SAFA Skysailor Magazine

20 SKY SAILOR November | December 2024 was mostly in the 1400 to 1600m range, and only occasionally up to 2600m. Pilots totalled up to 20 flights, 20 hours and 280km on the safari. Flying and towing skills improved during the journey, at the start the success of getting up and away was 25%, but by the end it was 50 to 100%. FNQ Safari – Croc Jumpers have fun Photos: Kyle Utley, Gavin Milne and Kim Dacombe Most of us had never been in this region before. It was the best way to see the coun- tryside – first from the ground, then from the sky each day. There is so much you don’t see from the flat roads as they are surrounded by trees. We all enjoyed the scenery, wildlife, farm animals, locals, birds, camping, food, fireside laughter, and the challenges. The most important outcome is that we all became good friends, evidenced by visiting each other and flying together at sites down the east coast. Pilots on the safari came from NSW and QLD and included Tess and Mark Elliot, Alan Bradshaw, Gavin Milne, Kyle Utley and Nir Eshed. Lukas Vymetal and Daniel Keech flew on the first days. James planned the safari well and operated the towing with skill and safety, with Nir driving and providing advice and knowledge from his experience. Kim Dalcombe