Above Down Under

How will it be done?

After extensive research and test flight with different aircraft the final choice for the journey was a paramotor (powered paraglider). It consists of a frame that combines the motor, propeller and harness to a paraglider wing that allows for powered flight.

Due to the lightweight nature of the paramotor it is able to fly at low altitude and very low speed with 360 degree views making it the ideal platform for photography. Launching and landing on your feet also means an all-terrain operation, without the limitations imposed by rough, wet or grazed fields when using a wheeled undercarriage and the ability to land virtually anywhere. It is also safer in emergency landings than almost any other aircraft. If the motor fails for any reason, you simply glide to the ground with a 6:1 glide ratio. While people may perceive the paramotor as an unsafe aircraft, if common sense is used and weather conditions observed correctly, it is one of the safest forms of flight. A ground crew vehicle will also travel the expedition by road providing up to date weather information, food and accommodation.

When and how long will the expedition be?

This journey will take place over 2009 and into 2010 if necessary. The first trip will be during the last two weeks of March '09 travelling from Adelaide along the coastline to Melbourne and then heading north up to the Illawarra. In addition to the large amount of area covered, an exciting accomplishment will be the Twelve Apostles and travelling along the Great Ocean Road. A second leg of the journey will begin after Easter, travelling inland. Overall the entire distance travelled is anticipated to be between 25000kms and 40000kms depending on support and funding.

What equipment will you use?

To undertake an expedition of this magnitude requires a vast range of equipment. For the aircraft he has a new paramotor setup consisting of a Prodesign Accura wing and an H&E 120 Paramotor. Dee also has a large selection of camera gear to meet all requirements, from a range of professional high end film cameras to the latest in Digital Camera technology. He will also be taking a small HD camera to get some in-flight video footage from the pilot's seat. The support vehicle at this stage will be our 4WD enabling access to remote area's and rough terrain. Our on the road wireless office will enable images to be uploaded while people will also be able to follow our journey online as it progresses. We will also have the ability to send digital images straight to our studio for printing, framing and dispatch internationally.

Is it enviromently friendly?

Currently in the final stage of production is an electric powered paramotor. This opens up a whole new area as they are battery operated and the possibility of solar powered flight is now a reality, making it the most environmentally friendly flight to date and the ideal choice of aircraft for the expedition; at the same time, making it a world first. Dee is currently looking at ways to acquire this new paramotor. The whole expedition will be 100% carbon neutral including the support vehicle.

Why are you doing this?

Dee's purpose for wanting to see Australia through a camera lens is his desire to capture God's beauty and the view of our awe-inspiring country from a perspective seldom seen. Although having travelled extensively worldwide, Dee still believes Australia is the most amazing and diverse country. His willingness to go to extremes and eye for detail will result in a coffee table book. There are also plans to produce a Documentary along the way. At the end of the expedition Dee hopes to have inspired thousands of people and give them a refreshed and renewed respect for our country and environment.