Gliding record smashed
Hang gliding from Dalby to Charleville scored thrill seeker a national record.
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A HANG gliding enthusiast conquered the southwest by air on Saturday, flying 500km from Dalby to Charleville without assistance in an unpowered hang glider.
Scott Barrett of Lismore broke a national record with his mammoth flight, going more than 150km further than the previous longest flight.
Starting at the Dalby Hang Gliding Club, Barrett spent 10 hours in the air over the southwest before landing safely in Charleville.
Flying solo, Mr Barrett had a unique view of outback Queensland, and said the experience was memorable.
"I was released from tow at 2000 feet above the Dalby airport and made my way alone over the big open Queensland skies, over the cotton fields, gas fields, scrublands and huge cattle stations.
"I had a number of encounters with wedge-tailed eagles, who made an effort to come and fly inquisitively and co-operatively with me.
"It is amazing what is out there and how big the stations are.
"I was not ever following any roads, just looking where I needed to find the next rising air, or plotting a course to get past forests and maintaining a focus on getting to my goal safely,” he said.
Two other pilots flew similar courses on the day, starting at different points.
Viv Clements and Michael Jackson, both of Brisbane, also made flights to Charleville on Saturday.
Both pilots started at different locations and travelled around 400km by hang glider.
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