The Lottery Office Outback Air Race 2022 Kicks off and Calls into The Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour

The 11th Lottery Office Outback Air Race 2022 kicked off from Darwin Airport in the Northern Territory on Monday 29 August with some 31 light General Aviation (GA) aircraft taking to the air to not only compete but also raise money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (RFDS).

While not technically a 'race', the aircraft and aviators compete in a GPS-based navigation time trial which will take them through Far North Queensland, Central Queensland and ultimately finishing at Coffs Harbour.

During each leg, pilots nominate an elapsed time between two visual waypoints, receiving points for both time and location accuracy.

On Saturday 3 September, it looked like 28 aircraft departed Karumba in Far North Queensland in fixed-time intervals, venturing via an inland route - including some via a fuel stop at Hughenden - to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour where most were photographed arriving or parked up on Sunday 4 September as the competitors enjoyed a ‘rest day’.

The Race will continue on Monday 5 September with competitors flying from Shute Harbour to Gladstone Airport for another two-night stay before then heading to Roma Airport on Wednesday 7 September.  The Race will then continue to Goondiwindi and ultimately Coffs Harbour where the Race will conclude.

The Outback Air Race has raised funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia. Since 1996. Competitors and spectators have raised over $3.1 million. Funds from each race go towards outfitting RFDS aircraft with essential medical equipment, vital for treating sick and injured patients across Australia.

You can check out some great photos and other highlights of the entire race on the SOAR website: https://outbackairrace.com.au/

We wish all the participants the very best of luck in their flights and urge you to support this great cause!

Sincere thanks to Lee Holloway at the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour for sending through these great photos!

All photos taken by Lee Holloway  ©