Helicopter over Whitehaven

Although the seaplane flight was great fun, it had not been successful from a photographic point of view. There always seemed to be a bit of the plane in the way. Our best choice to get the shots was to go on a helicopter scenic flight.
 

We flew in a Robinson R44 with Gen sitting at the front next to the pilot. This time, views were stupendous. The pilot even slowed down above Hill Inlet to allow as much photography as possible, a manoeuver that is dangerous with more passengers Tom, the pilot, said.

A small opening in the helicopter door was available for photography, with the warning not to poke the camera outside. We were told that many a mobile phone had been sucked away by the airstream and lost.

As we flew over Hamilton Island, Tom told us how the resort used to steal sand from Whitehaven Beach on a barge and use it to create its own sandy beach as if by magic.

We noticed one gorgeous small island which had no boats anchored. The pilot explained that it had the reputation of having the highest concentration of Death adders in Australia.

Back at the airport, we learnt that Australia buys 10% of Robinson’s factory output and is responsible for 90% of Robinson accidents, mostly due to mustering.

Pointing to a red biplane flying overhead, Tom recounted that its aerobatics pilot is a bit of a joker. He takes the customer up for a spin, then says he forgot to add fuel, stops the engine, and goes in a downward spiral.