The Pillemer’s will hug the coast around Victoria, the north coast of Tasmania, South Australia, and Western Australia, before flying up to the west coast, across the Top End, and back down along the edge of Queensland.
FOLLOW THEIR PROGRESS ON THE MAP:
If you would like to see “exactly” where on the map they are at any time you can go to their SPOT tracker at:
(at the time of posting it was tracking somebody else. We will investigate and update this information)
http://share.findmespot.com/
880cjPjWXgourQHi6
Promo Video about the trip – Click: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWzSIe_p1BE&feature=youtu.be
7 May 2014
After taking off from the Mission airstrip we headed for Twin Falls after overflying Mission Bay. This place was amazing up close. We all agreed a highlight of the trip. Most of the time we used HD video and SLR cameras to capture us all splashing and dashing. Internet is very slow if available at all so posting anything but I phone pictures is not practical until we get to Darwin. The video should be amazing
6 May 2014:
Our accommodation at the Kalumburu Mission was simple dongas, two of us in each of three rooms. Tony the Pastor was kind enough to open the shop for us so we could buy some food. Thanks Tony, hope you got some fish on your fishing trip
5 May 2014:
At long last the Kalumburu Mission (previously known as Drysdale River Mission) comes into view. We didn’t get a chance to research our visit. Here’s what Wikipedia has to say about the town…
It is the northernmost settlement in Western Australia. According to a 2006 census, it had a population of 413 people and is inhabited mostly by Aboriginal people from the Wunambal and Kwini language groups. Kalumburu is remote from any main roads — the nearest is the Gibb River Road, 270 km to the south via the Kalumburu Road. It was the site of a World War II airbase, which was attacked by Japanese planes in 1943.
WE HOPE TO CATCH UP ON ALL THE MISSING UPDATES
14 April 2014:
We are at Thomas River, but no pictures from the camp. There was a media blackout last night due to no phone signal and flat batteries stopped photography in the morning
13 April 2014:
The flying flockers are refuelling, at a place in the middle of nowhere, called Caiguna on the Eyre Highway in W.A. Looks like you land and taxi all the way to the fuel pumps and roadhouse.
12 April 2014:
A very big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our one and only female aviator Colleen Pillemer on the Around Australia Adventure!! Wishing you a wonderful day of sunny skies, tail winds and scenic beauty as you fly across the Nullabor, with indulgences at your next.
11 April 2014:
A nice cruising speed for a Searey. 100 knots is 185 km an hour. NOT inviting comments on this from pilots of the following aircraft : Coalship Freedom, Super Petrol and Lake Buckinear!
Luckily for un-named Queensland based squadron leaders and anonymous but very tuneful Lord How Island based glider pilots the events inside the cabin are in-documented by any gizmos with a Facebook interface due to no signal and no power. The debauchery anderriment has been recorded for posteriority but you’ll have to get the documentary
Quick written update all safely on the ground at Streaky Bay South Australia. Pics and story as soon as we can. Small town everything shuts early and my stomach is requiring immediate attention
10 April 2014:
Now airborne. Over water, passing Port Elliot. Looking good for the longer overwater flight to Aldinga. Andrew in LDH has gone to inland to scout out the visibility on the short route over the mountains
8 April 2014:
The first thing I heard this morning was an alarm clock, the second thing a belch and the third thing a rip roaring bout of tail end turbulence.
(It was my alarm, but I am not responsible for the other noises here-in described).
Yes pilots are not just pretty faces and Lords of the Skies. Sorry to shatter illusions, but this is a full disclosure account of the trip. No photos, no names, but Boystown is very much restricted Airspace this morning.
Wow! Just accidentally pushed a wrong button and got the statistics for our site. To the 10,957 people that have checked us out a big thankyou.
Touched down on the grass strip at Robe, South Australia
7 April 2014:
We landed at Barwon Heads Airfield with all four aircraft on the ground by 17.15.
We were all handed a cold drink to refresh us by Vaun Moncur, our host, as we prepared the aircraft for their overnight stay on the field.
6 April 2014:
Unable to post for a while no signal. A quick written word update. We are safely over the Bass Straight and flying along the North coast of Tasmania. Pics of the crossing to follow shortly. Shortly we will be in the air again. Overflying the North coast of Tassie to Wynyard, our overnight stop.
Safely landed at Eynyard Tasmania . Pics to follow as soon as possible busy securing the planes right now
4 April 2014:
It’s 08.00 at Lake Conjolo. A great effort as none of us are morning people. We need to get South ASAP. The weather is only giving us a three hour window today – if the forecast is correct.
An adventure wouldn’t be an adventure without any adventure. Errol went to the lake not long after first light to check his aeroplane. He found it semi-submerged!
It was all hands on deck to save the aircraft. The bilge pumps cleared enough water to be able to turn the plane. Errol then taxied to a nearby boat ramp, pulled the seven bungs for the various compartments and flushed the fuselage with fresh water. A few items of clothing and bedding needed a wash and dry but for the most part it was no harm done. Again Richard went above and beyond the call of duty working cheerfully on a cool and raining day.
No photos of the Lake in the Lake to post. We were all more concerned with minimising damage to Errol’s plane than taking photos. There was a video camera running. You’ll have to watch the documentary to see the action
2 April 2014:
We were joined on the ramp at Rathmines this morning by Andrew. He has flown across from Lord Howe Island, a 3 hour 45 minute open ocean crossing. Andrew plans on flying with us until Kununurra in the Northern Territory. All three planes safely down on the beach at Cabarita. We went from Cabarita to Bankstown where we re- fuelled and swopped Doug’s dodgy tail wheel for a new one from Marty’s plane. No photos as it was a busy time. Marty and Doug changed out his wheel and went for fuel while David and Malcolm went to sort a headphones problem.
1 April 2014:
In flight destructive testing of a Seaplane Pilots Association Australia Cap was carried out not far from Port Macquarie en- route to Forster. The test was carried out shortly after the squadron leader uttered the words ” if you are going to lean out of the window…” Identity of the crew member withheld. For those that know us personally a clue…. He is the one most in need of a cap!
30 March 2014:
Thank you everyone for all the posts, wishes and interest. Things as you can imagine, have been hectic leading up to this great 2014 adventure. This week has flown with so much final preparation work completed, a few minor alterations to plans, two Make A Wish Foundation flights completed, a few beers, a few wines, a few more final preps, and I’m happy to report XWW and SEY departed Caboolture Aerodrome at 1.30pm today. There was very little to no rain along the coast so the boys decided to start their journey. Winds are in their favour and congratulations Stage 1 of Around Australia has just been completed after a 2 hour flight time arriving into Evans Hea.
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2. Comair is recruiting.
CABIN CREW – JOHANNESBURG BASED
We are currently recruiting for cabin crew to be based in Johannesburg.
Minimum Requirements:
| · Grade 12 (Essential) WITH English D symbol for 1st language or C symbol for 2nd language (Essential) OR Level 4 with accredited English proficiency test (Essential) · Valid and current CAA Cabin Attendant license (Desirable) · 3 Years Customer Service Experience (Essential) OR · 3 year tertiary Qualification (Essential) OR · 18 months experience as a Cabin Attendant with a valid and current CAA Cabin Attendant license (Essential) · Communication skills · Conflict handling skills · Handling emergency situations · Problem solving skills · Serving customers from diverse backgrounds · Safety and Emergency Procedures (Advanced) · Aviation Medicine Procedures (Advanced) · Service Procedures (Advanced) · Company Policies & Procedures (Advanced) · Dangerous Goods (Intermediate) |
Kindly follow the link below for more information or to apply:
http://www.pnet.co.za/index.php?s=advert_view&g=2740&x=2078130&i=300&sw=1&pop=1
Only applications via Pnet will be considered
3. Vacancies advertised on Facebook:
Follow this link to take you there: https://www.facebook.com/comairjobs
4. SAA is constantly taking in crew:
Go To: http://www.flysaa.com/za/en/SAA_Careers/RelatedLinks/cabin.html
5. Try SA Airlink:
Go To: http://latestlearnerships.com/sa-airlink-offers-flight-attendant-jobs-in-johannesburg/
. . .and many many more – simply google the website and discover how many more possibilities there are for career moves.
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Double points are on offer for members of South African Airways and Etihad Airways’ respective loyalty programmes. Members can earn double miles when they with either airline before June 30 2014. The airlines are offering the promotion to mark the launch of their frequent flyer partnership.
This frequent flyer partnership between the airlines is in addition to their signing of a commercial cooperation agreement last year enabling the two airlines to introduce a range of codeshare and interline air services, as well as other opportunities.
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Bid adieu to the dreaded layover! Airports worldwide are jumping on a trend that encourages transit passengers to leave the airport and visit the city, spicing dreaded travel days up with a mini vacation. Whether travellers spend a day seeking out a city’s best sights, diving into local cuisine or even just unwinding in luxurious airport facilities, an extended layover is now something to seek out rather than avoid. And, the bonus? Flights with long layovers are often less expensive – allowing for a few extra dollars for mementos or snacks!
The following airports are leaders when it comes to developing quick, accessible and inexpensive opportunities to visit the city, with many other destinations following suit.
1. London Heathrow (LHR): An institution in layovers, the airport itself essentially doubles as a glamorous shopping mall variety of high-end stores and top quality restaurants. Hours (and hundreds of dollars) easily disappear into the duty-free shopping abbess over even the quickest layovers. However, for those interested in soaking in slightly more British culture, Heathrow Express will carry transit passengers into Central London (Paddington Station) in roughly 15 minutes. From there, it is a quick tube ride to Buckingham Palace, Oxford Street or East London, where great architecture, food and shopping awaits!
2. Dubai (DXB): Emirates extends its reputation for stellar service right through to organizing tours for transit passengers. A half-day city tour will highlight the juxtaposition of Arabic history and culture with the growth of a modern metropolis. By booking an extended layover with the airline, it is even possible to venture out into the surrounding deserts for either a cocktail with a view or a thrilling sandboarding adventure. Flying business class with Emirates? Remember that your ticket price includes a private driver that will take you anywhere within a predefined distance of the airport. In Dubai – this means right down town!
3. Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS): Amsterdam is an increasingly common layover destination, and Amsterdam City Tours now offers tailor made tours highlighting Dutch culture and history. Driving along the canals, through the Red Light District, past the Royal Palace and around the Anne Frank House introduces transit passengers to the infamous city over only 3 – 5 hours! This should still leave time for passengers to visit the airport’s Rembrandt-stocked art gallery and the outdoor garden!
4. Seoul Incheon (ICN): The airport offers free transit tours highlighting impressive South Korean culture, history and architecture. With a wide variety of tours depending on the length of your layover (and your preferences), travelers are able to visit Hongik University, Dongdaemun Market, the Incheon Grand Bridge in addition to numerous temples and restaurants. You can review and book tours online through the easy-to-use Incheon website. That said you might not even need to leave the airport to get a taste of Korean culture. With indoor gardens, a Museum of Korean Culture, a spa, golf course and ice skating rink, ICN will easily entertain you for hours. What’s more? Business Traveler has ranked the Duty Free Zone to be the best shopping – for three years running!
5. Singapore Changi (SIN): If you can pry yourself away from the marvels of one of the best airports worldwide (and it will be difficult…) Changi airport and Singapore Airlines collaborate to offer a free two-hour city tour for transit passengers with layovers of over five hours. With opportunities to walk through Merlion Park and a stunning tour of the contrasting facets of China Town, this tour offers insight into this emerging and powerful city. That said if you are unable to attend one of these scheduled tours, a spin through one of the airport’s numerous butterfly-filled open-air gardens is just as fascinating and relaxing.
In addition to these precedents, smaller airports worldwide are falling in line with this trend offering great opportunities to unwind between flights – here are a few emerging highlights!
With any opportunity to leave the airport, it is important that you confirm check in times and baggage policies with your particular airlines prior to departure. Policies vary greatly between airlines and airports – and these mini-vacations become significantly less enjoyable when you miss your connecting flight!
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Andre used the opportunity to announce that he will soon be improving on his previous world record. This will be his 44th record. His first was achieved way back in in 1969 when he roller skated from Cape Town to Johannesburg in 19 days.
Other records include:
* Non-stop Roller skating for 200 hours
* Non-stop Disco Dancing for 345 hours
* Climbing Table Mountain with roller skates in 41 minutes
* Cycle Spinning non-stop for 500 hours
* Roller Blading down a 24 storey building
The records go on and on. Andre, who is now 64 years old, will in May be improving his record for sitting in a car non stop. He is the present world record holder for sitting in a car non stop for 50 days.
Listen to the interview by clicking on this audio link:
https://soundcloud.com/user1891646/gesels-met-andre-van-zijl-mivvigs-voorligter-en-opsteller-van-43-wereldrekords
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For example, Japan Airlines’ new Economy seats (manufactured by ZIM Flugsitz), which made their debut on the airline’s B777-300s in January 2013, have been designed with a a conveniently placed smartphone holder which is also located near the USB port.
South African Airways fleet renewal
South African Airways (SAA) has recently unveiled the interior of its new A320 aircraft, which have been designed by aircraft interior designers Priestmangoode and feature seats from seat manufacturer Geven. The new A320s, configured in a 24 Business and 114 Economy setting, boast a modern, sleek South African-themed interior, which will also form the basis of SAA’s future widebody aircraft designs.
A full story on SAA’s new A320s can be found in the March edition of the excellent Aircraft Interiors International magazine.
Integrate your own device
The Geven Comoda seats in SAA’s A320 Business Class have an innovative feature: The back shell has a small shelf to stow a tablet device, with a USB power point that keeps the device powered during the flight, and power plugs in the centre console for power.
Aircraft Interiors International reports that the Geven Comoda business seat has been customized for SAA, with the removable IFE setup saving project time and airline costs, as it cuts down on software issues, cabling and maintenance.
Myriam Bracke, executive manager of product development at SAA, explains the decisions the airline made on IFE for the A320s to Aircraft Interiors International: “We did a business case on IFE, and giving power for all passengers is important, we have USB and PC power for each passenger in Business Class, and shared outlets in Economy. We didn’t want embedded IFE due to the weight, and also the restrictions it brings. If you want to put in a couple more seats it becomes extremely difficult when you have embedded IFE systems. These A320s will fly everything from a short route of one hour from Johannesburg to Durban, to a four-hour route from Johannesburg to Kinshasa. To carry the extra weight on a Durban-Johannesburg route doesn’t make sense.”
Wireless IFE
SAA is also trialling a loan system of Samsung tablets – with IFE content already loaded – on flights of over four hours, to see how well the logistics work, and has also put out a tender for a wireless IFE system solution that will see content streamed to passengers’ personal devices.
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The awards are based on 12.85-million survey questionnaires that were completed by airline customers of 110 different nationalities between May 2013 and February 2014. The surveys are 100% independent and evaluate traveller experiences across 39 different airports worldwide.
Siblings Priscilla and Wiseman Khoza, who work at the Sausage Saloon stall at the airport, say the award is well deserved. ‘I was telling my brother over the weekend how alive and vibrant OR Tambo is compared to the rest,’ says Priscilla.Compared to the rest of the airports in Africa, it’s definitely the best and busiest.
Keke Matela and Lerato Linda, who work as sales assistants at the Ferrari store at the airport, are proud to be associated with OR Tambo International. ‘It’s great that the airport won the award, and the fact that I work at the airport makes me proud,’ says Keke. According to Lerato, the airport won the award for its great infrastructure and the service that it offers.
Herbert Schaal, who has only been to the airport once before, says what he loves most about OR Tambo is that ‘it’s well structured’.
Eddie Luswa and Elton Kax, who are originally from Uganda, travel regularly around Africa and the Middle East, and they both give the award a nod. ‘OR Tambo is the gateway to Africa and the world. Most international flights are here so it’s no wonder it’s been named the best airport in Africa. The service is wonderful,’ says Eddie. Elton adds that ‘compared to the rest of the airports in Africa, it’s definitely the best and busiest’.
OR Tambo International Airport can handle up to 28-million passengers a year, and is one of the few airports in the world with direct, non-stop flights to six continents.
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