SAFA Skysailor Magazine

22 SKY SAILOR December-January-February | SUMMER 2025 as they have to wait around with a bunch of unhappy pilots. We would rather you’d be out there flying than sit there with us in the rain. Many of our driver volunteers have well payed jobs in the ‘real world’, so they are not driving for you for money. Those who come to mind have the following occupa- tions: barrister (not barista – if you don’t know the difference I can’t help you!), CEO, nurse, podiatrist and accountant. Some of these are also ex-pilots – do you begin to see their value? These people are giving up their own free time to drive for you. It is not a holiday for them, they are helping out as volunteers. If you were sent on a job for a week out of town, you would expect to be reimbursed for your accommodation and meals. Volunteer drivers don’t expect the Taj Mahal or a Michelin star restaurants, although both would be nice! A spot on your campsite, a shared cabin, food and drink, a meal at the pub, and a salad roll for lunch all help to show your apprecia- tion and respect for the time, effort and expertise they put in for you. Making sure the car is full of fuel at the start of the day is another must! A driver (let’s call her Angela) recently told me that after a day of towing in the dusty Birchip tow paddock, she pulled out of the gate only to realise the team had left her just 20km worth of fuel. She then spent time looking for a service station to fill up, using her own money, when she could have been on the road to pick up pilots. Roadside Assist is an awesome thing to have on your car as well, if the driver breaks down or runs out of fuel, they can call the RACV or equivalent for help. The quicker they get back on the road the sooner you get picked up! Driver Appreciation