Well about time I added to the blog! Bob and I had the pleasure of taking a new GA8 Airvan, manufactured in Latrobe Valley, up to Kununurra in the Kimberley Region. Alligator Airways in Kununurra had purchased 5 brand new Airvans to add to their fleet. Alligator conduct scenic flights in this region, particularly well known for their flights around the famous Bungle Bungles.

Once we delivered the brand new aircraft we were to return home with one of the Airvans that they traded in. With 8,000 hours on the old one it was in need of some TLC after having done many Bungle Bungle flights.

I have only done one other outback trip before but I have to tell you travelling from one corner of this country to the other is quite a treat. We have the most awesome country and scenery. Whilst I look forward to that trip to Paris or somewhere exotic, none of us should overlook what we have right on our own doorsteps. The enormity of this great land, its vastness and its unspoilt beauty. It is truly magic, breathtaking and just plain bloody wonderful.

We were gone for 8 days (had a little rest as well). Alligator needed the aircraft straight away for their peak season operations. So we had to push to get the aircraft up there, 14.7 hours flying spread over one and a half days. Quite a big push, but we got it there and Alligator Airways were happy to see it arrive. We struck head winds coming home, so the return trip was 17 hours. We travelled – West Sale to Mildura for fuel, Mildura to Broken Hill, fuel and overnight stay as tghere was no accommodation in Birdsville. Birdsville for fuel then on to Alice Springs for fuel. Tenant Creek was our next stop for fuel and then onto Kununurra. Coming home we stopped Tenant Creek for fuel, then to Alice Springs overnight and fuel, then off to William Creek and over Lake Eyre, William Creek for the night and fuel. Fuel was running short so we managed to get sufficient to take us to Marree to fill up for the next leg to Broken Hill. Overnigh Broken Hill and more fuel, then home to West Sale. Yes you are right, lots of fuel. But if you compare doing these trips in a light aircraft or trying to get there on commercial flights then I can tell you it is cheaper doing it yourself, even if you have to hire an aircraft.

If you get a chance to travel to Kununurra a flight with Alligator out to the Bungle Bungles is a must. It will rate as one of the higlights of your life. Lake Argyle, the Argyle diamond mine all from the air are spectacular. Alligator Airways are a great and very professional operator and I can assure you, you will be well looked after.

Ferry flights are not without there problems and I only wished that we had video of me trying to use the new Shell fuel facility at Tenant Creek!!! Apart from requiring a technology degree, a lot of patience and a sense of humour and some time to spare, what can I say automating things is not always the best. I could have trashed this fool fuel outlet.

Ferrying aircraft is fun but not always easy and if it can go wrong it usually does, fog delays, refuelling delays and aircraft problems all add to the fun and the experience.

I have attached some photos for you to hopefully enjoy and maybe this will inspire you to complete your training, or start your training and get yourself flying across this great land of ours. Our backyard is huge and extraordinary. Will attach some more later. Below is Lake Eyre and Lake Frome.