SAFA Skysailor Magazine

SKY SAILOR 13 November | December 2019 What is your involvement in assisting scientists to conduct research on the local sea life? In terms of scientific research, we provide infor- mation to scientists and researchers of sightings that may be of interest, such as orca sightings and predations, manta ray and dugong activities. We have an amazing vantage point like no other. Anything out of the ordinary witnessed from the microlight is usually reported to local researchers. What is your role in the local tourism industry? Birds-Eye View services the local tourism industry, finding whaleshark and humpback whales for their vessels so tourists can swim with them. We have partnered with Ocean Eco Adventures, the best boat tour operator in the Ningaloo Reef. Tourists can jump on board our microlight and spot a whaleshark, then take a trip on the boat and swim with it. Why is it important to create exposure for the microlight aircraft? The biggest problem for our future is the lack of pilots. Good trike pilots are hard to come by. We are currently training high school students from the local school to aid them in pursuing an aviation career as a profession. Our first cadet, Angus Atherton, started flight training with us when he was 15 years old. In November this year, he will turn 18 with 100 hours under his belt and will commence his apprenticeship instructor training early next year. By March 2020, Angus will become our first to complete his three-year cadetship. He will be offered a full-time traineeship commencing at the beginning of next year. What’s new and exciting on the horizon for Birds-Eye View? We are performing well in our whaleshark and humpback whale aerial spotting operations and look forward to significant growth in this sector. Another exciting venture is the new aircraft we have just purchased, the ‘Cygnet’ will be delivered in November. This aircraft will add another dimension to our unique operation giving us the ability to take-off and land on water.