Shifting Sydney

There is lightning on the horizon as we begin our approach, and each flash lights the tumultuous clouds from within as they roll toward the harbour. It’s been a jumpy ride so far, the propellers on the tiny Dash-8 they use on Canberra to Sydney runs whining as we jostle and bump our way through the pre-storm turbulence. I watch the lights of boats below and wonder whether they’re heading out into the storm, or returning home.

I notice three boats in a row, lights blinking in sequence: red, white, red, white. It’s very hard to get a sense of perspective in the dark and I can’t tell which of the boats is closest. Then there’s another flash of lightning and the red light I’m watching reveals itself to be the tail section of another plane, silhouetted for a second against the ocean. We bank to the right and drop down over the headland, and it’s staggering how quickly we close the distance. What was a beating red light against the blackness is now a plane in full form. I can make out windows against the fuselage, and the shapes of people behind them. We can’t be more than a few hundred metres apart.

My heart jumps involuntarily into my throat and I look around at the other passengers to judge their reaction. It’s impossible to know if this is normal, but I fly a lot, and I’ve never seen anything like it before. People seem calm, engrossed with blackberries, piles of documents, disposable container of crackers and cheese, and I think I’m the only one looking out the window. Behind me, a business suited couple continue their conversation about digital radio.

Another shudder of turbulence jumps us to the right, and we’re closer still, mirror planes in reflection as gear unlock and lower in flawless synchronisation. Our wing and theirs signalling each other: red, white, red, white. I watch their wheels smoke and spin as they touch the tarmac and a second later am pressed backward into my seat as ours do the same.

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Sydney, where the local time is 9:32 pm. While we are on the ground, we do want you to remain completely safe, so please do not move around the cabin until we have come to a complete stop at the terminal gate. Please also be careful when opening the overhead lockers because, as we all know, shift happens.”

Posted in Travel on Sunday August 2, 2009.