If there was ever a country that just has to be seen from a light aircraft, it is New Zealand – but best take a guide pilot for the more challenging landing.

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Over the years this has included rabbit shooting from a Robinson 22, killing a cattle beast, walking a mustering beat on the hill,  and helping install a pivot irrigator.  This year as well as helping feed the pet lamb and raising the pups, we added a whole new level of excitement.

In the middle of a very dry spell, we had a grass fire.  Hardly over introductions and part-way through coffee we received the emergency call on the homestead radio telephone.  Our guests immediately offered help and soon found themselves amongst the smoke, helping with stratagies and shifting vehicles.    Next came a trip to Tarras village to help prepare and dispatch the local fire brigade water tanker –  because there weren’t enough fire-fighters!!  They were astonished, and decided we’d have all been arrested if it were the UK!    But, this is very rural Tarras.  (The fire smouldered and burned under a heavy thatch for two days,  until a miracle 1 ½ “ rain put it out.  And our guests were instantly on familiar terms with everyone at Geordie Hill – they were absolute stars).  Thank you Martin and Ruth.

These pups are bred to hunt sheep away (hence the name). They typically have a big bark, and work behind the sheep, and in the sheep yards. But not all from this litter will live on farms – they can also make good pets. Darren our plumber is the proud dad of one – a little guy they named Geordie. How cool is that?

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The result is better than we imagined, and this season Flyinn guests enjoyed a whole new experience. Dining on the deck and joining in around the island bench while the last of dinner was prepared. Cosy warmth by the open lounge fire, and a whole new view of the valley.

Earlier this year Matt spent some days flying with US AOPA Pilot Magazine Editor Dave Hirschman, Photographer Mike Fizer, and an interesting group of pilots.

Read of their journeys and discoveries here

It all began in 2002 – our first year exhibiting at Oshkosh.  We were feeling overwhelmed by EAA Air Venture when CarolAnn walked into our booth, and casually but confidently mentioned in conversation, that she would be flying her little single engine Mooney to New Zealand next year.  It was a little more than we could imagine, and later Matt and I agreed this was probably unlikely.  How wrong could we be:  CarolAnn’s current visit was her third circumnavigation of the world, and her second visit to NZ, all in the same trusty little Mooney.

Introducing CarolAnn to Geordie Hill was like welcoming a friend, as we had met almost every year at Airshows, and followed her travels, since that first meeting.   A remarkable person, she embarked on this odyssey to raise awareness and funds for research into ALS, (also known as Lou Gehrigs, or Motor Neurone disease).  She has personally been affected when her mother suffered with this incurable disease.  With two books to her name, and a third due out soon, she tells her story and also regularly gives talks to educate and raise funds.  All travel is self-funded and any money raised goes directly to the cause.

And so, it was a great honour to be sharing our part of the world with such an interesting and inspiring person.  Both guests enjoyed a total emersion into Kiwi culture, aviation heritage,  station-life, local food, great wines, plus the majestic scenic wonders of the south seen from the air.   We would have enjoyed a longer stay, but this is one lady with a mission.  All too soon we were waving goodbye as the Mooney departed northward for a few more days sight seeing and a chance for Arthur would do some final checks on the Mooney before he flew Air NZ, and CarolAnn left New Zealand soils for the tropics and the homeward journey to USA.

For further information about CarolAnn’s work, please see the following link

www.alsworldflight.com

The programme provided a steady display of great variety. Some highlights included an impressive performance by a Hawker Hunter , flown by the same pilot who had only a short time before, given an equally impressive show in a Tiger Moth.  The RNZAF flew a range of aircraft including the new A109 Helicopter, and finished with a polished display by the popular Red Checker Aerobatic team. An American Airforce trainer, the  T.6C Texan, was flown to NZ especially in time for the Airshow.  And we all listened to Andy, present as a Flyinn Guest,  share his experience as a current US Air Force T -6 instructor.  Outstanding!  The day was complete when immediately past guests Chris and Nadege joined us and current guests at Geordie Hill for dinner.