SAFA Skysailor Magazine

7 WINTER 2025 | June-July-August SKY SAILOR runways are covered with kangaroos, we sighted not one – most unusual! • Airtime: 36 minutes • Distance: 38.5nm • Average speed: 64kt We crossed the Calder Freeway at Harcourt, once the apple growing region of Australia, then flew over Maldon, a historic town founded in 1853. As our goal, Maryborough, came into view, the airport was easily visible, carved out of bushland near town. On arrival, we were greeted by a plane spotter from Bendigo, an older gentleman who shares our love of aircraft. • Airtime: 48 minutes • Distance: 46.6nm • Average speed: 58kt Next was Ballarat at 1433ft ASL, we needed to climb as we continued over the Tullaroop River near Clunes. Past Clunes, I encountered an eagle. A big one! I pondered it attacking my wing, but it majestically flew beneath me, to encounter those behind. We hit the inbound 10nm mark north of Ballarat airport, and heard a considerable amount of radio chatter. Ballarat airport is apparently the busiest non-towered airport in Australia. It had three aircraft in the circuit and two doing IFR training inbound. As I scanned my surrounds, I saw a trike, a gyro and myself all abreast. I made a 10nm inbound call on behalf of four trikes and one gyro. It was a mind-bending task to create a 3D picture of where every aircraft was located. As we hit the 5nm mark, I decided the best option for five aircraft arriving at the same time with at least another five in or close to being in circuit was a straight in approach. As the third aircraft in circuit turned final, I made the call and all of us landed one behind the other in close succession, clearing the active runway quickly. • Airtime: 30 minute • Distance: 29.6nm • Average speed: 59.2kt Next stop, Cobden airfield. We taxied to runway 35. There were planes in circuit, planes departing on other runways, and planes inbound. At times like this you need your flight training to kick in. As aircraft number 1, I felt the pressure for me to go, but was unclear where all aircraft were located. After waiting for a break in traffic, an air ambulance came on the