Melbourne City Orbits

Another day of flying- this time I had someone who wanted some photos of the Melbourne CBD for a project (not commercial) so I decided it would be a great chance to fly my first orbit of the city.

I read a little in the VPG about doing city orbits, but it wasn't very descriptive so I spoke to my instructor who explained the proceedure. I wasn't able to snap up the new C172 which I had been endorsed to fly in just a few days before (booked out all day compared to the old 172 which was free all day), so it was time to return to my piloting roots in a 172N.

Obviously you quickly realise how loud the engine is and how much more likely to fall apart the cockpit looks straight away but I wasn't going to let it phase me. With the passengers onboard we taxied to the runway. This is only my second time using the 13 runways at Moorabbin (used to 17/35), so there is still some learning to do in terms of airport layout and so on, but we lifted off with no trouble.

At Albert Park Lake I set the transponder to 0100 and called Essendon Tower, who then gave clearance to do two right hand city orbits while remaining east of the Bolte Bridge.

Each orbit is an impressive experience with no shortage of familiar landmarks. We flew from Albert Park Lake to the Bolte Bridge (staying east of course) and then flew around the 'back' or northern side of the city. It was then on to the MCG and back down to Albert Park Lake.

For those with a controlled airspace endorsement, a city orbit or two is a must-do flying experience, and I look forward to doing more in the future. Once we finished orbit 2, we got the 'radar services terminated' call from Essendon, and then proceeded back to Moorabbin for arrival via Brighton for 13R.