Caloundra Ultralight, QUEENSLAND
Airing Date: Jun 2nd, 2003
An ultralight is a tiny aircraft that has the wings of a hang glider, the body of a buggy and an engine that operates at speeds below 100 knots.
Ultralights are compact, efficient and a cheap way to explore the blue skies.
Skyfox Flight Training, based in Caloundra, offers a variety of courses including a trial instructional flight. This exciting trip educates inexperienced people on maneuvering the plane, handling the joysticks and sometimes even landing. Learners have control of the aircraft for 50% of the lesson, with the instructor helping along the way.
Before take-off the instructor gives a pre-flight briefing. Would-be pilots also spend time in a classroom learning the basics. Following that, learners are taken through a pre-flight inspection and shown how to get in, how to adjust the seat, and what the cockpit is all about.
Finally, it's time to take off for a 25 minute flight over the gorgeous landscape of the Sunshine Coast. Learners have the opportunity to fly the plane and experience thrilling stunts like a 'Negative G'.
Once you've got you're first taste of flying an aircraft you might be keen to find out more about the world of aviation. Head to the nearby Queensland Air Museum to see a collection of complete aircrafts from Australia's aviation past, a number of dismantled aircrafts and heaps of aviation memorabilia.
The facts
Qantas flies to Brisbane from all capital cities. Prices from Sydney start at $210, and from Perth $609.
Qantas
Tel: 13 13 13
Skyfox 'Hands on' introductory flights start from $77.
Sky Fox Flight Training
Tel: 07 5491 4846
Accommodation is available at the Watermark Resort in the heart of Caloundra. Fully self-contained units sleep four, and cost from $115 a night.
Watermark Resort
Tel: 07 5491 3300
Entry to the Queensland Air Museum is $8 for adults and $5 for children. The museum is open daily from 10am to 4pm.
Queensland Air Museum
Tel: 07 5492 5930
