Sydney Airport - Observation Deck Closure

[Sarah C]

Well said Justin - even the airside ones are being restricted, with more objects and building works blocking the views even more and more.

[Jim M]

Sorry guys, but to me it's all dribble.
Whilst the deck might need some repairs to render it safe, I accept and have no issue with a closure, whilst this occurs.
However, to close it permanently and then tell us all that the Rydges is available, when it clearly is not without booking a room, is nothing short of disgraceful. I, for one didn't come down in today's rain and am offended that they are taking me for a fool.

Whilst their competitions are great, you have to enter, and win. It is for a very small minority, without catering for anyone else.
This so called solution with a runway view, that they are supposedly working on, I doubt we will ever see. We have enough problems with the supposed spotting locations that the airport promotes as such, now. Parking problems, restricted views, security and so the list goes on.

I'm sorry to sound negative, but for me, this is just about the final straw and I am seriously thinking about whether or not, a trip out to the field is even worth it any more

Jim

[Scott L.]

It's all spin.

The observation deck is needed for income generating purposes. They need to maintain something that does not generate an income.

They are only half serious at being genuinely supportive of an aviation community. Unless it makes huge margin, they are not interested. Just look at the parking prices.

The hotel is nice, but it's hardly within reach of a spotter or the punter who wants to show the kids the planes before nana takes off. The other areas are dumps.

The "unique experience" will have a cost, make no mistake.

Bring on Badgerys creek and don't let Max and Macquarie Airports anywhere near it.

[Steve Bottom]

Just go to the Rydges Plaza, tell them Sydney airports sent you, and to send the bill to them...

[Kent Broadhead]

My parents didn't take me on a commercial flight until around 1975, but we'd fairly regularly go onto the T1 observation deck. I have strong memories of just how loud planes were in those days. Both my kids have been to the now closed observation deck as well.

I can see the difficulties with maintaining cleanliness and security (there clearly wasn't the bar and cafe demand), but well respected airports encourage aviation tourism. Surely a small investment and active promotion can generate income?

[Justin L]

Some airports even charge a nominal fee for entry to the observation deck.

[Brenden S]

Re open the radar field I say.

[Ryan Hothersall]

Originally Posted by Justin L

Some airports even charge a nominal fee for entry to the observation deck.

Deck at Frankfurt had a fee of 5 euros, which I thought was acceptable.

Viewing park at Manchester was something like 2-3 pound to get in.

[LES B]

Agree with Matthew Chisholm,Jim M,Scott 's comments. I am sure charging a 'nominal' and I mean nominal not like the car park, fee to visit the viewing deck. This would also keep the yahoo's off the area also. Serious aviation enthusiasts I am sure would pay a fee for the use of the area. The fee charge could be used for maintenance and cleaning of the deck. It is not only 'local' aviation enthusiasts that use the deck, but interstate and INTERNATIONAL enthusiasts look forward to using when is Sydney. Perhaps SACL should look at the Perth area - and find a area like that and make it into viewing area. Also the
Sheps Mound area - if they got rid of the multitude of lamp poles around the fence line would make it much better for photographers getting decent images without all the lamp poles in front of them. [I think the amount of lamp poles is a bit of an overkill by SACL].

[Jarden S]

Maybe they are trying to deter the spotters from there as well.