For me, this shot represents the ultimate synthesis of man and flying machine; a friendly Virgin ground crew-member hugs a friendly Virgin B777 VH-VPE as she is being prepared for her final departure from Sydney following Virgin’s withdrawal from international service, 23.10.20.

VAI B777 VH-VPE blasts off LA-bound from Sydney 34L, stunning against a stark blue sky. My daughter was a VAI cabin crew-member, and sadly Covid saw her dream job evaporate after 4 years. VPE was a regular for her, and on this my first ever shoot, she and I waited on Nigel Love bridge on a beautiful August morning in 2019 for VPE’s departure,1.8.19. Turns out this became my first published pic - In Focus, June 2020. Beginner’s luck!

On the occasion of the Qantas 100th anniversary I was at Rose Bay to capture a B787 celebratory flyover of the old flying boat base. By the time she arrived it was getting a bit dark for a decent shot; while waiting I did get this golden hour pic of DHC-2 Beaver VH-NTZ at her mooring. I just love how last light shimmering on water blends with muted red/brown livery of the aircraft. 16.11.20

Another day, another Beaver...VH-SWB commutes daily over my house from Bankstown to Rose Bay and return, the rumbling P&W R1340 a most welcome sound. Becoming airborne she gracefully lifts one pontoon; her pristine white wings and fuselage in contrast with the grey day at Pittwater almost make this a B/W shot. 18.9.20

On a recent trip to Kyeemagh I shot Jetstar A320 VH-VQE with late afternoon sun accentuating her flowing silver contours. 20.2.21

Another late afternoon pic from the Kyeemagh shoot, arriving Singapore Airlines A350 9V-SCM is all burnished Golden Bird! 20.2.21

This shot is one of my favourites; pretty little SAAB 340 VH-KQD levitating off Sydney’s 16R before a backdrop of furloughed Qantas heavy metal. Taken from Shep’s mound under the control tower, this is an early panning shot, a technique I have much admired in the work of some aviationtraffic.org contributors. 6.10.20

There are many nooks and crannies around Sydney airport where a tele lens can poke through a gap in a fence. In the GA area RAAF C17A A41-207 is being prepared for departure to Richmond. Growing up I was fascinated by the concept of a trolley-acc, used to start Merlin engines on Spitfires and Hurricanes. Attached to this big bird is a contemporary trolly-acc! 12.2.21

Qantas B737 VH-XZI scrambles from runway 34L at Sydney. Her elegant nose just nudges the Brighton Kiosk, a favourite starting point for a beach walk and Kyeemagh breakwater shoot. 12.2.21

On my first visit to Kyeemagh breakwater, I nailed China Southern A330 B-1063 head-on as she vacated runway 16R onto taxiway Alpha; landing lights squarely aimed at me, perfectly positioned ‘twixt sky and sea...well bay anyway. This is an image I managed to capture dead level and well proportioned in the frame, no cropping required. Doesn’t happen very often. 14.11.20

This twin engine Air New Zealand B787 ZK-NZR has no problem tipping a wing into wind on touchdown following a crabbing approach to Sydney’s 34L. The ATIS was showing a solid westerly of about 25kts gusting 35, which meant I was guaranteed to get some action from my spot on the beach. 26.9.20

This pic of VH-OEE on late final into Runway 25 at Sydney shows her preparing for the crosswind landing, ailerons clearly into wind. The touchdown was spectacular! An ex-Qantas 747 pilot told me that in a crosswind you don’t land these four engine aircraft one wing down as you might a Warrior - you could “scrape a pod”... embarrassing and expensive. 12.11.19

Round engines are works of art. This Pratt & Whitney R1830 of TAA’s first aircraft, DC3 VH-AES, shows off the beautiful teal reduction drive housing. A surplus housing like this would make for an excellent display in a front garden. AES is maintained in airworthy condition at HARS. 21.10.20

Schofields Flying Club mounted an SFC Airforce expedition into Sydney during Covid-quiet time in September 2020, in which fourteen aircraft took part. I was fortunate to be allocated right seat of Cirrus VH-OJL, flown by an ex-Qantas pilot, now GA instructor. He knew Sydney ATC procedures very well indeed! It was a great experience. This shot is towards the end of an eight mile final, distance to touchdown not far, Kurnell just astern. Jetstar A320 is holding for us, and behind her C182 VH-STA, also from Schoies, maintains a prudent distance from the Airbus. We landed full stop, exited at Alpha 5, then departed behind STA, flying back to Bankstown in line astern with her. 20.9.20

My first ever successful motion-blur shot, taken at Warnervale airport during a monthly Central Coast Aero Club competition. Cessna C150 VH-VVQ delicately touches down on her right main wheel, demonstrating a perfect crosswind landing; I presume this Covid-safe gentleman scored well. 13.9.20

Did I mention I love round engines? The DC4 was a vital part of long range transport post-war, and HARS have done a stunning job of restoring this old girl, now registered VH-EAY. As a HARS member I had a small part in that restoration; applying Kitten #4 to the underside of her RH horizontal stabiliser while she was still VH-PAF. 12.11.20

Nigel Love Bridge at Sydney is an excellent spot to capture launches from runway 34L. QantasLink B717 VH-NXJ blasts off, her nether regions showing signs of honest hard work. Those beautiful lines against the perfect sky are very much on display here; she might officially be a B717, but always a DC9 to me! 1.8.19

I was loitering at The Oaks, an RAA airfield in south-western Sydney on a desolate overcast afternoon, chatting to the locals. One of them, well protected from the elements in a hi-vis poncho, fired up this beautiful little open cockpit Karasport, 10-0411. They departed in a light shower under the pure white cloud base for Wedderburn. Intrepid! 19.1.20

Round engines again...the Wright R3350 is pretty much the culmination of piston engine technology. A superb fit with the graceful lines of VH-EAG, HARS beautifully restored Lockheed Constellation. Even at rest these monsters seem to breathe fire! Connie is one of only two airworthy examples in the world. 12.11.20

The early retirement of the Qantas fleet of B747s was cause for great sorrow among spotters. I miss that glorious whistle and roar of P&W and RR engines, as Tokyo bound QF25 departed nightly overhead my house about 9.30pm. VH-OEJ was the final 747 to leave Australia. As she conducted a farewell flypast up Parramatta River this three-ship seagull guard of honour, in line abreast formation, was on wing to escort her. 22.7.20