Into the Red and Blue

Aero Whitsundays

Cannon Valley locals Gisi and Paul Harrington departed WAVE yesterday for a 'Journey of a Second Lifetime', sent off by fellow members of the Airlie Beach Aero Club (Map).

Gisi and Paul took off from WAVE yesterday for Broome in Western Australia in their single engine AMT200 XIMANGO (pictured left) to arrive in time to compete in the Annual Outback Air Race.

While Paul will be doing most of the flying, Gisi will be working hard behind her cameras, recording the trip with what's expected to be spectacular images from their perfect aerial platform.

The Outback Air Race is a major fundraiser for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) and in its past six events has raised more than $850,000 - organizers hope to top the $1 million mark this year.

The event is not about speed but accuracy of navigation and precise timing of arrival. It is a distance of 2,052 kilometres over six days, with stops at Emma Gorge, Katherine, Tennant Creek, Sweers Island in the Gulf of Carpentaria, Cooktown and Undara.

The Harrington team will have the advantage of flying almost the same route in reverse - from Airlie Beach to the starting point at Broome and then back to Airlie Beach. They will be supported by friends from Norway, Wenche and Alex Kverneland.

With the short time available for fundraising, team members have personally contributed a considerable sum of money and will be also seeking donations to assist the RFDS in providing its valuable service to country and outback communities.

Businesses can also donate and have their name emblazoned on the aircraft as there is considerable publicity attached to the event. All funds exceeding $2 are tax deductible.Businesses can also donate and have their name emblazoned on the aircraft as there is considerable publicity attached to the event. All funds exceeding $2 are tax deductible.

Annual Outback Air Race WebSite has a contact service to take your credit card donations.
Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) WebSite
Map
Sourced from the Wagin Argus (Glenys Ball) and Whitsunday Times (James Tolmie).