QF63 A Long Way South

[NickN]

QF63 took a very different track today heading way way south of their normal route. Not sure what atmospheric conditions were like down that way today, maybe one of the resident pilots etc could let us know. Anyway here is a screen shot of how far they went.

[Oliver A]

Not unusual at all, they often go a lot further south via the east coast of Tas.

[Andrew RC]

Originally Posted by NickN

QF63 took a very different track today heading way way south of their normal route. Not sure what atmospheric conditions were like down that way today, maybe one of the resident pilots etc could let us know. Anyway here is a screen shot of how far they went.

Nothing too unsual with that track Nick. Outbound flight usually tracks overhead Melbourne, then down through the Southern Ocean near Heard Island before crossing the Sth African coast near Durban usually on a NNW heading, usually ending in a gentle right turn onto a straight in approach for 03R.

Certain times of the year you can see icebergs if you get far enough south, but the self loading freight usually don't see it with the shutters down.

[Justin L]

When I flew on QF63 last May, from memory from the flight path map we crossed the coast around Geelong and kept heading south, similar to your screen shot, before arcing around towards South Africa and crossing the coast there near Durban before heading to Johannesburg.

[NickN]

I just found it interesting as most days I watch the flight and this is the furthest south I have seen them go. Normally they track overhead Melbourne then hop accross the bight.

[Mick F]

It would depend entirely on forecast winds.

The Pacific routes operate on what they call "Flex" routes. Basically routes made up on the day dependant upon winds.

I can only assume that QF63 is the same.

Mick

[Owen H]

I've done it SYD then straight over Hobart and keep going to 64 South... and yes, it is a bloody long way. Solid ice (not just the 'bergs) that time!