During this time we will attempt to report on all arrivals, departures and significant aircraft movements in the area.

We expect to generate a high number of Twitter messages during this time and encourage our followers to temporarily block our account if they do not wish to receive these messages.

Follow us on our official account @AirservicesNews or by using #sydatc to learn more about air traffic control at Sydney Airport.

Here are some key terms that may be used by @AirservicesNews during this activity:

Final – the term ‘final’ or ‘final approach’ refers to the last leg flown by an aircraft before landing on the runway. ‘Final’ can be either ‘short’ or ‘long’, the exact distances of which will vary depending on the airport and aircraft.

Long final – refers to when an aircraft is lined up to land on the runway and where there is a significant distance to fly before touching down.

Short final – refers to when an aircraft is lined up to land on the runway and is moments to touching down.

Holding pattern – is a circular or ‘race track’ pattern flown by aircraft awaiting clearance to land at an airport.

Parallel approaches – at Sydney Airport, two of the runways run parallel to each other. It is not uncommon to have an aircraft landing or approaching one runway, with another aircraft on approach to the parallel runway at the same time.

Flow (sequence) – Air traffic controllers working in our terminal control unit at Sydney Airport will establish the ‘flow’ (the order or sequence) of arriving and departing aircraft using radar and other surveillance technology. This is crucial in ensuring that the airspace around our major airports is used safely and efficiently.

Related information

• How air traffic control works
• Become an air traffic controller
• About our aviation fire service