Runway Modes at Sydney (YSSY).
Preferred Runway Modes
- Permitted only between the hours of 2300 and 0600 Local. Pilot requests that would contravene curfew restrictions must still be accommodated.
In general, the SODPROPS, 16D/07A, and 25D/34A modes are most suitable for noise abatement. The PROPS modes are most suitable for higher capacity. Since for the most part, neither of these are a factor on VATSIM, it is up to you which runway mode you would like to operate, subject to winds. Consider favouring the higher capacity PROPS modes during busy times, such as events like Milk Run Monday or Panic Stations.
Runway Selection
When PROPS are in progress, aircraft shall be assigned the following runways for departure (unless operationally required otherwise):
Heavy aircraft, particularly international departures, will often operationally require Runway 34L/16R. Assigning Runway 34L/16R to aircraft from the international apron can also improve aerodrome efficiency due to the reduced taxi distance.
SODPROPS
During SODPROPS, all departures shall be assigned RWY 16L, except:
aircraft who operationally require RWY 34L (generally heavy jets)
non-jet aircraft departing to the west or south
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
