August Edition: What the Barossa Helicopters Team Get Up To When They're Not Flying

You might think the Barossa Helicopters team spends all day in the air or behind a desk…

But when the blades stop spinning, things get just as interesting.

From weekend fishing trips to putting their heart into their hobbies, chasing sunsets, or testing out new cellar doors — turns out, our crew doesn’t sit still for long!!

Bridgette's Adventures – Match Balls and Mud Runways

August had Bridgette back in the seat of the AS350, and it turned out to be a month of variety.

One standout moment saw her delivering the match ball to Maughan Thiem Kia Oval ahead of the Eagles WWTFC Super Match. With Eagles member Kym Laslett and his son along for the ride, getting a bird's eye view of the ground before the players even took the field. Not a bad way to roll up to an SANFL match!

From there it was straight back into the turbine pilot seat for a last-minute charter in the AS350 to Broken Hill alongside Nick in the R44. With the rain the state had lately, dirt runways at the mine sites had turned to mud, leaving fixed wing aircraft unable to get in or out.

That's when we came in and saved the day!

Between footy ovals and outback mine sites, it's been a month that shows exactly why having a helicopter on call comes in handy, whatever the job calls for.

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Nick's Adventures – From enduro tracks to outback charters

Nick might have taken a step back from riding this month, but that didn't mean slowing down. Instead, he swapped his own seat on the bike for a role behind the scenes, helping organise and run two state enduro motorbike rounds, one out at Black Hill and the other down in Lucindale. Anyone who knows Nick's love of off-road racing won't be surprised he found a way to stay involved even when he wasn't the one twisting the throttle.

Then, as August wound down, Nick, alongside Bridgette, packed up the R44 and headed out to Broken Hill for some charter work, ferrying mine site workers in and out. When the rain closes the runway, a helicopter becomes the only practical way in and out, and the pair were right there to get the job done.

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Kye's Adventures –Different Kind of Flight and time on the Yorkes

August had a bit of a change of pace for Kye, work-wise. Rather than his usual routine, he found himself flying an R22 down from Roxby Downs, a trip that made for a nice change from the everyday.

Outside of work, Kye made the most of the last weekend of August with a trip to Port Victoria on the Yorke Peninsula. With the weather finally playing along, he spent the weekend camping and fishing with friends and his partner, Brooke, exactly the kind of low-key getaway Kye does best.

Between an unusual flight and a weekend by the water, August turned out to be a solid mix of work and play for Kye.

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Neessa's Adventures – Marketing and a Night at the PBR

August kicked off with a trip to the Mundoora Vintage Tractor Pull, lending a hand alongside sponsor Southern Rustic in their pop-up shop, promoting and helping out over the event. A great start to the month for someone who spends most of her days behind a desk.

From there it was back to the usual routine, swapping the desk for a training day focused on digital marketing, picking up fresh ideas on what makes good marketing actually work rather than just look good. It's the kind of day that doesn't always make for exciting stories, but the payoff shows up in the content and campaigns that follow.

Outside of work, Neessa headed along to the PBR in Adelaide, a fitting night out given her love for a good country themed event.

A bit of learning and a bit of fun, all part of the mix that keeps things ticking along behind the scenes at Barossa Helicopters.

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Aaron's Adventures – Flying Solo!

If you've visited Barossa Helicopters on a weekend over the past few months, chances are you've already met Aaron. As our weekend ground crew, he's the friendly face you'll often see in reception, helping welcome guests before they head off on their flight.

When he's not looking after visitors, Aaron is working towards another exciting goal earning his commercials helicopter pilot's licence with Helistar at Parafield.

Back in July, marked a major milestone in that journey as Aaron completed his first solo flight. For every pilot, it's a moment they'll never forget. Climbing into the helicopter without an instructor for the very first time is equal parts exciting, nerve-racking and incredibly rewarding, marking a huge step towards becoming a qualified pilot.

Throughout August, Aaron has been flying solo, getting up his flying hours!

Congratulations, Aaron, on an achievement you'll remember for the rest of your flying career. We can't wait to watch your aviation journey continue!

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Billie Jo's Adventures – Paddocks, Paintbrushes and Wings

It's been a full-on stretch for Billie. Early mornings out in the paddocks, seeding, drenching cattle and marking calves, while back home the painting and prep work continued on the new Lyndoch house and Norm's Farm, both getting ready to welcome bed-and-breakfast guests.

There's been plenty happening off to the side too, plans coming together for the new B&B, Barossa Valley Meat getting off the ground, and the animals kept looked after through it all.

In amongst it, Billie and partner Will snuck away to the Flinders Ranges, taking in Wertaloona Station on the eastern side before pushing all the way up to William Creek. Mustering in a Can-Am buggy was a highlight of the trip, and so was something Billie had never done before, taking the controls of a plane.

Then came the Port Augusta Wharfest, alongside her dad, Goose, and her son Harry offering joy flights, before the team packed up again for joy flights at the Whyalla Show not long after.

Paddocks one week, aircraft the next, Billie's had a couple of months that's covered a fair bit of ground.

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