Flying the Outback

26/04/2025

Well, that’s Day 1 of our safari - done and dusted. Mother Nature kept things interesting for us … plenty of weather forecasting to pick apart before we took off in clear skies from the beautiful wine country of Mudgee.

As predicted, we copped the southern corner of that pesky frontal system, and layers of cloud soon stole our sunshine. We took advantage of a seamless IFR route across NSW, and were finally greeted with great views of the Murray as we passed Mildura. Overnight tonight at Wentworth meant we got to pay a visit to one of Australia’s coolest little waterways - the confluence of the Murray and Darling Rivers. Hope you enjoy the pics.

25/04/2025

Who’s ready for a fly? Come along for the ride as we take off tomorrow morning to knock off 3,650 miles of pretty remote Australia. This one’s a girl’s trip as we head over to Busselton, near Perth, for the Australian Women Pilot’s Conference. 4 overnight stays to get there, 4 days of muckin up with about 150 other pilots, then the home run. Let’s see how we go!

13/04/2025

At long last … the Prairie pub at Parachilna has just announced their airstrip (literally across the road!) is finally open for business. Give them a ring and get on out there!

Here's a pub in the outback that's a fantastic blend of grit and gourmet, is easy to fly to, and adds a new reverence to social sundowners. In my books, if you're going to be flying around our outback, it's my solemn duty to offer some valuable respite from those parched miles in the cockpit. Lord k...

30/03/2025

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03-31/floodwater-outback-qld-helicopters-drop-supplies/105114730?utm_source=abc_news_app&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_campaign=abc_news_app&utm_content=link

Graziers say more aviation fuel is desperately needed as helicopters play a key role in evacuations, supply drops, and mustering.

25/03/2025

Stunning footage, and such a good story. Dare you not to cry at the end.

Dreams take flight. Follow the incredible journey of Jett Bennet, a 19-year-old with a lifelong passion for , as he steps into the cockpit and becom...

05/10/2024

WardAir is on the market …. !!!

As you might have gleaned, I’ve had years of fun and adventures with Catherine since she took over WardAir Flight Training ten years ago; filming Out-n-Back 2, organising flying training safaris all over Australia with dozens of aircraft and wonderful pilots in tow, and teaching students in remote and rural areas.

Having steered the Bathurst-based school to remarkable success, including 2021 Flying Training Organisation of the Year, Catherine’s now ready to pass on the baton to someone interested in running their own small aviation business or some part of it.

WardAir has a CASA AOC (Part 135/138) and Part 141/142 certificates, a front row, airside building at Bathurst airport, a hangar and various aircraft - some or all of which are available to acquire or lease. Not to mention an experienced team of fully-functioning instructors!

Being part of the WardAir journey has been an incredible experience. If you’d be interested in taking it on, or being part of the next chapter, why not give Catherine a call? DM me for her contact details.
Thanks,
Shelley

03/05/2024

Day 5 of our little Autumn flying adventure delivers us to the remote and fabulous south-west coast of Kangaroo Island.

11/03/2024

When you’re really hoping the boat doesn’t stall …

16/09/2023

For my non-pilot mates, I thought you might be interested in seeing ‘the office’, and what we’ve been staring at (when we wrench our eyes away from the landscape) for the past 9 days.

15/09/2023

And so that hard working globe goes down for another night … Good night Birdsville !