East Coast Autogyro, an aviation sales and training company, has announced the launch of a community based aerial Shark Watch that will operate on weekends from October 2009 through to March 2010.
The Shark Watch is being run as a not-for-profit organisation and will utilise the Autogyro - a relatively new, innovative aircraft that has been available in Australia for just three years.
"The Autogyro offers around 90% of the functionality of a helicopter," said Senior Instructor Mick Riddle, "making it an excellent option for aerial observation and support roles. And with running costs at about one sixth of those of the smallest helicopter, the Autogyro offers a cheap, effective alternative for aerial observation aircraft".
The patrol will cover the area stretching from South West Rocks up to the Tweed Coast. This area will be patrolled by two Autogyros - with one covering the area south of Red Rock and the other covering the area from Ballina to the border of NSW/Qld.
Starting in the first weekend of October, the Patrols will be run every Saturday and Sunday through to the end of March.
"The idea is to offer the ability to provide the Surf Clubs and Emergency Management Organisations such as the SES and Rural fire services with access to aerial information of their region or section of coastline," Mick Riddle said. "We'll be checking for sharks, dangerous surf conditions and possible fire outbreaks in the region"
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