I left at the exact time that the actual flight was due to depart Auckland (14:25 local NZST).
I had the scanner on at home and heard the real New Zealand 175 flying overhead Melbourne at the same time I was.
I also listened to Perth on RealATC and my descent was EXACTLY as per the real flight, including hearing him being asked if he wanted to taxi via RWY06 or off on Papa just as I was exiting on Papa!
I had some HORRENDOUS headwinds on the way over including 171 knots on the nose out of Auckland and was down 289 knots GS at one stage.
Perth had some much needed rain on my arrival but the METAR left a LOT to be desired:
YPPH 270949Z 03016KT 7000 -RA FEW015 BKN030 BKN070 12/12 Q1011 RERA FM1030 34015/26KT 2000 RA BKN005 BKN035
Here's some shots of the trip:
1. In the cruise mid-Tasman:
2. Overhead Melbourne city:
3. Another overhead Melbourne:
4. Melbourne from a different angle:
5. In the cruise over the Great Australian Bight:
6. As the sun sets over Western Australia:
7. On approach in cloud, wind and rain:
8. Severe turbulence on short finals:
A great flight over!
Mark
