Coastland Aviation is offering a bird's-eye view of the region's natural attractions with the launch of scenic flights.
The new business allows passengers to take in all the sights from the sky, from the local coastline, Lady Musgrave and the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
Director of Coastland Aviation and local pilot Jeremy Browne established the business in July and said he never got tired of witnessing the beauty of the region from above.
“The Bundaberg coast is so interesting, with the stunning shallow sandy inlet of Elliott River along the volcanic rock shelf that meets a crystal clear turquoise water,” he said.
“The Southern Great Barrier Reef is nature's aerial art at its finest.
“Our Ultimate Reef Experience scenic flight gives visitors to the Bundaberg Region the best opportunity to view the reef from above.”
Jeremy said growing up he had always had a passion for flying which became integrated in many aspects of his life.
“I have held a commercial pilot licence for 20 years, however, I have been flying aircraft since I was a teenager,” he said.
“I attended a boarding school that offered gliding as a sport and after my first lesson I was hooked on flying for the rest of my life.
“As a young adult I gained my licence but at that time Ansett had not long collapsed, there was a pilot glut and the chance of landing a flying job was difficult.
“I then pursued a career that took me into agribusiness and I always managed to use my own aircraft for transport across the region and interstate – now it has come full circle.”
Jeremy said Coastland Aviation operated two small aircraft for scenic flights with others available for larger bookings.
“They are a single engine Beechcraft Bonanza and a six-seater twin-engine Partenavia,” he said.
“The Partenavia is a high-wing aircraft suitable for scenic flights as it provides an unobstructed view.
“We also have access to partner aircraft for air tours or flights that require a greater capacity and are suitable for long distances.
“These include a Cessna 414 (cabin class six seater), Cessna Caravan (air-conditioned eight seater) and a six-seater Aero Commander.”
Jeremy said while the Covid pandemic had put a stop to any travellers from outside of the state visiting the region, he was still having great success with locals who wanted to explore their own backyard from above.
“We have seen an initial rise in domestic tourism,” he said.
“People are eager to undertake new experiences, like flightseeing the stunning reef and bright blue and green coast that is a highlight of the region.”
The local pilot said although he had seen the region from above many times before, the bird's-eye view never ceased to amaze him.
“It always looks different, not one flight is the same,” Jeremy said.
“Spotting marine life is a bonus but the region changes colours throughout the year and the tidal changes everyday make scenic flights interesting at any time.”
Coastland Aviation scenic tours can be booked by phoning 0477 977 474 or online at www.coastlandaviation.com.
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Wow,
That first shot of the Great Bazza is one very healthy reef.
Sign me up and have my money ????????????