Helicopter Operations at Sydney (YSSY).
VFR helicopters are generally processed via one of Sydney’s Helicopter Routes. There are both inbound and outbound routes. Each procedure is delivered as a coded clearance designed to separate helicopters from fixed-wing aircraft.
Inbound coded clearances contain tracking, altitudes, a clearance limit and at which waypoint to self-transfer to tower.
Outbound coded clearances contain tracking and altitude to be flown. Outbound routes typically end at the CTA boundary.
You can find each Helicopter Route below, and full details are in the ERSA FAC YSSY.
Refer to Heliport Responsibility to determine which ADC position (when both are online) is responsible for managing helicopter arrivals and departures.
Departures
VFR helicopters are generally processed via an outbound helicopter route (see above). IFR helicopters should conform to fixed wing ops and be processed via the SY (RADAR) SID from an appropriate runway, unless a visual departure is acceptable.
SY ACD will issue airways clearance for all helicopters, including those on a helicopter route. The helicopter route title should be recorded in the global ops field and the route waypoints should be added to the FDR route, as below.
Most helicopters will be capable of departing from their company helipad. If reposition is required to Helipad 1 (the primary helipad), this must be approved by SY ADC.
Helipad 1 is controlled by SY ADC and treated like a runway (takeoff clearances required). All other pads are outside Tower’s jurisdiction and do not require a takeoff/landing clearance, however, approval must still be sought for helicopters to become airborne in the SY CTR. This approval is communicated in the form of a requirement to ‘report airborne’.
Helicopter operations should be accommodated without unduly delaying fixed wing traffic to/from the aerodrome. Where possible, visually separate helicopters and fixed wing aircraft, and when necessary, delegate responsibility for separation to the helicopter.
Arrivals
IFR helicopters should conform to fixed wing ops and be processed via an appropriate runway.
VFR helicopters are generally processed via by one of Sydney’s Helicopter Routes. Each route includes a clearance limit which helicopters should be instructed to hold at (if required due traffic) or cleared a visual approach (which inherently cancels the clearance limit).
SY TCU will clear helicopters for all inbound Helicopter Routes, with the exception of the CAPE BANKS 5 INBOUND and WANDA 5 INBOUND. Tower controllers should assess the current traffic situation and issue clearances for these aircraft when available.
During times of peak fixed wing traffic, instruct helicopters to hold at their designated clearance limit on their Helicopter Route and maintain own separation on approach to the heliport.
Helipad 1 is controlled by SY ADC and treated like a runway (landing clearances required). All other pads are outside Tower’s jurisdiction and do not require a takeoff/landing clearance. Helicopters should be instructed to ‘report on the ground’ so the controller knows when they are no longer active in their airspace.
Hospital Helipads
The Sydney CTR contains a several of hospital helipads: Sydney Childrens Hospital (YXSN) and Randwick Medical (YXRA) to the east; Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (YRPA) to the north; and St George Hospital (YXSG) to the west. These pads sit outside the manoeuvring area, so no takeoff or landing clearances should be issued. Instead, helicopters should be instructed to report airborne or report on the ground.
Arriving helicopters will be cleared for a visual approach by SY TCU and transferred to SY ADC. ADC should instruct these aircraft to report on the ground. During times of poor weather, helicopters may be cleared for the ILS approach to the closest runway with an expectation of breaking off the approach and tracking to the hospital when they become visual. In these situations, SY TCU will coordinate any approach expectations to ADC.
Departing helicopters require an airways clearance to either transit the CTR into the adjacent Class G airspace, or to enter the overlying CTA as per their filed route. It may be necessary to instruct departing helicopters to maintain own separation with other aircraft in the CTR if a suitable gap is not available for their departure.
Helicopters intending to enter SY TCU CTA must be first coordinated with SY TCU. Once the aircraft reports airborne and is clear of any conflicts in ADC’s airspace, they should be transferred to the TCU.
Source: VATPAC Sydney SOP, CC BY 4.0. Adapted for the simulator from the snapshot retrieved 2026-09-29; source updated 2026-09-01. Licence. Last modified on October 30, 2026
