad.

[@GiuseppeBasile]

What an awesome experience Stefan. Editing in this one was also fantastic.

[@StefanDrury]

Thanks Guiseppe, trying to keep it fresh and be as creative as possible to keep the videos interesting. Thanks for watching, I appreciate the feedback.

[@mworld]

The little Cirrus probably rotates before the large double lines end 😂

[@ftxaviation]

Qantas 747 in the background, amazing.

[@RevPhillip]

Loved this Stefan. I used to fly in and out of Sydney as a private pilot back in the early eighties. I kept 747s waiting while I trundled in flying a Warrior or Archer. Sydney Harbour scenics are still the best of my memories. I was able to get clearances to fly around Sydney Tower (CentrePoint) in those days and wave to the people on the observation deck. I can't imagine doing that now. My first commercial flying job was flying a reporter around Sydney Harbour on the Bicentennial Day (1988) to report on the tall ships. It was a glorious day flying round and round the harbour with airships, helicopters, light aircraft and heavy aircraft just 500' apart vertically.

[@teddynebel]

Love the intro reminded me off old spy films with the split screens

[@electric-ginx8376]

So true!

[@antoinehanekom4689]

Milkshake's Angels...

[@StefanDrury]

@@antoinehanekom4689 *starts designing 'Milkshake's Angels' logo...*

[@kithiraa6348]

What a great experience! I flew in on Saturday and got to taxi around and the kind ground controller got us to taxi all the way around to TWY H where the 747 was parked. Once in a lifetime experience to see that 747 in a Qantas livery for probably the last time.

[@StefanDrury]

Yes good point, that’s a sight we won’t see at Australian airports much longer. Glad you had a great trip too, and I agree the controllers were excellent.

[@MattNav]

This video left me grinning from ear to ear. Awesome job stefan ! Obviously it's sad about the circumstances. Seeing you flying into SYD and over the harbour was really fun.

[@StefanDrury]

Yeah I agree, it’s not under great circumstances. But to keep the airport moving and help the industry whilst it’s quiet I was glad to go visit.

[@jessicahao3185]

Wait.... the dash8 said ‘hi stef’?!? That’s soooo cooll! (10:35)

[@raidazz1]

Aussie ATC are some of the best in the world! Great video

[@phillipmiles4351]

This made me happy.. Did my training at YSBK in 2005, have done a few Victor 1 scenic flights over the years, but have newer landed a GA aircraft at YSSY. Great video mate.

[@navg7284]

13:18min Totally agree! Safe flying Stefan.

[@lepermessiyah5823]

really love how humble you are at the end, and how good it is to see someone genuinely enjoying their passion. this if what flying is about

[@maxwalchli5093]

Oh thank you that was wonderful I do hope that after your operation you come back to us fighting fit for more flying we love you kind regards Christine and Max xx

[@7figuretraveller]

Got to be one of the top fly byes you can do Awesome

[@DaveHines1]

Nice one Stef , it’s sad that so many planes are on the ground , but every cloud ........ Enjoy !

[@JDtheBushwalker]

Stefan, don't apologise for being giddy, I was giddy just watching it! Thanks for the content mate, great as always. I reliase that this is an old one, but I'm trying to do a full lap (or should I say circuit) of your content because I love it so much

[@mateovalencia2984]

You are the best aviation KZbinr. You are always very passionate and your videos are of extremely high quality!

[@StefanDrury]

That means a lot, thanks Mateo. There are some great content creators out there, I'm glad you enjoy my work.

[@duncanwalker]

What a great video and flight. Thankyou so much.

[@lachmaclean2383]

Waaaay back in the 80s when I was learning, I did a Navex that included orbits over North Head and the harbour with a landing on 16R. That was in a Grumman AA5 and I felt very insignificant being up there with all the heavies. Even with an intersection departure, I could have taken off twice in the distance available!!!! As I don't fly anymore, it's great to get back in the seat with you-virtually.

[@markentwistle2158]

Stunning. Incredible.

[@dayvideo64]

Loved the flyover of Sydney Harbour!

[@Georgewrigley]

Just an awesome video/flight. Great adventures buddy, enjoy your channel. Thanks for sharing! Stay safe and fly safe. :)

[@lou2737]

Great vid stef once again. Very entertaining!

[@aeroenthusiast7148]

Stef you are my inspiration for becoming a pilot

[@jennymark7403]

Well sefan, what a great flight, amazing views and doing something others only wish for well done.

[@paullindwall8591]

Stef you can fly to Sydney at any time during normal ops just go during the curfew

[@lukelouw6610]

Great video mate! Now you MUST FLY TO YBBN (Brisbane Int), especially since the new runway has finished its construction and will open very soon!

[@sideslipsteve]

Very very cool Stefan, looks like you had a great time 👍

[@MissionaryBushPilot]

What 360 camera are you using on your wing? And is it waterproof?

[@kingstonwhite8935]

I really love your video's and share what it's like to be a private pilot

[@PhotographyEnthusiast]

Truly awesome. I used to fly about 20 years ago but your adventures have inspired me to take up flying again now that I have just retired. Just need to wait for the world to get going again. Keep the vids coming.

[@jcr150658]

Ah memories. Fly up from Wollongong, coastal, down to 500ft, Victor 1, up to Manly with a request for a Harbour Scenic. Below the cliff tops at South Head. Orbit Manly, receive clearance for a Scenic, east of the bridge, north of the opera house, watch & listen to the heavies departing SYD, magic!!

[@jamiemartin2932]

Wow Stef, that was incredible. Your acknowledgement of the absolute privilege to see the world from the skies is truly refreshing. A fantastic reminder to aviators across the world to take a moment to truly appreciate the gift of flight. A huge thanks for this video Stef. Amazing!!

[@StefanDrury]

Thanks Jamie. I honestly think we’re incredibly lucky to be in a position to fly like this, so thanks for saying that. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@ianmooney213]

Gotta say, when you do it, you do it well. Full ground tour plus exit over the city and loop the harbour. Love your work!

[@StefanDrury]

Well if you’re going to do it, do it with style! Thanks Ian.

[@lukeholmes7511]

Great little take off film sequence. Keep up the good work!

[@StefanDrury]

I enjoyed making that one. Thanks Luke 👍

[@a9503128]

I’m so privileged to live in this beautiful city, welcome to Sydney

[@suddenshotty]

Sydney has to be my favourite place to fly out from, its really nice just looking over the harbour area and seeing everything below.

[@craigwillis3372]

Knew you could this !! FANTASTIC FLIGHT mate and well done as always !! Hope Milkshake enjoyed it !! Best line " Echo Yankee Zulu cleared to land "" Magnificent !! So sad mate as I Melbourne to see such little activity at Sydney ( Mascot ) Airport..awful !! I should have used its correct title Kingsford Smith Airport !! No wake turbulence after United ?? Like you Stef I lived in Sydney but for a fair proportion of my life before moving to Melbourne and the Harbour never ceases to amaze me and on a day like you had for flying...brilliant !!

[@JodelFlyer]

Another great adventure Stef. Thanks for taking us along with you. Nice shout out as well as you taxied past. Excellent 🙂 👍 🇬🇧

[@MrFakeMaker101]

My mate showed me this video and I instantly loved it, going to spend the rest of the night watching these videos! Also I work for qantas at the international terminal and haven’t been to work in months so this is extra special!

[@billnicholson2470]

Very very cool Stefan. Thanks for taking us along for the ride!

[@kiwidave72]

You picked a great day

[@mjotd8670]

Brilliant! What stunning views on approach! Excellent production Stef !

[@unionone61]

Awesome 👏 video! Loved every minute of it great flight. Controllers did an awesome job as well!!!! Hats 🎩 off...

[@KieranMellorFilms]

I randomly came across your video, very cool to watch! But even cooler because I can see my street in the video! I never hear this kind of aircraft flying over my house and remember hearing one fly over recently - it must have been you!

[@ndankers8450]

Omg atc voice make me miss flying in australia

[@f-16guy30]

Stef, excellent videography and that moment at 12:30 is postcard beautiful!

[@StefanDrury]

It's a beautiful harbour, that was a really special moment to fly EYZ over it for the first time. Thanks as always mate.

[@stephenthompson5260]

Well that brings back memories. I did my training at Bankstown in 1982. After one trip to the north, on the way back my instructor asked if we could land at Sydney. Approaching 19 (now 19R) tower told us to keep our speed up and take the first high speed taxiway left, as we were being followed by a (from memory) 747 with it's flaps hanging out. We were pedaling as fast as possible and they were riding the brakes downhill. We taxied round to the GA parking. When we left, we departed 07 from what is now D, don't need much runway in a little Cessna, right turn then direct Bankstown. Couldn't do that now (except during this shutdown).

[@Norry218]

Great Video Stef, Good to see you back in Sydney.

[@OnePilot12222]

What a lovely flyover view of Sydney harbour! Great video

[@andrewprice4569]

If the border opens, you should come up to Brisbane next month when the new runway opens. You could be one of the first planes to land on it!

[@dayz1058]

This is an amazing video!! Thanks for uploading

[@michaelsharkey3894]

This is nuts, great viewing! Can't believe you did that!

[@StefanDrury]

Fun hey? A great experience which I'm very lucky to have enjoyed. Thanks for watching Michael.

[@joshuamcnickle]

Awesome stuff. Come by East Sale for an approach for your next video!

[@KiwiPokerPlayer]

I know nothing about aviation, I stumbled across this video and was glued to the whole thing. Looking through the comments you guys seem to know what you're talking about and might be able to answer a few questions. Stefan mentioned he had to jump through a few hoops to set up these landings, were the guys in the tower aware they were doing him a bit of a favour? Did they know how excited he was to be landing at these airports? I understand this was possible due to the fact there is limited air travel at the moment and probably wouldn't have happened if things were "normal".

[@arokh72]

Only found your channel today mate. Great to see an Aussie aviation KZbinr, and flying an aircraft that's achievable for many a pilot. As for me, I'm sadly too fat (about 135kg) and too poor (on DSP) for the aviation world. At least I can live vicariously through videos like yours, and MSFS.

[@paulmark63]

What a wonderful video. Well done. The views are amazing we’ll done from Paul

[@AndyRRR0791]

Nice work Stef! Next stop - NZFX, McMurdo Station...?

[@ian7463]

Absolutely amazing!!! So lucky with weather in Sydney and Melbourne

[@DJ99777]

Beautiful scenery. Nice vid, thanks for the ride along.

[@StefanDrury]

Cheers Daniel, thanks for watching.

[@spiro5327]

That was great, was hoping you would do this. Wish i was in the cockpit with you for this one. Interesting you were given taxi instructions before landing. Great view over the bridge. Very enjoyable, thanks Stef

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Wow. What an incredible experience. Thanks for taking us along! 👌

[@StefanDrury]

Thanks for flying along with me, it was a really amazing experience for me. Glad you enjoyed it too.

[@viewerad]

Another great vid, Stefan. Wonderful views! One question and one OCD comment... Have you considered a RAM mount for the iPad? I place it in the lower left side of the windshield and it works great. The comment is... maybe those seatbelt buckles should be more centered? (yes, totally OCD, I know, I apologize)

[@duncancallow]

thanks for sharing that; what an awesome experience. And I have to agree, Aussie ATC are so accommodating and helfpul.

[@msaviation478]

Great video Stef, as always. Thank you so much for sharing this incredible experience of landing at Sydney International. Look forwards for the next video. Keep up the great work, and stay safe! 👍🤗

[@aarondcruz7620]

Goosebumps all through mate! Well done

[@StefanDrury]

Thanks for riding along Aaron.

[@HenrysAviation]

wait a minute... was the plane i saw... you!?

[@Peacewind152]

Coolest moment in my flight training so far was when we were holding short of the runway and we heard a Boeing 737-MAX call from behind us. My CFI snapped pictures as I taxied out. I kinda hope I gave the pilots of the big bird some nostalgia as I executed a wobble af took off in my itty bitty Cessna 152. Dealing with 737s at my airport is common as it's a regional hub in Canada, but that experience was just bloody cool.

[@samv9416]

One word, phenomenal

[@theprudentpilot788]

Absolutely gorgeous country! Thanks for sharing brother!

[@andycoles4588]

Wow!! Awesome. Thanks for sharing, reminded me of flying over Sydney Harbour in 2005 . I flew from Bankstown Airport with an instructor as I didnt have the time to sit some tests to allow me to fly on my own as I had a UK CAA licence. Like you said ATC were fantastic and allowed me to do a few orbits of the Harbour. My eyes were out on stalks with other traffic but it was an amazing experience. Love Australia and the people there, it felt like home. Thanks again for sharing your amazing experience. 👍 Can't wait to visit again.

[@bernadettelanders7306]

That was so cool, the views were stunning. I hate flying lol, terrified lol. Flown a few times interstate from Melbourne. I prefer watching your vids from my couch 😁👍

[@walkingwithsteve0583]

Loved this. One of your best.

[@beagle7622]

Saw you I think recently. I live in the Waverley area a lot of aircraft heading into Moorabbin fly close to my house . A very neat looking low wing plane went over, was too far away too pick up the rego.

[@davevallance]

Instant subscribe 45 seconds in. So good.

[@mkashani2846]

Great job Stef 👌🏻👏🏻

[@jamescugley1734]

what a buzz gr8 job

[@snowbearer]

As far as my own experiences have been thus far, people flying smaller planes tend to have this irrational fear of flying into the TMA of a larger commercial airport. Sure, the landing fees are a deterrent in of themselves, but the ATC is (usually) super accommodating and helpful, as that is their job. I was lucky enough to have started my training right next to a busy international airport, which meant that we got used to communicating with their ATC on almost every single flight, getting used to listening the busier frequencies and getting efficient on our own comms, but even without that experience, it's nothing to be afraid of. So I'd really recommend taking Stefans example here and going for it! Call ahead (as you should whenever flying to a new airport) and study the local practices from AIS. It's a great experience under your belt and a nice confidence booster.

[@sir-jj3552]

Can’t say that Stef has waisted his time on this rock. Inspirational in so many ways, you just keep plugging away at it. Good on you!😎

[@StefanDrury]

Life is short, and this planet is beautiful. I’m lucky to be able to explore it in this way. Thanks for saying that Jim.

[@ifly1]

OMG, really AMAZING video. People really don't realise the effort you put into this AMAZING content. Good on you Stef, hope you enjoyed it!

[@StefanDrury]

As long as they’re enjoying it that’s what matters to me. But I appreciate the kind words, thank you.

[@ciara2837]

may have seen you come in on the flightradar! have seen a lot of light aircraft around Sydney International and overhead my house considering the lack of jets and its been awesome

[@leonbogman5074]

That must have been a amazing experiance! This was also a awesome video to watch, Thanks a lot!:)

[@StefanDrury]

It was, one I’ll remember for a long time. Thanks Leon.

[@nathnaelmengisu3768]

I just saw this video and I’m now going to sign up for my pilots license. Maybe one day I’ll fly this same route. Great content tho.

[@MichaelSutton]

Awesome video, you virtually flew directly over our home at Cronulla, I’ve passed this on to my son who is an A330 pilot for Cathay Pacific based on Hong Kong.

[@StefanDrury]

Thanks Michael, hope your son is flying at full capacity again soon.

[@MichaelSutton]

Stefan Drury thanks appreciate you replying

[@richdad100]

One of your best matee

[@barkly1992]

Did a flight into SYD when a student under instruction and later as a PPL before they charged. Lined up and was about #6 behind a range of domestic and international jets. VFR 18 October 1979 CB-SY-BK-CB PA28-161 YVK. Again 24 December and 29 December and Nov 11 and 12 1980. One of the advantages of learning to fly in a Primary Control Zone.

[@walterweigert9840]

Hi Stefan!!! Long time no writting to you. If that was a recent video ¡¡¡¡I´m so glad to see Milkshke back on board!!!!! ¿Have you recovered the original or is she just a replacement? Nice video! Your thrill is so contagious! As always, a big hugg from northeast patagonia, Argentina.

[@alanmelb]

Wow! The words 'Cleared To Land' were so clean and understandable. I saw a post where a pilot was arguing with San Francisco tower over speech clarity. The ATC repeatedly said 'CLITTERLAR' instead of 'Cleared To Land'. Some viewers excused ATC claiming that abbreviated dialogue is required at busy airports. What? All the more reason to be precise with flight instructions. And don't get me started on some East Coast Airports. Their speech is so muffled you would think they had a mouthful of donuts. By the way Stefan, excellent vid.

[@milk-it]

I don't know how I missed this video, Stef. It's gorgeous! I saw a video a while back with a C172 flying into LAX before COVID - what a lot of chatter and organised chaos that approach had compared to this!

[@willwarren1483]

It is so good to watch your energy. There are so many things happening right now that can be very taxing. Then I watch you videos and forget for a moment everything else, and I fell I am actually flying on the wing of your plane in a little capsule. Fells good :-)

[@fnwood5951]

Would have been in Sydney and Melbourne in six weeks time first time in years. We will visit next year. Thanks for taking us there . Xxx

[@StefanDrury]

Oh no, sorry your trip has been affected. Hope you can get out here soon though.

[@piotrekflo]

Stunning view. I like it.

[@Razorback68]

Super video!! Thanks for letting us ride along!!

[@StefanDrury]

Thanks for coming along for the ride Don.

[@faisalsultan892]

You're awesome. After all these years flying makes you smile and giddy like a kid in a candy store. (Much like me).

[@lloydavontuur3018]

This was great fun as usual. Thanks for the ride along. And welcome back Milkshake 😉👍