Roving reporter a bit scared
National launch for new Roulettes

By Peter Meehan

Television reporter Peter Helliar assuring Roulette Leader Squadron Leader Peter Robinson he is ready to “shoot the blue” for Network 10’s Rove Live. Inset: Rove Live host Rove McManus. Main photo by SGT David Grant

“LIKE to go flying with the Roulettes?”
“Thanks mate, but err...”
Network 10’s Rove McManus scared of flying?

“No way mate,” was the response from the diminutive national television star.

Rove seized upon the Roulette’s invitation and turned it into a challenge for the show’s resident daredevil reporter and jokester, Peter Helliar.

Tracking down the Back Street Boys in New York and competing at breakneck speeds in V8 Supercars was easy, but the thought of departing terra firma left Helliar looking stunned.

Flying with the Air Force’s qualified flying instructors became the next escapade on July 15 for the jovial Helliar, who was clearly terrified at the prospect of doing aerobatics with the nation’s top display team.

Passing his medical and having conducted the safety brief, the larger-than-life Helliar was eased into the PC-9 backseat position with Squadron Leader Peter Robinson, Roulette Leader, at the controls.

Helliar described his flight as an “out of world experience” to Network 10’s Rove Live audience of nearly two million viewers across Australia.

All seven of the Roulettes were in the studio audience and were congratulated by Helliar. “These guys were so professional and very safe,” he said.

He commented to the Rove Live viewers: “If you’re looking for a career, I suggest you join the Air Force, because these are the guys who will teach you.”

Not a bad remark coming from Helliar, who in fact is scared of flying.

The Roulette’s Rove Live flight covered the stunning southern Victorian coastline and provided the Roulettes with the opportunity to launch the new team for 2003-04 season on national TV. (A story on the new Roulettes will appear in the next edition.)

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