Okanagan pilots encounter challenging ride
Problems plague the Flight4Life adventurers in Australia, including Vernon’s Glenn Derouin, as he and partner Mark Jennings-Bates of Peachland press on towards Emerald from Cloncurry for their Guinness World Record attempt.
The parajet expedition pilots are struggling to find a rhythm in the skies of Australia as they attempt to paramotor around the country for charity.
Although the duo was expected to cross the 1,000 kilometre mark on the weekend, they are well aware that the route ahead has plenty of distance and challenges for them.
Despite persistent head winds, which remain in the forecast for this week, the team is tracking well for their objective as they head south west towards the Towoomba region this week.
The team was forced to take a day off in Cloncurry to take care of some maintenance on their equipment after their safety parachute harnesses were burnt on the engines’ exhaust. They have also been struggling with damaged props with launches in difficult terrain or heat.
The show must go on however, and the team reflects the persistence and tenacity of the people they are trying to help in the process.
Jennings-Bates, the leader of the project, founded a charity with his wife Jackie, www.Rally4life.org. Rally4Life provides relief to communities around the world who struggle with a lack of safe water, education, shelter and sanitation.
The team is also raising funds and awareness for the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Australia that provides critical medial and evacuation support for residents across the country, particularly in rural areas.
Supporters can follow the teams progress live on the internet with satellite tracking provided by HELIOS Global Tracking. To follow, log into their website at www.theflight4life.com.
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