Search called off for plane over Sydney

The search for a small plane in distress over Sydney's northern beaches has been called off after it was discovered the plane was doing an engine failure drill.

A helicopter spent more than half an hour scouring the area between Pittwater and Narrabeen on Thursday morning after a number of triple-zero calls reported that a small plane was labouring, a Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter spokesman said.

Police also responded to the calls with officers from a local command, PolAir and water police assisting.

Police confirmed the search was called off after it was discovered the plane had been undertaking simulated engine failure training and had since safely landed at Bankstown airport.

Westpac LifeSaver Helicopter said while pilots weren't required to notify air traffic authorities ahead of simulations, it was a good idea to err on the safe side.

"The eyewitness reports would suggest this was reasonably low and close to the coast line ... it would make sense that you'd tell the appropriate authority," spokesman Stephen Leahy told AAP.