Conquering Clouds mixes with sparkle!

As Vice-President of Air Sports Australia Confederation, the FAI Australian body, I attended the 2022 Safeskies Conference in Canberra.Topics of discussion covered many; but what interested me was the projected visualisation of airspace congestion.

Commercial drone deliveries, air taxis, parachutists, gliders, hang gliders, hot air balloons along with all the fixed wing aircraft – activity above is predicted to surpass activity below.

Maybe not in my time – but as the world rushes to an unseeable future so does all aspects of aviation.

1975 I found my love of aviation. Was able to be a pioneer of ballooning in my country. I have watched and experienced the changes as more rules and required paperwork have emerged. After 47 years of active aviation my love affair with the air moves slowly towards an ending.

One more year I tell myself. 2023 will be IT!

I recently spent 3 days with a mix of aviators at the SAFESKIES Conference. I came away with the renewed awareness that those who seek the sky for their playground or even work, carry various levels of sparkle in their eyes.

My wish for everyone is they find some aspect of living that brings a sparkle to their eyes.

As Vice