Outback Air Race 2012 raising funds for Flying Doctors

Organisers of the Outback Air Race, a fundraising event Royal Flying Doctor Service, are looking for pilots to compete in this year's staging of the event.

Since the very first Outback Air Race was held in 1996, the event has raised over $1.2 million for the RFDS, and this year the race will be staged for the eighth time and run from August 27 to September 8. All funds raised go towards outfitting RFDS aircraft with essential medical equipment.

The Outback Air Race is a GPS-based navigation time trial throughout the remote Australian outback and provides an opportunity for pilots of all levels to test their skills. With as many as 60 competitors in 25 aircraft, pilots nominate an elapsed time between two waypoints, receiving points for both time and location accuracy.
 
The race takes participants on a scenic, well organised tour over 11 days starting from Ceduna in the south and ending at Darwin in the top end, via Arkaroola, Innamincka,  Charleville, Longreach, Cloncurry, Adel’s Grove and Mataranka.

“We have traditionally gotten race participants from all over Australia, and New Zealand, and the success of our event hinges on getting the news of this event out to fellow aviators,” Stuart Payne, Outback Air Race Treasurer, says.

“For the competitive, the Outback Air Race is a time trial, allowing competitors in any type of aircraft to compete on a fair basis with all other entrants, and be judged on navigational and time keeping accuracy. 

“Participants in the past have included fixed and rotary wing aircraft, old and new, pistons and turboprops, veteran pilots and brand new pilots, young and old – all are welcome.”

This year’s Outback Air Race aims to raise $250,000 for the RFDS. For more information visit the Outback Air Race website or email Manager Patrick DuBois.