By Maj Cameron Simkins
TWO members from the Port Headland-based Delta Tp of The Pilbara Regt recently embarked on an experience of a lifetime.

On a whim, WO2 ‘Bluey’ Grover and patrolman Jason ‘Flash’ Gordon entered into the Centenary of Flight Air Rally by flying a chartered Cessna from Jandakot, WA, to Avalon, Victoria. Much to the chagrin of other bigger city competitors, the two desert diggers from the wilds of the north west were overall winners and won a trip for two to the International Airshow at Oshkosh in the USA.

The air rally consisted of light aircraft from all over Australia flying various routes to assemble at Bendigo for a final massed fly-in arrival at Avalon as part of the Australian International Airshow 2003.

Participants had to complete rally questionnaires for each route. The questionnaires covered topics of aeronautical knowledge, aviation history, general knowledge and observations made enroute.

The pair flew more than 5000km, from Jandakot to Avalon via Kalgoorlie, Ceduna, Mildura and Bendigo, taking nearly 40 flying hours to complete. The trip over was completed without incident.

However, on the way home, within sight of Jandakot, a dozy eagle crashed into the Cessna causing damage to the propeller, cowling, windscreen and wing. Thankfully, because of the expert skills of the crew, a safe landing was made.

WO2 Grover enlisted in the CMF in 1973 and has served with 16RWAR, 28 Independent Rifle Coy, 11/28 RWAR, 5 Tng Gp and RTC (WA) before posting to The Pilbara Regiment. He is also a sergeant with the WA Police Service.

Patrolman Gordon enlisted 18 months ago directly into D Tp. He is a former sailor with five years’ previous service that included an operational tour during the first Gulf War. Patrolman Gordon is also a constable with the WA Police Service.

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