Organisers of the Blue Mountains Bicentenary Flyover have downsized plans to see more than 200 aircraft follow the path trodden by Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth two centuries ago.

But while a shortfall of participants and financial backing has forced the downsizing of the event, the flyover, on Saturday May 25 this year, has been boosted by the support of several descendants of the explorers who will take part in participating aircraft, alongside the renowned RAAF aerobatic team, the Roulettes, and German aviation legend Matthias Dolderer.

More than 35 civilian pilots have so far registered their interest in participating in the event, flying the same route travelled by the famous explorers, from Emu Plains through the Blue Mountains to Mount York. The aircraft will then go via O’Connell and on to Bathurst where the Bathurst Aero Club will host a BBQ for all participants in the flyover.

A major viewing site and air activities will be at Melrose Park in Katoomba. Along with Melrose Park there will be 12 other recommended live viewing sites along the route.

Businesses Supporting the Bicentenary Director Phil Hammon said that he was very excited at the inclusion of the descendants, and looking forward to their reaction at viewing their ancestors’ route from the air.

“We still have every intention of making this event something to remember the Bicentenary by, and to thank those that have backed the event and commemorated the achievements of Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth,” Mr Hammon said.

“There is no doubt that those pilots that participate and the relatives of the explorers will be impressed by the beauty of the Blue Mountains and the courage of Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth.

“It will also be a great spectacle for the people that view the aircraft flying overhead from Melrose Park or anywhere else along the route that can be found at www.visitbyroad.com.au.”

Flyover coordinator Matt Hall said he was still able to include further aircraft and pilots to fly alongside those already committed.

“We are honoured to have some of the descendants of Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth joining in the flyover and have room for more pilots to join them,” Hall said.

“Interested parties can read more about the event and download a registration pack at www.matthallracing.com.”

Hall is currently working with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to allow participating pilots to brief for the flyover via video rather than in person.

“I am talking to CASA about making things as safe as possible and one way is to have a video brief available that pilots can look at over and over to ensure they are on the right page,” Hall said.

“That way pilots won’t have to make plans to fly into an out of the way airport for a brief and can just meet us in the air at the right place and time on route.”

Whilst some areas of support for the event have fallen short of forecasts, aviation insurer QBE has come forward to offer all participants, regardless of whether they are QBE clients or not, top up cover to $10million for their liability insurance.

The flyover will be part of the Blue Mountains Crossings Bicentenary 2013-2015 program of events to mark the first recognised European crossing of the mountains by Gregory Blaxland, William Lawson and William Charles Wentworth.

For more information about the Blue Mountains Crossings Bicentenary 2013-2015: www.bluemountainscrossings.com.au or visit the Flyover’s facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/BlueMountainsBicentenaryFlyover

With February already upon us Matt Hall Racing are pleased to release the updated 2013 schedule.

The new list of events includes six events courtesy of QBE, a return to the V8 Supercars for their Symmons Plains round and the Blue Mountains Bicentenary Flyover.

The schedule release comes just weeks after Hall launched his biography, The Sky Is Not The Limit.

Hall said he was excited for what lay ahead, starting with the Australian International Airshow at Avalon later this month.

“Things are really starting to take shape for 2013 and Avalon is going to be huge,” Hall said.

“We will be doing a number of appearances for QBE and will also be at the Matt Hall Racing stand in the general aviation area each day.”

Remember Matt’s displays at the 2011 Avalon shows

Hall also said while Avalon was a major highlight on any aviation calendar, things only get busier for him after the Victorian show.

“We have joined forces with QBE and will have an announcement regarding that partnership soon. We are also looking to display at several more V8 Supercar rounds and have a number of other opportunities to display the aircraft and talk to corporate groups in the pipeline.

“Perhaps the most exciting thing however is the Blue Mountains Bicentenary Flyover. It is shaping as such a unique event that I have had interest from all over Australia and even from a few pilots overseas. People have until April to officially register and can get an information kit with an application form by emailing joyflights@matthallracing.com.”

While Hall is busy moving around the country the Matt Hall Racing joy flight operation will be offering joy flights at various locations, including the home base hangar at Maitland. The joy flight aircraft – the super slick Extra 300L – will be in Melbourne and available for flights from Tuesday February 19 for six days. Enquiries via joyflights@matthallracing.com.

Today the official schedule for the greatest outdoor motoring festival on earth was unveiled with Matt Hall as one of the star attractions.

Hall will fly in a Car v Plane race at the first ever Top Gear Festival Sydney taking place at Sydney Motorsport Park, Eastern Creek – for one weekend only – and only in Sydney on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th March 2013.

The Sky Is Not The Limit – the life of Australia’s Top Gun , written by Matt Hall and co-authored by David Lyall, is a walk through the extraordinary life of Matt Hall.

The biography, that has been a lifetime in the making and two years in writing and editing, will give readers an insight into Matt’s love affair with aviation, his time in the Air Force including a graphic account of his service in combat over Iraq, the trials and tribulations of the Red Bull Air Race and Matt’s lessons on chasing your dreams.

The thrill-a-minute tome, with a forward by Air Marshall Geoff Brown AO, the Chief of the Royal Australian Air Force, will captivate, inspire and entertain, all the while encouraging the reader to be the best they can be at whatever they choose.

The book, published by ABC Books, will be in stores on January 29, 2013 and the RRP is $32.99. Matt will also be travelling the country promoting the book in February including at the Australian International Airshow at Avalon in Melbourne. E-books are also available from the usual suppliers.

For a sneak peek of The Sky Is Not The Limit, click here.

A flyover of the Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Bathurst involving up to 300 different aircraft is being planned as part of the activities marking the Bicentenary of Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth’s Blue Mountains crossing.

It is hoped that everything from helicopters to small private fixed wing aircraft to World War ll fighters and modern day military jets will take part in the event on May 25 next year.

Organisers are working with the RAAF for their assistance with resources such as staging areas and aircraft participation. Once airborne participants will follow a similar path to that blazed by the three explorers in 1813 with viewing areas planned for Penrith, Glenbrook, Springwood, Hazelbrook, Wentworth Falls, Katoomba, Blackheath, Mt York, Lithgow and Bathurst.

Former RAAF Wing Commander Matt Hall, Australia’s leading aerobatic display pilot, is coordinating the event on behalf of Businesses Supporting the Bicentenary and Blue Mountains Lithgow and Oberon Tourism.

Discussions are also underway about a public event at Bathurst Airport where the flyover will conclude, allowing spectators to see the aircraft on the ground, take joyflights and purchase memorabilia.

Businesses Supporting the Bicentenary director Philip Hammon, who owns Scenic World at Katoomba, came up with the idea of a flyover to enable thousands of people to view the event and celebrate the Bicentenary from within their local communities.

“A flyover is something that demonstrates just how far we have come in the last 200 years since Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth made their historic journey,” Mr Hammon said.

“With viewing areas all the way from Penrith through the Blue Mountains to Bathurst people will be able to see what is going to be a spectacular event that the entire community can get involved in.”

Hall, who served time in combat over Iraq while on exchange with the US Air Force in 2003, said the flyover had the potential to be one of the largest gatherings of aircraft in Australian history.

“We are looking for aviators with aircraft of all shapes and sizes to be involved in what will be a truly unique experience,” Hall said.

“To be involved in a co-ordinated flyover like this is something that’ll be pretty cool and we will be calling for participants before the end of the year.”

Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism chairman Randall Walker congratulated Mr Hammon on instigating the flyover.

“This event promises to be one of the most spectacular ever to have occurred in the Blue Mountains. To celebrate a crossing by foot 200 years ago with a crossing by air, with historic aircraft will be an unforgettable experience,” Mr Walker said.

“To celebrate one milestone in the nation’s history by creating another is a wonderful masterstroke of visionary Philip Hammon.”

For more info on the Blue Mountains Crossing Bicentenary: www.bluemountainscrossings.com.au

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BlueMountainsBicentenaryFlyover

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BMBFlyover