I began the Outback Air Race 2025 with a plan: to blog daily, document the journey, and share every moment. After day one, I stopped. Not because the race lacked stories, but because in the cockpit, living it — and sometimes just staying ahead of it — came first.

What unfolded was more than a time trial. It became a spectrum of trust, discipline, and surprise: salt lakes blooming pink and purple, aircraft converging on invisible gates, friendships shifting shade, and a reminder that the real race was about keeping the Royal Flying Doctor Service in the air.

OAR25 wasn’t just a test of flying. It was a palette — of people, planes, and plains. And I’m still mixing the colours in my mind.

Capturing a Journey Through Australia's Heart

The Royal Flying Doctor Service has been the pulse of outback healthcare for nearly a century. I'm teaming up with an old mate, Vince Di Pietro, later this year to join Team 35's adventure in the Royal Flying Doctor Service's Outback Air Race 2025 - a grueling 3,275km journey that traces the lifeline routes these flying medics take daily. Did I mention getting from Nowra to the race start in Yulara and back to Nowra from the race finish in Carnarvon totals another 6,950km. Through my lens, this story will unfold across remote airstrips, isolated communities, and vast stretches of red earth that define our nation's interior.

Why This Story Matters
As a photographer and storyteller, my lens will focus on two compelling narratives. First, the technical adventure of flying small aircraft through Australia's most challenging terrain. Second, and equally important, the human element - from race participants pursuing their personal missions, to remote communities welcoming us, to exploring why all Australians should care about the RFDS cause. In an era where charitable support faces increasing challenges, these stories need to be told differently to resonate and inspire action.

Join Our Journey
What stories would you like to hear from the heart of Australia? Your questions will help shape our narrative as we prepare for this remarkable adventure.

Follow our preparation and support our mission: [Team 35 - Charlie A. Foxtrot]