AURORA CHALLENGE

Ruth Wilson Pilot-in-command
Dennis Collins Ground Retrieve Launch Controller
Mick Toller Aviation Advisor
Ian Macdonald Canberra Command Centre Retrieve
Jacky Jansee Canberra Command Centre Coms.
Alan Shore Canberra Command Centre Camera
Michael Kelaher Balloon Pilot at Launch
Susan Merrill Balloon Ground Crew
Margaret Toller Balloon Ground Crew
Rod Knight Balloon Ground Crew
Marilyn Knight Balloon Ground Crew
Margaret Collins Balloon Ground Crew
Mark Wilson Stills Photography
Grant Wilson Documentary filming
Peter McCrohon Legal Advisor
Karin Bergseng Legal Advisor
Jody Hammond Media consultant
Angela Calabrese Media consultant
Don Whitford Meteorologist
Les Springett Communications Email
Wendy Friezer Communications Email

July 31st, this year I will go on standby for the balloon flight of my life or at least since I commenced flying in 1975. I will be chasing numerous world records in my 105,000 cubic foot balloon, AURORA,plus 3 separate National records.

I am also undertaking the flight to use the opportunity to begin a conversation on male depression. I acknowledge that there are organisaitons and government bodies working in this area. I am very impressed with the work of beyondblue, the national depression initiative. I believe their introduction of the info line 1300 22 4636 to assist people with depression is a much needed service for Australians. I hope to use my flight to raise awareness of this info line number. beyondblue is not a sponsor of my flight.

I painfully lost my brother Ron when his struggle with depression proved too much. I really believe that the provision of a service where people can pick up a phone to seek support and information when they need help the most, is desperately needed in Australia. There can never be too many OF THESE services. I am sure that other Australians whose lives have been touched by depression and suicide of a loved one or friend will understand my personal drive.

My flight will need to cover 750 kms at altitudes of 10000 to 15000 feet with anticipated temperatures of -12 to - 14 degrees to achieve the records.

When balloon flights in my category and size balloon usually last 1 or 2 hours, this flight needs to reach 13 hours to cover the distance to the goals.

More on my Challenge will follow.
THE TEAM
THE RECORDS
THE PLANNING
HOW YOU CAN BE INVOLVED TO SUPPORT THE CHALLENGE

PLEASE VISIT AND SHARE WHEN TIME PERMITS. THANK YOU. Ruth