During the week Karl Fort is a mild mannered postie delivering mail on his red Honda around local streets.
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But every weekend when the weather is fine you will see him soaring through the sky over the Illawarra coastline in a white aerobatic flying machine.
Now he wants to share the story of his passion with others.
He will being doing that at Illawarra Regional Airport during Wings Over Illawarra in early May when part of his message will be how affordable aviation can be.
Mr Fort is presently in the process of buying his first plane which he says will cost him less than most new cars.
“You can buy a plane for $35,000. I have been interested in flying since I was five when I did a joy flight down here with my mother in the 70’s,” he said.
Growing up in Warilla and Albion Park he was always fascinated with the planes taking off and landing at the airport but felt he would never be able to afford to fly. That changed when he had a serious motorcycle accident.
“My wife bought me a joy flight in Lillywarra at Southern Biplane Adventures to cheer me up. After that I thought I have to learn how to fly and I found out it actually isn’t that expensive,” he said.
“You pay for your licence really and that is an asset. To keep that you just have to do three touch-and-go landings every 90 days. It is no different to owning a boat or a motorbike. It is not as expensive as people think. There is a school here called Five Point Aviation so I signed up and learned to fly. What I really love is aerobatics. This is the third year I have been flying and I have 220 hours up.”
Aviation affordability It is a similar message to what the organiser of the first trade show at Wings Over Illawarra wants to convey.
Mark Bright is pulling together a three day expo called Aviatex 2017. He wants to show how flying a plane is very achievable. The three day event is primarily aimed at the light sport, recreation and general aviation markets.
Mr Bright said it will from May 5 to 7 in conjunction with Wings Over Illawarra allowing aviation businesses to showcase the latest products, equipment and services as well as network.
“This is a great opportunity to expose a whole new audience to affordable flying possibilities. I believe this part of the aviation industry has been neglected in the past,” he said.
Friday May 5 is an an industry only day but over the weekend Aviatex 2017 is open to the general public during Wings Over Illawarra.
The NSW Government through Destination NSW has secured Wings Over Illawarra from 2017 – 2019. Tickets and information at www.wingsoverillawarra.com.au.
Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
