March 2016 Newsletter
AIR CHARTER NEWS March 2016
LAKE EYRE & TASTE of the OUTBACK
With strong interest generated by media coverage of the recent rains, our first Taste of the Outback tour for the year departed in February. Our party of five, plus pilot Tony, got to experience fantastic coverage of the Lake and greenery along the Diamantina River from Birdsville to Lake Eyre north. The picture above is approaching Lake Eyre from the North and right is our group in front of the Birdsville Hotel.
However, will the water last? No one knows as it depends on further rains. It is obviously evaporating and now the water is really confined to the Warburton Groove and the SW corner at Belt Bay. The Lake Eyre Yacht club always has the latest status. The Bureau of Meteorology predicts a 55-65% chance of above average rainfall in the next few months with a decline in El Nino, so time will tell if this falls in the Lake Eyre catchment. We’ve just heard Birdsville had 50 mm last night! BUT… our Taste of the Outback tours are still stunning, regardless of water levels, as they include much more than just the Lake and we often say the Lake is amazing even when dry.
BESPOKE AIR TOURS CONTINUE TO PROVE SUCCESSFUL
Our Bespoke (design your own) tours continue to be popular. We have a number of these in the planning stage including the Kimberley and one to Ayers Rock. By special request, pilots Darron and Peter hosted a private tour for a couple who wanted to see the Outback on a tight time-frame, making the King Air the obvious choice.
They visited Broken Hill, Tiboburra, Birdsville, Muloorina Station on Lake Eyre, Coober Pedy and Arkaba Station in the Flinders Ranges. They were all highlights!
MAINTENANCE AND SAFETY
You may not be aware how regularly our aircraft undergo compulsory maintenance checks. These are heavily regulated by CASA and while aircraft may not be “new” they are extremely well maintained. Our piston fleet, the Navajo and Chieftain, undergo inspections every 100 flying hours. Panels are opened up, cables and wiring checked, engines, propellors, wheels, undercarriage and the whole airframe are included. It can be quite a sight to see the process. The picture shows the King Air currently undergoing its 200 hour check which can take 2 – 3 weeks. Aircraft maintenance plays a huge role in your safety.
LAST TOUR TO LORD HOWE ISLAND BEFORE WINTER
Includes Cessnock winery ($7,990 pp)
Enjoy 4 days relaxing and touring on the island.
We are changing the April date from 23rd to April 26th for our 6 day tour. However this date is still negotiable. First day is at Cessnock and the wineries to get you in the mood before 4 great days on the Island.
Please email us if you are interested in this tour or other dates between April and May.
More details
SEATS STILL AVAILABLE ON “TASTE OF THE OUTBACK” TOURS
Birdsville, Lake Eyre & the Flinders Ranges (from $3295pp)
These tours have been selling well. Many are now fully booked but the dates below still have space….don’t miss out. Birdsville, Lake Eyre and the Flinders Ranges are waiting for you!
25th Mar 4 days..see special discounts page
2nd May 3 days.
8th Jul 4 days.
More details Email an inquiry
DON’T MISS THE KIMBERLEY/TOP END & CAPE YORK TOURS
KIMBERLEY and TOP END 14 days
($15,750 pp)
A stunning way to see rock art, crocodiles, barramundi, gorges, bird life in the Kimberley and Top End.
We have 4 tour dates scheduled this year.
Apr 30th, May 28th, Jul 16th and Aug 13th
More details
CAPE YORK ($11,950 pp) 12 days
Is the Tip of Australia on your bucket list? If so, only one trip this year on the 25th June
More details
GREAT FOOD & FUN ON RECENT TASSY BASS STRAIT TOURS
Our clients enjoyed a successful 4 day trip to Flinders Island, over Cradle Mountain, Strahan (the wilderness steam train and boat cruise) then a great tour of King Island. The seafood meal was perfect! They had great weather and a super time.
SNIPPETS
- Come and visit us at the Tyabb Air Show this Sunday 13th Mar. Our Chieftain will be on display.
- Check our prices/schedule on the website for more tours and dates.
- Only 2 trips left this season to the Gawler Ranges and Kangaroo Island…Mar 30th & April 20th.
- If you want to join one of the Kimberley or Cape York tours….click the link to email us.
Successful charter to Bathurst 12 hour race….Unfortunately our clients had bad luck in the race.
OUR PILOTS
As many of you know, we did have a female pilot (Kirsty) but she has gone to Virgin. We now only have male pilots and even though males are often attributed with the comment that they “can’t do two things at once” we are sure they are much more capable than this chap on Youtube trying to do the vacuuming at home!!! Click on the picture.