SAFA Skysailor Magazine

16 SKY SAILOR May | June 2020 I n an endeavour to create greater exposure for our sport, local flight instructor Lisa Bradley has successfully been granted approval by the Scenic Rim Council for Oz Sky Ranch, situated at the bottom of Mt Tamborine, to become the first flight park in the region. This one stop shop for beginners through to advanced pilots, features manicured, sculptured and turfed training hills on site with ground and aero-towing also on offer. Lisa’s dream and passion for creating the next generation of pilots is evident in her persistence in seeing the park come to life, a place where pilots can learn to soar, share stories with mates and even bring their families and stay on site. “I’m a teacher and a flyer, but my dream was always to set up a flight park like Oz Sky Ranch, where people don’t have to travel miles to launch, but can come, stay on site and even bring their family along,” she said. “My background is as an outdoor instructor, and I used to take at-risk youths rock climbing, hiking and kayaking – outdoor activities that would build their confidence. Then I got the opportunity to learn to fly and I was hooked. I love everything about flying and was able to take over a NZ flying school in Queenstown (Extreme Air) I still own today. My passion is as much about teaching as it is about flying. I love making people’s dreams come true as they take to the skies. It’s a feeling like none other.” Time, investment and love has gone into Oz Sky Ranch, a place Lisa hopes will grow and continue to support the younger generation to find their wings in the sport and create greater exposure for both hang gliding and paragliding. “My hope for the future is that anyone can come here and fly,” said Lisa. “People can bring their friends and family and stay on site with B&B accommodation and future ‘glamping’ options. We want it to be as much able the camaraderie as it is about flying. We want pilots to be able to fly by day and then sit about a campfire by night, sharing stories with their mates. As the years go on, I hope to grow the accommo- dation and also offer other activities on site. I also hope to get more instructors on board and continue to grow the sport we all love.” Canungra Flight Park The lush green pastures of the Canungra ranges to the towering hills of Tamborine Mountain are natures playground for adrenalin seekers through to beginners keen to find their wings in the sport of hang gliding and paragliding.