AN AFFECTIONATE HEAD IN THE CLOUDS

Rob White has been flying to and from the Furneaux Group in the Bass Strait for so long he feels like a part of it.

“I have quite an affectionate relationship with the Furneaux Group,” he says. “I did say to my family that when I die, if I’m cremated, they could spread my ashes on Preservation Island.”

The “retired” 79-year-old has about 7500 hours of flying under his belt, and says he is probably Tasmania’s oldest working commercial pilot. He lives in Launceston through the week, but come the weekend he is up before the sun, gearing up to fly for Peter Barron at Flinders Island Aviation, a charter and freight service operating out of Bridport. His passengers include locals, workers, tourists, live chickens, ducks, goats and crayfish. He also delivers the Flinders Island’s mail and any other cargo that needs transporting.

“Every time I get airborne favourite memories come creeping back,” he says.

“My biggest hope when I fly passengers to and from wherever ... is that they have a pleasant flight.”

White will keep flying until the Civil Aviation Safety Authority grounds him.

“I hope that day never comes, but it will,” he says.

“People tell me I don’t look that old.”