JMLIS

I hosted quite a few gliding camps on my property years ago. They were chasing wave flying in the July and August westerlies. Most were equipped with portable oxygen. They got to around 18k feet at times I believe. I think my highest was 11k.

With a pilots license you can have a lot of very enjoyable times. Back in 1965 a Piper Colt cost six pounds two shillings and sixpence an hour ($12.25). In the following 61 years I have been lucky enough to fly more than 50 different types of aircraft and have owned, had shares in or had control over ten of them. One of those for over forty years until the flood waters went over the hangar gutters! Powered fixed wing, sail planes, helicopters, paragliders and parachutes. Still enjoy it as much as I did at 17 years old (Not quite up to para things these days). It can be expensive if you are silly enough to annalise it. At an average of 90 hours per year at say a conservative $200 of todays money per hour, that is very close to 1.1 million of self funded flying pleasure. Would not miss it for quids!

I have done quite a bit of that type of travel over the years with just my aircraft. That makes it easy, if you like a place you can stay an extra day or two, and don't arrange the next nights accommodation until the day before you need it. Always with pickup and return. A group flight will require much organisation, especially around accommodation for multiple people and different aircraft (and pilot) performance and reliability. I have enjoyed that type of trip too, but really admire the perseverance of the organizer!

Following some roads or rail lines below a low cloud base can be problematic when they disappear into a tunnel! No personal experience, but have heard of such events back in the sixties.

I generally use Emu Park when in that area, but if traveling north from there I track not far from Hedlow. Have used Hedlow but found it quite expensive.

Most of that type of country is on the East and Southeast of our continent. Google Earth could be useful these days to gain perspective. If weather and controlled airspace permit, altitude can reduce its influence.

Pre beacons the initial search was five miles each side of planned route. With GPS locator beacon I still fly direct routes over land, only over water if essential.

I can imagine an unlicensed pilot at Ballbay, or any small town with an airstrip, would have no reason to make contact with an instructor or use an electronic flight bag if they did not want to. It is a big country and few people ask questions unless you stand out from the normal. Generally when visiting small airports local pilots are treated with respect by most visiting pilots.

In 60 years of flying, apart from required reviews which un licensed pilots would not do, I have been asked for my license twice. Once was to get back to my aircraft at Perth airport before asic, and the other a helicopter ramp check at Lismore fuel bowser one Sunday some years ago.

The aircraft was a two seat tandum configured machine which the pilot purchased fairly recently, maybe 12 months. Built in Australia to the best of my knowledge.

Long time friend, very sad.

No pilot was born with lots of hours, just a little luck and a lot of learning!

I am sure my log book would show quite a few 8 hour plus flights from Narrabri to the gulf over the years. The secret is a good break with refreshments about every three hours. I have recently been regularly flying 6 hours between Lismore and Bowen with a midway break and arrive quite relaxed. Being a retired grazier I fly relatively low (500 to 1500 above terrain) and enjoy the view of the countryside.

I once had a share in a Pawnee glider tug. It was also owned by a company. The company was purchased as an existing entity. It was in the days of "The bottom of the harbour" finances. We called it a "Bottom of Keepit Dam Scheme"! The company name was "Rick's Insulation". Shares were bought and sold the same as a partnership, but the company was self funded with towing fees.

I witnessed a similar show in a Pilatis Porter at an Army display at Oakey many years ago. Unfortunately it did not end well as he bounced it, and the wheels went up through the wings!