Amanda Deed's dad, Paul, started flying before she was born, and she's been in the front seat with him ever since she could reach the controls. Now, both fixed-wing and heli pilots, they are a spirited pair crisscrossing the country, ferrying all manner of aircraft and relishing Australia's natural wonders.
The best day for Cathy Beaucage starts early. “I’m a morning person. I’m useless after a big – or small, let’s face it – day of work!” She laughs. It’s the serene moments before the day truly begins that she relishes. “I like the time I get around the heli before clients show up, prepping [...]
Michelle Astergard's romance with aviation started early. "I have always loved aviation," she smiles impulsively. "Every time you enter an airport, there is this feeling of excitement lingering in the air. People are thrilled to go on a new adventure or happy to reunite with their loved ones." "My Godmother had two daughters that I [...]
A bunch of stories about ballooning in Western Australia on the hot air comp circuit – from then (2017) til now (2023)
Flying over the Victorian High Country where Global Ballooning was born thirty years ago, Kiff Saunders’ prodigies carry the family business forward, sharing the wonder of ballooning with visitors to the region and the people who live here.
A piece I wrote for We Are Explorers and Global Ballooning Australia on Man From Snowy River Country, having spent a lot of time here the last couple of years. Whether you’re looking for a chill weekend away or an epic adventure-fuelled holiday, Mansfield has you covered.
Jenn Mulkern grew up with aviation in the family. Her father is a helicopter pilot, and she had her first ride in an R22 at the ripe old age of six weeks. “As soon as I could reach the controls, he started teaching me how to fly the BH206, and any time he had room [...]
The theme for today is one of pure joy. Meet @captainaomi – helicopter pilot and wedding celebrant. Joy is her middle name. Naomi Mowbray had never considered flying until six weeks before she signed up and committed to her Commercial Pilot's Licence course, marking the beginning of this aviation chapter. "I had never even been [...]
In 2022 Global Ballooning Australia celebrates 30 years of operation in the state where hot air ballooning in Australia was born.
Lots of us spent hours in the workshop with Dad as kids. Likely in charge of holding the torch, we'd gaze longingly out the door at temperate Saturday afternoons, shifting from one aching leg to the other and suffering a constant fear of being yelled at for letting the beam of light drift or – on a good day – amassing a good collection of thrilling new swear words. But Faith Ortega was a dream child, and she and her dad got along great.
