July Edition: What Our Team Gets Up To When We’re Not Flying

neessa9
7 days ago
3 min read

You might think our team spends all day in the air…

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 - Sharpening skills & A seat at a table

July has been another big month for Bridgette, both in the pilot's seat and behind the scenes.

With our new AS350 joining the fleet, Bridgette has been busy training in the aircraft and sharpening her skills, ready to hit the ground running as bookings take off in the new machine.

July also saw Bridgette invited to sit on the Australian Helicopter Industry Association Board. She travelled to Sydney for a full-day strategy session alongside representatives from some of Australia's largest and most respected helicopter operators, insurers and aviation businesses.

In Bridgette's words, "Sitting around that table, I couldn't help but feel incredibly privileged. It was inspiring to be contributing alongside people who have built some of the biggest aviation businesses in the country, and reassuring to realise that everyone around the table is approachable and genuinely wants to see the industry succeed."

The trip proved incredibly worthwhile, with valuable relationships formed, plenty of industry knowledge shared and some great conversations about the future of Australia's helicopter industry.

Another exciting step forward for Bridgette, and plenty of new knowledge to bring home to Barossa Helicopters!

Nick's Adventures – Another Month, Another Challenge

Fresh off an impressive finish at the Finke Desert Race, Nick backed it up in July by taking on the 2026 24 Hour Trial at Kapunda - one of Australia's toughest endurance motorcycle events.

With 160 riders lining up at the start and 84 riders failing to finish, simply reaching the chequered flag was an achievement in itself.

The event consisted of four gruelling 204 km laps, covering a total of 816 km, with each lap taking around six hours to complete.

Despite battling a few bike issues and a few rider issues too 🤪 that cost him valuable time, Nick dug deep and crossed the finish line in an outstanding 6th outright, also claiming 6th place in the Expert Class.

As if that wasn't enough excitement for one month, Nick has also recently achieved his turbine helicopter rating, qualifying him to fly our new AS350 helicopter. It's another huge milestone in his aviation career, and we're excited to see him take to the skies in the latest addition to the Barossa Helicopters fleet.

Congratulations, Nick, on another incredible month both on the ground and in the air!

Kye's Adventures – Exploring Victoria & Career Milestone

Before the busy season kicks into full swing, Kye took a well-earned two-week break to explore Victoria with his partner, Brooke.

Their road trip took them from Halls Gap to the Mt Buller High Country, then on to Lake Eildon and the Lake Eildon Pondage, before finishing along the spectacular Great Ocean Road and through Otway National Park. From cold nights rugged up in the swag to a few warmer evenings in a cosy cabin, the pair enjoyed plenty of hiking, sightseeing and taking in some of Victoria's most breathtaking scenery.

One of the fun traditions they started along the way was taking a thumbs up photo at each major destination, creating a collection of memories from every stop on their adventure.

July also marked another significant milestone for Kye, celebrating more than two years since earning his Commercial Pilot Licence. In that time, he has logged an impressive 850 flying hours, safely flying thousands of passengers and welcoming visitors from across Australia and around the world to experience the Barossa from above.

After two weeks of fresh air, campfires and unforgettable scenery, Kye has returned refreshed, recharged and ready for the busy season ahead.