get yourself above it all with a Helicopter Flight

'You Fly' Ultimate Heli Flight

Put on your pilot's cap and take advantage of this awesome opportunity to fly your own helicopter Following a session of preliminary instruction in the hangar, this 30 minute training flight gives you the opportunity to take over the controls yourself, under the supervision of an instructor pilot. This is one of those once in a lifetime opportunities, which definitely should be on the 'have to do' list.

10 day Gibb River Rd Loop

DAY 1: Broome - Windjana Depart Broome,travel via the Derby Prison Tree for a short visit. Leave the bitumen behind as we enter the Gibb River Rd! A walk up Windjana Gorge this afternoon is sure to impress. Overnight camp Windjana . (L/D) DAY 2: Windjana - Bells This morning we're off to Tunnel Creek an amazing tunnel that cuts through the Napier Range!Then travel to Bells Gorge for our overnight camp.(B/L/D) DAY 3: Bells -Manning Leaving Bells, travel via King Leopold Ranges, on our way to Galvans Gorge. This gorge will tempt you to don the bathers. An afteroon walk to Manning Gorge is recommended. Camping overnight Mt Barnett. (B/L/D) DAY 4: Manning - El Questro Our journey today takes us through the majestic Cockburn Ranges, Cambridge Gulf and the twin rivers of the Durack and Pentecost. Camping overnight El Questro. (B/L/D) DAY 5: El Questro - Kununurra Soak in the thermal pools of Zebedee Springs, walk to stunning Emma Gorge with a swim in the crystal clear waters, before we head to the town of Kununurra. Camping overnight. (B/L) DAY 6:Kununurra - Bungles Depart Kununurra and head to the Bungle Bungle turn off. Afternoon walks to Echidna Chasm and Mini Palms (time permitting) before arriving at our overnight camp on sunset. Overnight Purnululu.(B/L/D) DAY 7 Bungles - Kununurra This morning we head to the Southern end for a walk through the Bee Hive area of Piccaninny Creek and Cathedral Gorge, optional helicopter flight available. Overnight camp.(B/L/D) DAY 8: Kununurra Free day today to enjoy the many attractions Kununurra has to offer. Overnight camp.(B) DAY 9: Kununurra - Fitzroy Crossing Today we travel south visiting the Kimberley town of Halls Creek on our way to our overnight camp. (B/L/D) DAY 10: Fitzroy Crossing - Broome A morning visit to Geikie Gorge for an optional cruise before returning to Broome. (B/L) DEPARTS : (21 May, 4 Jun, 18 Jun, 2 Jul, 16 Jul, 30 Jul, 13 Aug, 27 Aug, 10 Sep, 24 Sep, 8 Oct - 2008)

13 Day Kimberley Discovery

DAY 1: Depart Broome and head to the Derby Prison Tree. We now leave the bitumen behind as we enter the Gibb River Road! A walk up Windjana Gorge this afternoon is sure to impress. L.D DAY 2: This morning we're off to Tunnel Creek, have your bathers and torches ready. Afternoon sees us off to Bells Gorge. Camping Bells Gorge. B.L.D DAY 3: This morning we travel via the King Leopold Ranges,to Galvans Gorge. For those feeling like a walk, a visit to Manning Gorge this afternoon is recommended. B.L.D DAY 4: Today we leave the Gibb River Road, and travel to Kalumburu Road to Mitchell Plateau.We camp on the banks of the river. This afternoon have a dip here, and explore the area. Camping King Edward River.B.L.D DAY 5: We make full use of our 4WD capacity today, to take us to the Mitchell Falls. An optional helicopter flight is a must, you can see most of the remotest country in the world.Camping King Edward River. B.L.D DAY 6: This morning explore aboriginal art in the area, before we rejoin the Gibb River Road. Camping Home Valley Station.B.L.D DAY 7: Today we have the chance to explore the vibrant Home Valley Station . B.D. DAY 8: Our journey continues along the Cockburn Ranges. Camping overnight at Kunurra. B.L.D DAY 9: Free day in Kununurra. B DAY 10: Early start for a scenic drive through to Turkey Creek, heading in to the Bungle Bungles.B.L.D. DAY 11: Optional extra to do a flight over the Bungle Bungles, visit Echidna Chasm. Camping overnight Bungle Bunge National Park. B.L.D. DAY 12: Visit Halls Creek and then on to Fitzroy Crossing!B.L.D DAY 13: Pack up camp travel towards Geiki Gorge for a morning visit. Optional boat cruise on the Fitzroy River and Geike Gorge. We then make our way back to broome. B.L.

13 Day Pearls of the Kimberley Tour 2009

This tour incorporates all of the major icons of the Kimberley that are the real pearls. Starting in Broome we traverse the sandy track to the stunning and remote Cape Leveque. On arrival we will have the opportunity to take a walk along the beach, swim or relax by the ocean an watch the sandstone cliffs change as the sun sets over the ocean. We make our way across the mighty Fitzroy River, visit the Prison Tree then on to the Gibb River Road. We will explore the magnificent gorges of this area, including Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek, Manning Gorge and Galvins Gorge. We also visit Drysdale Station and experience a real working cattle property. Experience the spectacular Mitchell Falls, before arriving at El Questro. Spending two nights at El Questro, with time to explore scenic gorges and relaxing in thermal hot springs. Onto Kununurra, with a free day to explore the town, take a cruise or enjoy an optional flight. Travel to the world-renowned Purnululu National Park, where we will enjoy short walks while camping inside the National Park. Some may choose to take an optional helicopter flight over this natural wonder. Tour finishes in Broome The tour includes: -Travel by 4WD vehicle; -All meals provided unless specified; -All National Park Entrance Fees; -All Camping Fees; -All camping gear including two-person tents; foam sleep mats, tables and chairs; -Any additional flights, cruises and side excursions are optional extras.

2 Day Journey to the Bungles

DAY 1: Depart Kununurra and drive via the scenic RAGGED RANGE to Turkey Creek, where we have a short stop. We then head to Purnululu National Park turn off, and 53 kms along a very scenic, but winding dirt road via the magnificent OSMAND RANGE. We arrive in time for lunch at the Northern Gorges. Afternoon walks in ECHIDNA CHASM, and MINI PALMS (time permitting), before arriving at our overnight camp on sunset. (Lunch & Dinner included) DAY 2: This morning we head to the Southern end for a walk through the Bee Hive area of PICCANINNY CREEK and CATHEDRAL GORGE (optional helicopter flight available today, $265.00 gives the advantage to view these magnificent formations close up from the air). (Breakfast & Lunch included) Departs every Monday (April to October)

2 Hour Helicopter Adventure - Whitsunday Unlimited

Your flight takes you over all the high spots in and around the beautiful Whitsunday Islands. Fly over the recently re-furbished Daydream Island, South Molle Island, world renowned Hayman Island, Hook Island, Whitsunday Island and stunning Hill Inlet and then touch down for a one hour stopover at Whitehaven Beach to enjoy as you please. Your return journey then takes you via famous Hamilton Island and the Whitsunday Passage before returning with memories you will carry with you forever. Spoil yourself&you deserve it and this is the only way to see all the Whitsundays has to offer from the air. Your return journey is via Hamilton Island and the Whitsunday Passage. The only way to see all the Whitsunday Islands from the air!

20min Rainforest and Beaches Scenic Heli Flight

A helicopter scenic flight is the best way to see the most beautiful sights that Cairns has to offer. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by your pilot and be given a safety briefing prior to your flight. During this 20 minute scenic flight, you'll explore ancient rainforest covered mountainsides and valleys only minutes from the centre of Cairns. You'll view world heritage listed rainforest, Kuranda and the magnificent Barron Gorge, before flying over the exclusive Northern Beaches region. Only by helicopter can the scale of these rainforests and their beauty be truly understood!

4 Day Bungles Adventure 2009

Starting in Kununurra we travel to the world-renowned Purnululu National Park, where we will enjoy short walks while camping inside the National Park. Picanniny Creek, Cathedral Gorge, Echidna Chasm. Some may choose to take an optional helicopter flight over this natural wonder. Tour finishes in Broome The tour includes: -Travel by 4WD vehicle; -All meals are provided unless specified; -All National Park Entrance Fees; -All Camping Fees; -All Camping Gear including two-person tents, foam sleep mats, tables and chairs; -Any additional flights, cruises and side excursions are optional extras.

6* World Class Heliski

This exclusive heliski week is for those clients that are seeking an absolute world class heli ski experience combined with 6 star luxury accommodation, total relaxation in a private and exclusive mountain lakeside environment. You will experience total freedom in the way you customise heli skiing time with our highly trained private charter guides. Ski or ride as much or as little as you wish each day, as fast or as slow as you please - your time, your schedule, and your pace. By combining luxurious accommodation, your professional guide and pilot, exclusive helicopter use and the best choice of terrain in New Zealand, each day of your private ski week will become an unforgettable experience. With exclusive access to over 5000 square kilometres of exceptional bowls, snowy ridges and powder basins to choose from, each day your guide and pilot will choose a heliski location based on snow and weather conditions and your groups objectives. Included in the private week package are 2 days heliskiing in our Northern region. This area spans several high ranges near Mt Cook (NZ's highest mountain). The region has a multitude of runs in excess of 1200m (4000ft) making these some of the longest heliski runs in NZ.

60min Reef and Rainforest Helicopter Scenic Flight

Upon arrival, you and a friend will be introduced to your pilot and you will be given a comprehensive safety briefing prior to your flight. You and a friend have the awesome opportunity to glide high above the lush tropical canopy of pristine Rainforest, view Kuranda and the Barron Gorge, Stoney Creek Falls and Copperlode Dam - all before venturing out over the amazing Great Barrier Reef. See Green Island, Arlington Reef and Vlasoff Cay before heading back to the coast to view the tropical Northern Beaches. All of this is available in a 60 minute scenic helicopter flight over the Cairns region. Experience the ultimate in helicopter scenic flights over Cairns and its stunning surrounds in Far North Queensland!

The History of Helicopter Flights

When we think of the history of flight, our minds tend to think of the Wright Brothers and the development of fixed wing aircraft or planes. However, the helicopter has just as rich a history as any plane.

In a book titled Pao Phu Tau from the fourth century in China it describes a machine that uses rotary-wings to propel the object into the sky. Although it is believed this was a design for a toy, the concept of rotary-wing aviation was born.

Leonardo Da Vinci designed a machine that could be classed as the world's first helicopter. Although he designed this object in 1490, there wasn't technology available to turn the design into something tangible.

It wasn't until the industrial revolution that engines and materials were being produced at a reasonable quality and quantity that made helicopter design and flight a reality.

In the early twentieth century, helicopter flight was recorded but only at miniscule levels. Heights of only inches were recorded but it proved that rotary-wing aircraft could fly.

The helicopter was of great interest to the German's in World War I. They wanted an aircraft that could replace balloons. However, at this time, the early autogyros could not hover and therefore would be easy targets.

One man is credited for having the single biggest impact on the development of helicopters. In 1938, a Russian living in America named Igor Sikorsky convinced the Government to fund a two million dollar research and development project into helicopter design. The Government chose one of Sikorsky's designs and the production of what can be linked to modern day helicopters began.

In the 1950s, Sikorsky developed the world first commercial rotary-winged aircraft. The invention of the turbine engine not long after was also a huge step in moulding the designs into what we know as modern day helicopters.

The Vietnam War was another turning point in the history of helicopters. The US Government spent millions of dollars on designing helicopters that had the capability of flying in jungle environments and also carry weapons.

From 1980 until now, the designs of helicopters have been changing rapidly. Today, helicopters are used in all areas of life. They are used to transport people, cargo, help prevent bushfires, used for emergency situations, scenic flights and of course in the military.   © MAS 2007

Who said Elvis was dead??

We all knew Elvis Presley could pull huge crowds and a helicopter named after him has the same appeal.

The S-64 Ericson Air Crane is a huge helicopter that stops people in their tracks when the see or hear it flying through the sky. Just like Elvis, this machine has a distinct sound and movement.

The S-64 has six main rotary blades that sit in an awe inspiring position above the distinct orange frame.

The Ericson Air Crane company leased one of their S-64 machines to governments in Australia to assist in fighting bush fires. The machine that came to Australia was named Elvis and received legendary status after saving lives and property in 2001. It was named Elvis after it was used by the National Guard in Memphis, USA.

14 fireman owe their life to Elvis after it was deployed to assist in a fire in Burragorang Valley in New South Wales.

Elvis could carry 9,500 litres of water.

Since 2001, governments in Australia have continued to lease S-64 Air Cranes. Elvis has been joined in Australia by Georgia Peach, Incredible Hulk, Shania, Delilah, Isabelle and Malcolm.

In January 2003, the ACT was hit with a massive bush fire that destroyed over 400 houses. I personally can recall seeing an Ericson S-64 helicopter fill its tank with water from a lake I was sitting near. The sound of the engine was deafening, but the sight of the huge helicopter filling up less than 200m from where I was will remain with me forever.

It was a sensational sight and I like many Australian's appreciate the work these helicopters have completed to help save lives and property across our nation.   © MAS 2007