Organisers of the Blue Mountains Bicentenary Flyover have downsized plans to see more than 200 aircraft follow the path trodden by Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth 200 years ago.
But while a shortfall of participants and financial backing has forced the downsizing of the event, the flyover, on Saturday May 25 this year, has been boosted by the support of several descendants of the explorers who will take part in participating aircraft, alongside the RAAF Roulettes and German aerobatics ace Matthias Dolderer.
More than 35 pilots have so far registered their interest in participating in the event, flying the same route travelled by the famous explorers, from Emu Plains through the Blue Mountains to Mount York. The aircraft will then go via O’Connell and on to Bathurst where the Bathurst Aero Club will host a BBQ for all participants in the flyover.
Businesses Supporting the Bicentenary Director Phil Hammon said that he was very excited at the inclusion of the descendants, and looking forward to their reaction at viewing their ancestors’ route from the air.
“We still have every intention of making this event something to remember the Bicentenary by, and to thank those that have backed the event and commemorated the achievements of Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth,” he said.
“There is no doubt that those pilots that participate and the relatives of the explorers will be impressed by the beauty of the Blue Mountains and the courage of Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth."
Although support has been lacking, insurance company QBE has come to the party with top-up insurance for all participants to extend their public liability cover to $10 million, QBE customer or not.
The flyover is being organised by Australian aerobatics identity Matt Hall, who is currently working with CASA to enable pilots to be briefed via video rather than in person.
"I am talking to CASA about making things as safe as possible and one way is to have a video available that pilots can look over to ensure they are on the right page," Hall said.
"That way pilots won't have to make plans to fly into an out-of-the-way airport for a brief and can just meet us in the air at the right place and time en-route."
Read more about the event and download a registration pack from www.matthallracing.com.