Dave Jacka - On a Wing & a Chair

Home......hopefully!

2011-11-03T17:58:00.001+11:00

The forecast on Wednesday night said patchy cloud with a clearing shower or two in the morning. I was hoping this was one time they would get the forecast right as I had an important appointment to get to on Thursday afternoon.

As I stuck my head out of the motel room door it just didn't look promising! (My heart samk!!) I thought the weather Gods might helpout just this once, so Lida and I headed down to the airfield, get the aircraft ready for a quick depeature when a break in the weather came, if at all.

Well the Gods this time must of been listening, just as we were driving to the airfield small patches of blue started appearing Its funny how a small patch of blue can make you feel so much better!!

The cloud base was lifting a little but it was hard to see if we could still get through without running into a hill or two. I was freezing by this time, and just wanted to get going, atleast get the heater on even if we had to land again and wait.

As we lifted off and banked to the left towards the direction of Geelong it was such a beautiful sight to see a clear parth ahead with the sun breaking through in spots. Must of been the weather Gods shining their light, or just the sun! Either way I was glad to be heading home with blue shy in the distance.

The last six days were a great adventure with really great people and some very memorable moments. Things don't always go to plan, but everyone got home safely which is the most important thing.

I'm planning my next adventure to the Kimberley next year. Any takers?

Over & Out

Day 4 & 5, French Oasis in the middle of know where!

2011-11-02T23:09:00.008+11:00

It was great to lose the strong winds that we had experienced the previous days . Leaving Hawker with the sunny blue sky and calm air was really enjoyable and relaxing, the plane practically flew it self. Without all the up and down flying Louise maneged to hold her breakfast down. Wentworth was our next refueling stop and to have lunch. Unfortunately Pauly had to get back to Melbourne, so both Louise and Pauly departed for Bacchus Marsh leaving Lida and myself to go to our final overnight stop at Mungo Lodge, Mungo National Park in New South Wales.

Mungo Lodge below with Lake Mungo in the background. It hasn't had water for thousands of years.

It was such a surprise to find 5 star accommodation in the middle of know where. It is a French oasis! Jacque the manager is French with his wife who is the chef and makes one of the best French Creme' Breulei's I've ever tasted.

The best experience was just meeting the other guests that were so friendly, in the dinning room we chatted across tables talking about each others travelling experiences. A great couple I met was Ray and his wife Pam. As soon as we had landed Ray came down to offer assistance with tying the plane down and help carting our bags to our room. Ray is also recreational pilot who flies a Savanah aircraft and we talk for hours about flying and our next adventures.

It would of been great to spent another night so we could see more of the fascinating Mungo area. We headed off this morning with clear blue skies but not far past Swan Hill the cloud started appearing, an ominous sign of what was to come. The cloud got thicker and the distance between the ground and the cloud got narrower by the mile. As we were approaching Marybourough the showers began to appear and it was matter of zigzagging around them to get some clear air. Approaching Ballarat the cloud was down very low limiting our options. As I could not see a clear path ahead I decided to land at Ballarat and wait for the showers to pass. It was very good decision as the weather didn't abate and looking at the weather radar at the Ballarat Aero Club it confirmed my decision.

Showers towards Ballarat

Graeme the Chief Flying Instructor was very kind and hospitable to help us to arrange accommodation to stay overnight and drove us to our motel.

Hopefully the weather will clear tomorrow and allow us to complete the final leg.

Over & Out

Day 3: Desert, Salt Lake, Desert, More Salt Lakes, Desert, Mountains

2011-10-31T19:45:00.000+11:00

Birdsville Hotel Car slogan "We may be rough, but at least we're expensive". So is the AvGas!

Woke up in Birdsville after finally getting a decent night's sleep. I had felt shattered from only three hours sleep the night before.

There was a glorious blue sky and again, strong gusty winds. Brian and Linda left our party to head up to Bundeberg, Queensland. While our much reduced crew flew out over the arid Simpson Desert towards Lake Eyre in South Australia. The lake was rumoured to be full of water and brimming with birds. While it was great to cruise over Australia's lowest point and largest lake, the rumours may have been exaggerated... There was a bit of water in North Lake Eyre and we did scare a few ducks.

Mouth of the Warburton River at Lake Eyre

Pink algae blooms in the Lake Eyre salt crust

After three hours straight flying and a last minute vomit from Louise (from now on we're not wasting money on bacon and egg breakfasts for her), we landed in Marree to refuel and restock our stomachs. There was a little bit of confusion on which direction the runway was and Pauly and I flew in at opposite ends. I ran into the refueler I met earlier this year on the Central Australia flight. It was nice to have a chat with a familiar face. Dodgy weather was heading for us so we decided to leave stright away and head for sunny Hawker.

Me and Tommy the refueler at Marree

It was great to leave the cloud and strong winds behind. Although Pauly and I had radio chat for quite a while trying to work out where each other was flying. After constantly scanning the horizon we realised that he was flying about 1000 feet directly below me.

The scenery changed dramatically from desert to the spectacular Flinders Ranges. Approaching Wilpena Pound was an awesome sight, standing up like a monolith against all the other mountains. You really get an appreciation of the two mountain ranges that join to form a natural amphitheatre seeing them from the air.

Flying over the Flinders Ranges, Wilpena Pound

Inside the amphitheatre of the Pound

18 nautical miles from the pound to Hawker, we set up the plane on its glide slope and aimed for the airfield. I always love flying into these remote towns, some of which have the best airstrips - long and bitumen like Hawker.

Tomorrow we head to Mungo National Park to stay at the Mungo Eco Lodge, which has been recommended by some flying friends.

Over and Out

Some days you should stay in bed...

2011-10-30T20:11:00.000+11:00

Sometimes you get up in the morning and you realise it might not be your day...

After a bacon and egg breakfast we were all looking forward to see the some of the highlights of the trip... Broken Hill had a cold morning and we couldn't wait to get up to 35 degrees in Birdsville.

The south-easterly winds were 15-20 knots and very gusty so we knew it was going to be a challenging day ahead to land on some of the remote airstrips we had planned to. All of them were going to have a pretty stiff crosswind (the wind blowing at an angle across the air strip making it harder to land).

We had a great 20 knot tailwind pushing us up to Tibooburra, our first refueling stop. There is no other fuel between here and Birdsville. We booked the fuel a month in advance to ensure we had our ration. Refueling was a cool setup with a guy coming out to the airstrip in his four-wheel drive with a tank on a trailer full of Avgas. Couldn't wait to get going to our next stop at Camerons Corner, but had a "debate" about which runway to fly out on as the wind was swinging around a bit.

Phone box at Tibooburra Airstrip

Remote refueling at Tibooburra

On route to Camerons Corner we got up to about 6,500 feet to avoid the thermals. Louise opted to take a fly over of nearby lake and felt a bit green, but no vomiting...yet (still 3 days to go). Coming into Camerons Corner, where the three states of Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia meet, proved to be the challenge of the tip so far.

Pauly and Louise landed but got bogged at the end of the runway in soft sand. Greg and Kate came in for the rescue and helped push the plane out. Brian and Linda had a couple of goes and aborted, opting to continue on straight to the Dig Tree. Myself and Lida gave it a crack, but aborted because it didn't feel right with gusty crosswind and a tall tree at the start of the strip making it hard to get low without overrunning the airstrip. I headed to the Dig Tree with Brian and Linda.

Meanwhile, Pauly's plane was dislodged from the sand and the two planes decided to make tracks and head straight to the Dig Tree as well. Unfortunately, on take off, Greg's plane took a nose dive off the side of the

runway. The propellor, wheels and wing were damaged beyond immediate repair. The locals gave a helping hand and towed the plane to the hotel/pub. Pauly and Louise took off okay and reported in at the Dig Tree. We later heard that Greg and Kate hitched a ride to Tibooburra, but the car were in got a flat tyre. It just wasn't their day!

Oops! Nose-dive damage to Greg's plane

Not many people can say their plane crashed in all three states at once!

I've wanted to see the Dig Tree for many years. I finally got there. It is the place where the explorers, Burke and Wills came back to find their support team had left earlier that day after months of walking up towards Cape York. Their team had left supplies buried at the foot of a tree and carved a message into the tree. The tree itself is a bit less spectacular than what I thought, but you realise how amazing it was for them to traverse the barren landscape that it was and that we flew over so quickly.

Me at the Burke and Wills' Dig Tree

I guess everyone felt a bit flat after we received the news that Greg's plane has crashed. But we were all thankful no-one was injured. The radio chat to Birdsville was very quiet. Louise also had her usual afternoon siesta.

Flying over Lake Eyre tomorrow should be spectacular. Hoping to see a few more birds than last time.

Over and Out

Birdsville and Back...

2011-10-29T23:01:00.000+11:00

Another test flight is underway for On a Wing & a Chair. This time is to see whether Louise (coordinator for the round Australia flight) can hold her lunch down. Miraculously, with some good meds and being pilot in command for a while, she averted distributing her stomach contents within the aircraft.

We're doing this trip to refine the team and work out some of the logistics and possible glitches associated with the future round Australia flight. Today is day one.

The weather was looking very dodgy at Tooridan, our take off location. Myself and Lida (a friend helping out in a 'carer' capacity) were to meet three other aircraft at Maryborough to accompany me on the flight. Luckily the weather cleared enough to fly and we finally met on route to Maryborough, and in person at Swan Hill.

Crop circles at Swan Hill - can't believe the aliens are still at it.

A very bumpy landing at Swan Hill

Flying between Swan Hill to our final destination for the day, Broken Hill brought back some memories as I passed over the cattle station - Tor Downs. I had engine trouble there in July last year and ended up having to stay overnight with the farm owner and their family. I will always be grateful for the hospitality they showed myself and my passenger, Brian that day. This time, circling over the airstrip and homestead to see if anyone was at home, I could barely recognise the landscape from the previous year when it was so red and barren. Today it was green and full of shrubs and greenery, barely recognisable.

We were up high at 8,500 feet avoiding the turbulence and getting the smooth air, but after circling low over Tor Downs I couldn't resist doing a bit of sight seeing and checking out a rice crop farm in the middle of nowhere. It's amazing what you see out here, miles from anywhere.

Tomorrow we're off to two spots that I couldn't make during my Central Australia flight. These being Cameron's Corner and the Burke and Wills Dig Tree. Ever since I was 17 and wanting to drive through the outback, it's been something I've always wanted to do...experience a little bit of Australian history.

Louise, Pauly, Brian, Linda, Greg, Kate and Lida at the Junction Hotel in Broken Hill

Busy, Busy, Busy......

2011-09-05T14:09:00.001+10:00

Its been a busy few months, with a nice break to a warmer climate to thaw out for a week. It was great!

I did a talk to Trinity Catholic Primary School in May which was a great experience with the kids, but I got a huge surprise not long ago when I received a package from a grade 6 class, 6 Jones/Finkelde, containing heaps of wonderful letters and a significant donation to the On a Wing & a Chair Round Australia Flight. It is the support and encouragement from people like these young kids that will help make the flight a reality.

I have had the opportunity to do a number of talks over the last few months, to Telstra, Lightweight Aircraft Association and the Sport Aircraft Association of Australia Chapter 21. I have received a lot of support from members of these organisations which is greatly appreciated.

I am planning on doing many more talks in the lead up to the flight in 2013. By sharing my experiences and challenges I have had to face over the years, I hope to raise the awareness of what people with disabilities can do and hopefully provide some inspiration for others to have a go at their own goals and challenges in life. If anyone would like me to speak at a club, school, corporate business, etc let me know.

I have finally got my aircraft back in the air after 3 months. With alot of work done on the engine it is now running very nicely. I took my father up to Orbost for lunch two weeks ago to see how it ran, and it was great. The perfect flying day and an engine that keeps running!

I'm planning on heading back up to Birdsville in late October to see the Bourke & Wills Dig tree and Camerons Corner, it will be nice to enjoy the flight up there this time.

Over & Out!

Lots of work done...

2011-06-07T19:12:00.000+10:00

We have been busy the last few weeks having the Board of Directors Meeting, putting together the sponsorship proposal template and now we are finally going to potential sponsors. Its been a long road to get this far, but we are getting there at last.

Also we now have our Donation facility on the web site up and running, so spread the word about what we are doing to anyone who might be interested!

The drama of my aircraft is still going but the end is nigh! Geoff, the mechanic who services my plane, has pulled the engine down and has found what the problems is. There are two stuck exhaust valves and a shattered piston ring, which looks like it was caused by overheating. The design of the aircraft just doesn't provide enough cooling to the engine. Its very dissapointing that a new aircraft has these problems, but I'm not the only one!

Geoff is looking at doing some minor adjustments to get better cooling. With a bit of luck I will get the aircraft back in the air this weekend and see how she goes. Fingers crossed.

Over & out

Things are moving along....

2011-05-15T16:07:00.000+10:00

Its been a pretty busy couple of weeks, getting the Donations link on the web site up and putting together the sponsorship proposal with the aim of going to potential sponsors shortly.

But a highlight this week was doing two talks to the garde 5 and 6's at Trinity Primary School. A friend of mine, Dianna is a teacher there, and the kids have been looking at the On a Wing & a Chair web site which has increased their curiosity as to what someone with a disability can do. It was a very rewarding experience and I was amazed by the maturity of questions they asked me!

I'm still waiting on some parts for my plane so I can resolve the vibration issue. Hopefully it should be up and running this week so I can get back up in the air.

Over & Out

Final Leg 11 officially complete.....Swan Hill - Tooridan

2011-05-01T15:01:00.000+10:00

It has been really frustrating trying to work out what is causing vibrations in the engine of my aircraft. After deciding to leave my Jabiru at Swan Hill last week and getting home by train, Cliff Banks from Sun Centre Ultralights had a look at my aircraft to see what could be causing the problem.

Jabiru advised it could be a stuck lifter so the oil was changed to a different grade to see if it would free it up. The vibration is still there at certain revs, but no where as bad as when I was coming into Swan Hill a week ago.

So with the aircraft being flyable my mum drove myself and Kirsten, a carer, up on Saturday to fly it home, officially completing the On a Wing & a Chair Central Australia Flight.

We had nice and uneventful flight back. The aircraft went fine, and there were no problems at the higher revs so I kept it at that and avoided the lower rev range.

It was pretty hazzy between Swan Hill and Geelong, from lots of fires. It looked like there was alot of people burning off!

Colorfull Beach Boxes at Dromana

After Geelong the air cleared to a nice blue sky. Flying over Port Philip Bay was really spectacular, the water in the bay was so blue from the reflection of the sky. Its amazing how the color of the bay changes with the color of the sky. When its cloudy the water is really grey.

Over Port Philip Bay looking west with the setting sun

Port Philip Bay

Near Martha Point Dromana

Now that I have the aircraft back at Tooridan, I will be getting the engine pulled down to sort out this problem once and for all, hopefully.

Over & Out!

Leg 11 Broken Hill - Home... well almost!

2011-04-23T13:56:00.000+10:00

I was planning on going to the Nat Fly (National Fly-in) at Temora over the Easter weekend and get back Sunday so Lida (my support crew) could get back to work, however as the engine on my aircraft wasn't being totally cooperative I decided it would be best to go straight home from Broken Hill. Good decision!

Although it had moments of running rough, I knew the engine wouldn't stop, and the rough running was only periodic. On the flight from Broken Hill it was really nice, smooth air, aircraft purring along, and the scenery was slowing changing with more roads and buildings coming into view. Its funny how used I got to the empty landscapes devoide of civiliseations in such a short time. It was a a novilty seeing more cars, crops and the expanse of towns towards the Murry River.

Wentworth on the Murry River - more civiliseation!

Just after passing Mildura the engine started to run rough again, so I cleared it by throttling back and up again. This seemed to cure the problem. As I got closer to Swan Hill, it became much more consistant, so I decided that this would be the final stop.

Overflying Swan Hill with the town in the distance

If I continued, it probably would of got me home, however I'm not willing to take the risk to my passenger or aircraft. Its dissapointing not to make it back, but better to play it safe and fly another day. Anyway thats flyng for you!!

V/line had a train leaving at 4pm so it worked in quite well. We tied the aircraft down, so glad I got the cover for the aircraft from Punkin Head Airsports to keep the water out with the rain, contacted Cliff Banks of Sun Centre Ultralights and he will look at the engine on Monday, then went to the RSL for a couple of beers.

Out of the pilots seat and now the passenger. Damn!

Hopefully it should be something fairly simple and I will go back to Swan Hill next weekend and fly it back home, which will officially complete the On a Wing & a Chair Central Australia Training Flight.

It was a great adventure, with many experiences, a few stressful moments, many fun ones, and met some great people. I have learn't alot from this experience which will help alot with the planning for my Solo Round Australia Flight.

Stay tuned for more blogs to come.

Over & Out!

Leg 10 Noccundra Hotel QLD - Broken Hill NSW

2011-04-21T23:14:00.001+10:00

The flight from Noccundra was short, only 2.5 hours. I refueled at Tiboorburra NSW, I had to book this fuel 6 weeks ago. When I rang up to confirm the fuel in the morning they had no record of me. Don't know what happened there, but they had some for me anyway.

I'm starting to notice much more civiliseation now, I got used to seeing no buildings or roads.
Broken Hill is a really nice place, I have been here twice before, but there were a couple of sights I wanted to see before leaving as I have missed out each other time.

Over flying Broken Hill

We went to the Pro Hart Gallery, I had no idea he had done so much work, it was well worth a look. Alot of it is of the Broken Hill area which is really interesting.

Pro Harts Rolls Royce, he painted a murel on it.

Finally got to the Palace Hotel. This is where Pecilla Queen of the Desert was filmed and it has these great murels painted on the walls and ceilings by some well known local artists years ago. Its a great old pub and has really good food.

Palace Hotel where part of Precilla Queen of the Desert was filmed

Murels painted on many walls

Murels also on many ceilings

Going home tomorrow, back to the Big Smoke!

Over & Out!

Leg 9 Birdsville - Noccundra Hotel QLD

2011-04-21T23:11:00.002+10:00

I was planning on stopping to see the Bourke & Wills Dig Tree on this leg but unfortunately it is still under water from the flooding river. On route though the Cooper Creek was an amazig sight the whole area an array of greens and creeks that look like arteries. There are no places to land out here, and this is some of the most remote area of the flight. It puts me on edge if the engine sounds a little rough at times, but most of the time its my mind.

The Cooper Creek

Noccundra Hotel was a great place to stop at, it has its own airstrip and when you land you taxi to the front of the pub, get out and have a beer. It was really cool and I have been looking forward in coming here for a while. The hotel is heritage, built in 1882, and is on a cattle station, that Packer used to own.

Overflying Noccundra, it has a huge strip

The historic Noccundra Hotel

The accommodation is basic which are "Donga's" like a site shed with a bed. It was a good experience. They guy's were great, helping me to fuel the plane, tie it down, and were really interesting to chat with over a couple of beers. I learn't a bit about how to muster cattle. No imported beer out here!

Parked out the front of the Noccundra Hotel

Over & Out!

Leg 8 Mount Isa - Birdsville

2011-04-21T23:08:00.014+10:00

I tried getting an aircraft mainteance company to check out my engine before leaving Mount Isa, but they wouldn't help me out so I ended up getting a local auto mechanic to have a look. Everything looked OK so we continued on.

The problem came back when I was half way to Birdsville which is becomming a real pain. I spoke with Jabiru and others but no-one can put their finger on the problem. I just need to get the plane home. The engine wont stop but it makes flying real stressful and takes the fun out of it.

Water is the main theme for this trip, it was amazing to see so much water with towns cut off such as Bedourie surrounded by water.

The town of Bedourie

It was great to get to Birdsville and finally see it. The Birdsville Hotel had a great wheelchair accessable room and the food was really nice.

Bridsville Hotel

Overflying Birdsville

I have to go back and see the Birsdville Race this year.

Over & Out!

Sunshine, 28 deg C, great to be in Mt Isa QLD, Leg 7 done

2011-04-17T17:48:00.002+10:00

I had my first good night sleep for the trip! Its great not to feel so tired. The flight and Alice Springs has been really hectic, but I need a rest, so decided to have a day off and do NOTHING today (Sunday) and recouperate.

The most I have done was get up late, 9.30, I normally get up round 5.30 - 6am, went to the shops for breakfast, do this blog and facebook, watch 3 movies and do my flight planning for Leg 8 from Mount Isa to Birdsville. The Outback Motel is set up well for a wheelchair and is very nice, which makes it just that much better for relaxation.

It was a slow flight from Tennent Creek to Mount Isa. I had a 30 knot head wind to the first refuel spot Barkly Homestead NT. Its not far from Tennent Creek, round 1.25 hours flying following the highway, but there is nowhere else to refuel. Barkly Homestead has camp ground and motel units, it looks like a bit of an oasis out there, and nice gravel runway.

There were some interesting sights along the way, I had to fly over smoke reaching 4000 ft from scrub fires which looked really ghoastly, and running rivers that are a normaly rare event.

Smoke from scrub fires

From Barkly I flew higher to get the lighter head winds which were only around 10 knots. I had the rough running engine issue again which is becoming a real pain as it keeps me on edge the whole time. This is the type of thing you don't want flying out here. The engine runs fine at high revs, so it doesn't appear to be anything major to stop it running. I'm going to get a mechanic look at it on Monday before going to Birdsville. I will be following the roads just in case.

Mount Isa is an interesting sight when you come into land with the mine right next to the town. They mine copper, lead and some gold. The town is really nice, clean, has everything you need, and I could even get a good coffee from the Coffee Club cafe'.

Mount Isa mine right next to the town

Over & Out!

Half way there....Leg 6 Alice to Tennent Creek done & dusted!

2011-04-15T21:59:00.001+10:00

First impression of Tennent Creek from the taxi driver "Don't go out after dark and the taxi doesn't operate at night!"

Well there goes our night on the town! Taking a roll down the main street, was a little confronting, security screens on many shop windows, and that wasn't for cyclones.

Tennent Creek Hotel with bars on every window

When I booked the motel accom the manager told me that the pizza shop has a delivery van used as a taxi and is wheelchair accessable. I was surprised as its such a small town but you never know! Put the plane to bed with its protective cover donated by Dianne McNamara from Punikin Head Air Sports, called the taxi, they have a van alright but surprise, surprise, its not accessable at all. Its been a bit of a common theme on this trip. But thats just part of the adventure!! It all worked out, a really kind bloke, Graham from the pizza shop agreed to come with the taxi driver and help get me in. It may be a little rough in this town but there are some very kind people here. I'm getting the motel manager to get me in the taxi tomorrow!

The flight from Alice to Tennent Creek was nice and short, only 2.5 hours, and just followed the highway up. I can go direct from Alice which saves around 20min but you cross tiger country (bush & scrub), and if the fan decides to stop, your a little screwed being so far from population. There were a couple of moments that the engine ran quite rough, but I think it was a bit of carburettor icng, where ice forms in the jet of the carburettor. It cleared up, but it gets your heart going, all the same. I rang up Jabiru for their opinion and they advised the same. I will see how it goes tomorrow, and yep following the highway again.

Over flying Tennant Creek prior to landing

Next stop Mount Isa.

Over & Out!

Leg 5 Ayers Rock - Alice Springs

2011-04-14T22:19:00.001+10:00

I set of early on Tuesday for the next leg to Alice Springs, but before, to fly around the "Rock" Urulu and the Olgas with the clearer air in the morning. It was spectacular seeing both formations from the ground but from the air it gave it a totally different dimension and was absolutely stunning.

Uluru at 4000 ft

Onto Kings Canyon, leading into the Macdonall Ranges some of the most spectacular scenery yet. The outback is always changing which I find it hard to get bored of. I was expecting to see just red dirt, but with all the rain there is vegetation every where, this is something that hasn't been seen for 25 years, so a couple of the locals say. I will have to come back again and see it when its just red!

Macdonnell Ranges

As I am licensed as a recreational pilot, I can't fly into controlled airspace, so I had to land at Bond Springs just 20km north of Alice Springs. The Chief Flying Instructor Ciff McCann from Alice Springs Aero Club got one of his instrctors to drive him up and Cliff flew in with me to Alice Springs Airport, which was alot of fun as I hadn't done it before.

I needed to get my aircraft serviced, Cliff made arrangements with the airport maintenance company which took alot of stress off me. In addition to giving me hangerage, Cliff got approval for me from the Air Traffic Control to allow me to fly out and back to Santa Teresa which was awesome. Cliff McCann and the Alice Springs Aero Club, http://www.alicespringsaeroclub.com.au/ have been so generous with their time and assistance to make my trip so much easier, I can't thank them enough.

Chief Flying Instructor Cliff McCann and myself

Others have given me support in various ways such as Andrea Sullivan manger of the Memorial Club in Alice Springs, who gave myself and Lida a great meal. I have received support from different people and groups on the flight so far, whether its just giving me a hand to get into a 4wd, its these people who are making this adventure much easier.

Alice Springs has been busy, I haven't had any time to see the sights, with local news paper, ABC radio, and TV interview over the last two days.

A highlight of Alice Springs was going to Santa Teresa Community today (Thursday) meeting some of the kids at the school, gave a quick talk to one of the 6th grades and having a bbq. The kids were so friendly and really inquisitive, especially how I got my scar on my throat (tachiostomy scar from my accident). Its funny I've found indiginous kids are the only ones that have ever asked me about it.

Giving a talk to Santa Teresa grade 6's

Following a briefing by an instructor, Jackie Chan, no not the actor, getting through controlled airspace at Alice was a little challenging, as its new to me, but I got there and back without any dramas which was geat.

Onto the next leg tomorrow, Tennant Creek.

Over & Out!

Leg 4 Coober Pedy - Ayers Rock (Yulara)

2011-04-11T21:00:00.001+10:00

To fly from Coober Pedy to Ayers Rock is over remote desert country so if something happens it would take a while for anyone to get to you. I stopped first at Cadney Homestead which is a Roadhouse around 150km north of Coober Pedy to top up my fuel and to add some more oil. I'm keeping a very close eye on the oil consumption in the engine as I'm buring much more than I should, so to be safe I gave it a little top up. There were a number of remote air strips close to my route, which gave me a little confort if I had to land.

The flight was quick with a 15 knot tail wind and as we approached Ayers Rock it was an amazing sight. This flat country, then these two huge rock formations appear, Ayers Rock (Uluru) and the Olgas, much more prominent and spectacular than I thought they would be.

I wanted to see Ayers Rock from the ground as well as well as the air. I soon found out that it was looking as though I wont see it from the ground, apart from the view out of the door of my hotel room. There aren't any taxi's here, the only mini bus that is wheelchair accessable was booked out for Tuesday and there were no available rental cars, or accessable busses. I couldn't believe it! A place that was built for specifically for tourists with alot of elderly ones, there is no transport for the disabled. Figure that one out!

My day did change for the better in the end, the Desert Sands Hotel assistant manager was very understanding and arranged for one of the porters, Matt, to drop me and Lida out at Uluru and bring us back for a fee. This hotel has gone the extra mile to help make my experience memorable, which I greatly appreciate.

Getting out to Uluru was a fantastic experience, it was much more impressive than what I had seen in photo's and I can see why the indigenous people find it such a special place. When you approach it, it does have a real spiritual quality about it.

With all the rain they have had it has been a great time to come and see the Red Centre maybe they should call it the "Green Centre", even flying out here you'd think it was Victoria.

Some of the walking tacks are indicated as wheelchair accesable and I could push on most of it, however there were some spots that were a bit hard due to soft sand. The funny thing is that although some of the walks are specifically indicated as wheelchair accessable, you can't get their if you don't have your own car or can get on a standard coach by yourself.

This experience has been a highlight of the Central Australia Training Flight and I'm looking forward to flying around Ularu and the Olgas tomorrow, on the 5th Leg to Alice Springs.

Thorny Lizard rescued from being squashed on the road

Over & Out!

Leg 3 Arkaroola - Coober Pedy

2011-04-09T23:26:00.000+10:00

My parents dropped myself and Lida off at the airfield early on Friday morning to make use of the calm air for the second flight over Lake Ayre on my way to Coober Pedy.

It was great to catch up with them and spend the time touring around as I wouldn't of been able see the area from the ground without them and their 4wd.

I refueled at Maree, had a chat to a pilot as to what areas are best to see and headed back over Lake Ayre to see some different parts of the lake. It was better this time being earlier than the day before, the air was smoother as the heat of the day hadn't created many large thermals and the air was much clearer that made the colors more vibrant.

After a bit of low level fun (always at 500ft agl) I headed to William Creek to refuel again, get some oil, and have lunch. By this time it was getting really hot and the huge thermals were really pumping. Had to tighten the seat belts a bit more to stop our heads hitting the roof. I've had worse in the microlight I used to fly.

There isn't much at William Creek a small General Store/joy flight booking office that doesn't have much and the Pub. The people were really friendly always up for a chat and let us sit inside the store as I was really feeling the heat and needed to cool down a bit before doing the last leg to Coober Pedy. Alot of the pilots come to these areas for a few months while there is the peak season and move on til the following year.

Flying into Cober Pedy was a sight, it looks like there has been swarms of ants digging ant hills, as there are hundreds of piles of spoil from the opal mining all over the place.

The people are really friendly, so are the flies. When you open your mouth half a dozen try to see what you had for lunch. We did some touristy things today after a good sleep in as I feeling pretty exhausted at the end of each day. We went to the mining museum which is well worth a look and the underground Catholic Church next to our hotel. Very unique!

As alot of people live underground in dugouts, so I thought I better get the experence and my room is 3m underground. The temperature in it is a constant 24 de Call year round without heating/cooling, now thats sustainability, well apart from the lack of water! And I can get into this shower!

Off to Ayres Rock tomorrow, so stay tuned.

Over & Out

Leg 2 Murry Bridge SA - Arkarola SA

2011-04-09T21:57:00.000+10:00

I haven't been able to do a blog for a few days as the internet available at Arkoroola didn't work most of the time. Next time I will invest in a satelite phone internet connection, so I'm always in touch!

I've had a great couple of days, been tiring but great! After leaving Murry Bridge I refueled at Port Augusta, and luckily I was able to get some oil as after the reconditioning done on the engine it has been burning allot of oil, which I hadn't planed on. I'm hoping the oil consumption wont get any worse, just have to wait and see what happens. It is playing on my mind a bit though!

On route to Arkaroola I flew over Wilpena Pound that I had wanted to do for many years but just never got there. The Pound is like a crater that is surrounded by a mountain range. It was really spectacular it, the photo's I took don't do it justice.

Following Wilpena I got to our final destination for a few days at Arkaroola South Australia and caught up with my parents. Its a very harsh but beautiful place at the top end of the Flinders Ranges.

The landing was really fun, the strip is very short but it slopes up hill when landing from the south so if you don't get it right with the approach you can hit pretty hard or overrun the strip. I got it down well, but I like these little challenges as it keeps you on your toes,and I get a bit of a kick out of it! Check out the two part youtube videos of the landing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFQGHzdkaH8&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6KYOHlpq_I&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

On Wednesday we went out to some of the water holes that don't usually have water, with the red rock and red gum tree's looking so vibrant with healthy green leaves, it was a rare sight.

I met the local chopper pilot George Hancock of Helivistta P/L, www.helivista.com.au, who runs the local scenic flights at Arkaroola and offered to take me up. I think he noticed my glazing eyes when he told me about what he did, so had to put me out of my misery and take me up. With no doors, it was great fun, my first time, very differnet from my fixed wing, and as its so manoverable you can fly realy low around the ranges. There was a moment of jealousy!

I have never taken my father Brian up in my Jab even though I've been flying it for two years, so I flew him to Lake Ayre to look at the water, a once in a life time experience. The expanse of water is so vast, and its not full yet, the water streatches as far as they eye can see. Its an amazing sight, but one of the unusual things was the lack of bird life. I was told as there is so much water elsewhere they haven't come. (Check out more Lake Ayre photo's in the next blog).

Over & Out!

Its Started - Leg 1 Tooridan to Narracoorte SA to Murry Bridge SA

2011-04-04T23:16:00.000+10:00

It was great to get going today. But as I drove down to Tooridan the thick misty clouds were hanging low in the air, and I just wondered, although I had planned everything I could have, would it be my luck that the typical weather of Melbourne was going to stop me? The weather forecast indicated that it should be reasonable but they aren't always right!

I always find the night before a big trip, (and this was the biggest and most challenging I have ever done) I always have a lousy sleep, it must be the anticipation and I just want it to happen. But once I get in the plane it doesn't mattter how tired I am, I just come alive.

Fortunately the weather was clearing to the west and myself and Lida (support crew) got off the ground around 9.30am. There were a few rain showers about, but I can fly around these easily as my aircraft is reasonably quick. Its also more fun than going in a straight line. I was hoping the weather would clear near the 12 Apostles (not really sure how many are left) as they are reallly spectacular whhen the sky is blue which makes the water a fantastic blue due to the reflection. Well not this time. I quickly snuck past before a huge shower came in.

12 Apostles on a cloudy misty day

I had been in contact with Leon Brice from Naracoorte SA recently who's son had an accident and ended up with quadriplegia, similar to me. His son Charles has a web site where people can offer support check it out at www.briceybestrong.com. As Naracoorte was my refuel stop, the Naracoorte Aero Club gave me a great welcome putting on lunch, Leon organised the local media to cover the flight, and provided me with a tank of Avgas. The generosity and hospitality of people in these comunities, is amazing and I greatly appreciate their support and assistance.

Lunch put on by the Naracoorte Aero Club

I would of like to of stayed longer and chatted but I had to get to Murry Bridge SA for my overnight stop. The late afternooon was clearing and it was fantastic to fly along the coast toward the mouth of Lake Alexandrina with blue sky and the warmth of the sun coming through the cockpit window.

Nice weather towards the mouth of Lake Alexandrrina (mouth of the Murry)

Following the rebuild of the topend of the aircraft engine, it now runs much better and with a tail wind of around 15 knots we made some quick ground today.

I'm off to Arkaroola at the top of the Flinders Ranges tomorrow where I will spend two days and catch up with my parents to do some 4wding. I wont have mobile coverage there so I will do my next blog at Coober Pedy.

Over & Out!

Tech Head Talk

2011-04-02T22:52:00.002+11:00

Its just two days to go before I set of on the On a Wing & a Chair Central Australia Training Flight.

So I though I'd give you a bit of a run through on what type of aircraft I fly and how I fly it with my modifications before my Central Australia Flight is underway..

The aircraft I fly is a 2 seat Jabiru J230D recreational aircraft. The maximum take-off weight (MTOW) is 600kg, flies at around 120Knots (220 km/hr) with 5 hours flying time without reserve.

Following a motorbike accident when I was 19, I was left with high level quadriplegia. I have no finger function, limited arm function and cannot move anything from my armpits down. For me to be able to fly I had to design my own hand controls as there were no off the shelf adaptations that I could use.

Rudder Steering

The rudder controls the yaw of the aircraft, turning the nose of the plane left and right and also steers the aircraft on the ground. I operate the rudder/ground steering by pushing a lever forward to turn right, and backwards to turn left. Because I have no finger function to grip the lever, wrist supports holds my hand in place. Normally the rudder is controlled with foot pedals.

Rudder/Ground Steering Control

Throttle Control

The throttle controls the speed of the engine. I control the throttle by sipping and puffing through a plastic tube, which is attached to my headset. The sipping and puffing switches are connected to a small electric motor located under the dashboard and connected to the throttle. When I sip on the tube the engine slows down, and when I puff the engine goes faster. The existing throttle on the dashboard that is normally push/pulled out can still be operated manually if the plane’s electrical power fails.

Throttle Control - Sip/Puff System

Brakes

The brakes are used to stop the plane when it has touched down on the runway or is being taxied on the ground. I can't operate the brake lever so I installed a pneumatic (air) system. I activate the brake by flicking a toggle switch on the dash board up and down with my hand. When the toggle switch is flicked up, compressed air drives an actuator (a piston in a cylinder), which pushes the existing brake lever on.

Control Column

The control column controls the pitch and roll of the plane. The pitch is the upward and downward movement of the front of the plane. Pushing the control column forward causes the nose of the plane to angle down, making the plane lose height. And pulling the column backwards causes the nose of the plane to angle up, making the plane go higher.

Control Column

The roll is the sideways movement of the plane. Pushing the control column left causes the left wing to dip, turning the plane left. Pushing the control column right causes the right wing to dip, turning the plane right.

Because I don't have any finger function to hold the control column, my wrist is supported between the two upright posts. My hand and fingers are wrapped around the centre post. This securely locks them in place to allow movement in all directions. I can also remove my hand easily and quickly by sliding it out upwards.

I have a number of other modifications on switches, trim control, flaps etc to allow me to use them easily, however a big obstacle was how do I get into the aircraft. Geoff Higgin's the guy who built my modifications came up with a very lite scissor lift that goes into the back of the plane. The lift sits under my chair, raise's it, and my support crew helps me get my bum in the plane. Really simple!!

Over & Out!

Getting Ready...

2011-03-30T20:49:00.001+11:00

Time is ticking down and its only five days until departure! I've just finished work for one month which is fantastic, and I'm looking forward to getting the last things organised over the next few days.

For the last month I have spent every bit of spare time organising accommodation, finalising flight plans, getting equipment etc. I have had to do some unexpected extensive work on the engine of my aircraft in the last week replacing some valves and rings on the pistons. It was a little problem that turned into a big one. Ah well, better now than the fan stoping in the middle of a desert. I will do the test flight tomorrow (Thursday) just to make sure everything is OK. Fingers crossed!

I'm keeping a close eye on the weather, at this point its looking OK, but it can change very quickly. I better say a few prayers to the Flying Gods!

I can't wait to get up in the air on Monday, I love the feeling when I first take off on a trip, point the aircraft in the right direction, and head towards the horizon. To me I feel as if I'm breaking out of a cage and flying to freedom with the anticipation of adventure and seeing what happens along the way.

I just got my new cover for the aircraft, which is really cool. Dianne McNamara from Punkin Head Air Sports, www.punkinheadair.com.au has donated the cover to On a Wing & a Chair for the Central Australia and Round Australia Flights which is greatly appreciated.

Aircraft Cover for the Jabiru J230

As I will be leaving my aircradft outside during the trip I need a cover to protect the windows and stop water leaking in through the door seals if it rains. With limited space and weight requirements its got to be small and lite. Dianne has made one which is small enough to shove under a seat olnly weighing around 2.2kg fitting into a small bag.

Stay tuned for the next update.

Over & Out!

Challenges of the Central Australia Training Flight....

2011-03-24T21:56:00.000+11:00

Every flying trip I go on, I need to plan for the flight and plan for what challenges I could face, which at times is about as easy as predicting what the weather will do in Melbourne. It’s just a matter of being prepared.

The weather is my main challenge. April is generally one of the better flying months with more stable conditions, however this year has been very unpredictable so who knows. If the weather isn’t suitable, then I don’t fly. I have an extra 4 of days up my sleeve for delays, so it’s not an issue, just more of an inconvenience as I would have to change my accommodation dates.

Landing at Cobar, NSW 2010 with some lovely weather closing in

The trip will be a tiring, early mornings and long days, but an added challenge due to my quadriplegia, is that I can’t control my body temperature. When it’s hot I cook, and when it’s cold I freeze. Just like a reptile! April should be less extreme and easier to manage but I will take my spray bottle (sweat in a bottle), and thermals just in case.

No one ever wants to do an emergency landing, but I still have it at the back of my mind. When I fly I’m always assessing the landscape for possible landing sights just incase the fan at the front stopped and need to put it down. Through some of the areas I will follow close to the highways for a bit of assurance. I have my sat phone and PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) for communication, and also some survival gear, to ensure myself and passenger can get by until assistance arrived if needed.

If you have any questions let me know.

Over & Out

Welcome the new Disabled Pilots Association of Australia...

2011-03-21T21:42:00.002+11:00

There are very few opportunities for disabled pilots to get together and talk flying stuff. David McPherson from Deniliquin who is a paraplegic pilot organised a fantastic weekend on 19 - 20 March 2011, in order to get a group of like minded people together to see what can happen.

There was a great turnout, around eight planes flew in with paraplegic and diabetic pilots. I met some really amazing people, others that were just getting into flying following the acquisition of their disability and others that have flown for years, with experiences most of us would envy.

Having a beer at the Deniliquin Aero Club to wash the bugs out of our teeth!

I flew up on the Friday to meet up with everyone for a bbq and beers at the Deniliquin Aeroclub. One of the things I love about flying are some of the really peculiar/amazing sights I get to see. On the flight there was an inversion layer which looks like a bubble of haze over the earth, that I was above, and there were these spot fires everywhere. As the smoke rose it stopped at the top of this bubble, which made it look like an atomic bomb had gone off. It looked really cool!

Is this Armagedon?

On Saturday we had a forum discussing types of hand controls people used on what aircraft and had a presentation by a CASA Doctor discussing medicals that pilots are required to have to fly general aviation aircraft. I myself fly a recreational aircraft so I don't need a medical which makes it easier. I really learnt alot and it was great to see how everyone did their thing, with some very entertaining stories. The best outcome was that we decided to form the Disabled Pilots Association of Australia. A web page will be set up with contacts and information for new and established pilots and will have a fly in every six months. Can't wait!

Before we left for home on Sunday, we had a navigation competition, where we had to navigate to various points and answer some questions. Don't ask me how I went! It was good fun though.

Group shot of the guy's at the Fly-in!

The people of Deniliquin were fantastic, the Aeroclub put on a bbq lunch each day and the members of the Rotary Club transported us back and forwards to hotels, which was greatly appreciated.

Over & Out

Who needs communication?

2011-03-17T23:10:00.001+11:00

I find that when things don’t always go to plan, and you have to get out of an unexpected problem or situation, you tend to learn great deal. July last year I flew with a group of other pilots to Broken Hill to see the Paroo River in flood joining the Darling River, which is an extremely rare event. It was a great trip, with such a spectacular contrast of the barren, but colorful landscape with the dried lakes now full of water.

Paroo River, NSW in flood

On the flight back to Tooradin we landed at an abandoned airstrip on a cattle station south of Broken Hill. When we went to leave I couldn’t get full power on take-off and had to abort which was very unexpected. I couldn’t work out what the problem was, so I was in a bit of a dilemma with no communication in a very remote part of the country and the other pilots had to get going as daylight was running out.

The airstrip where Brian and I got stuck, not much around

Luck was going my way and the station owner had seen us land and came to have a chat. As with all country hospitality he gave us a lift back to his home so we could use the phone. I managed to find a mechanic who could fly out and fix the problem which turned out to be some muck in the float chamber stopping the carburetor from working properly.

By this time it was too late to fly out so the station owner Mark and his very hospitable family put myself and Brian my passenger up for the night. The next day didn't start off too well, as the night was so cold the plane was covered in ice so all we could do was wait until the sun came up and melt it off, in the mean time I was slowly getting hypothermia. After scraping the ice off and having to jump start the plane due to a flat battery we finally got off the ground and headed back home.

Mark and myself before flying back home. Atleast we had a great sunrise.
Mark and his family were very generous in what they did to help us out.

That experience was very valuable and it really taught me a lot. You always need communication! I had my PLB (Personal Locator Beacon), but I couldn’t talk to any one. If Mark had't of come by it could of been a different situation. So for the Central Australia Training Flight I am now the proud owner of a satellite phone. I found a Inmarsat IsatPhone satellite phone that is really cheap to buy $639, and the call costs are very reasonable compared to other providers. If your interested look at www.satphonesonline.com.

Now if something happens and its not life threatening I can atleast call someone to get assistance if I need it, instead of having to activate my PLB getting Emergency Services to help. Also the satphone will give me peace of mind when I fly over the deserts.

Over & Out

Flight Plan

2011-03-14T09:58:00.001+11:00

I have planned the Central Australia Flight to give me a real challange, both from a physical and mental perspective but also from a logistical standpoint.

I will be flying this trip by myself with a friend, Lida as a passenger, who will help me out with what I need on the ground. Doing it as a solo aircraft will have some real challenges as I need to make sure I'm prepared for what can go wrong. I will talk about that in later blogs.

I will be starting at Tooridan and flying in a clockwise direction. The dots on the map are overnight stops and at some of those I will spend a couple of nights.

Some of the highlights of the flight will be flying over Lake Eyre full of water which has been a dream of mine for years, and going to the Bourke & Wills Dig Tree between Birdsville and Nocundra Hotel.

Over & Out!

Welcome aboard this is your Captain speaking.....

2011-03-13T17:50:00.000+11:00

Hi, this is the first of my blogs for the On a Wing & a Chair Round Australia Flight, so welcome aboard! Myself and the team at On a Wing & a Chair (OWC), www.onawingandachair.org.au , are setting out to raise the expectations of the community about what people with disabilities can achieve and hopefully provide some inspiration to encourage others, whether disabled or not to have have a go at their own challenging goals. To achieve this I plan to be the first person with quadriplegia to fly solo around the coastline of Australia.

In the lead up and during this epic journey I will keep you up to date with my progress and experiences, and hope you will join me.

As part of the planning for the OWC Round Australia Flight I am undertaking a three week training flight to Central Australia on 4th April 2011, which is going to be a real challenge but also an amazing experience for me.

So stay tuned and I will keep you posted.