About Us
Elite Aviation Services was born in 2016 after Hylton Ward identified the need for scenic flights from Winton over the spectacular landscape of Winton. Bringing with him a wealth of experience flying various sized helicopters and planes to be able to offer both a tourism and charter perspecitve and also commercial activities. Hylton moved to Winton where he now resides and has built the business to include 3 areas of operation in remote regions of Queensland and Northern Territory.
Outback From Above is a marketing name used mainly to help promote the tourism flights and experiences.
OUR PILOTS
Collectively, the aviation experience amongst Elite Aviations’ leadership team spans decades, with many thousands of flight hours recorded in the log books.
HYLTON WARD
Hylton is deeply entrenched within the community of Outback Queensland and is a strong participant in outback community life.
He has over 37 years flying experience flying helicopters and fixed wing aircraft, largely in remote areas, cattle stations and islands of Queensland, Western Australia and Northern Territory. This includes 10 years as a Chief Pilot overseeing aircraft operations serving on the call list for the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
KATE DE KONING
After working in the tourism and veterinary industry for most of her life Kate acquired her helicopter license in 2021.
When asked what she loves most about her job she will tell you she loves being able to see beautiful parts of the country from the air and meeting new people every day.
BRAD ALLAN
Brad is an accomplished pilot with over 30 years flying experience. Brad has completed many years working in remote areas, working with emergency services as a specialist in fire fighting and other specialised aerial work.
Brad is a wealth of local knowledge and top tips for travelling in the top end of Australia.
BOB WARD
Bob has been flying since 1969 and has only recently retired but still holds ATPL Helicopter and Commercial Aeroplane Licences with over 16,000 flying hours mainly in helicopters in various places around the globe and in Australia.
Bob is currently an RPAS Instructor based in Brisbane with CASA Instructing and Testing Privileges for RPAS up to 25kg - VLOS, EVLOS and NVLOS.
Bob is the Logistics and Infrastructure Planner for Elite Aviation having designed and implemented approval for a number of Helicopter Landing Sites in the Winton area.
THE FLEET
READY FOR TAKE OFF
For Elite Aviation Services, safety is paramount. Relax in state-of-the-art aircraft knowing your flight is in the hands of pilots with a combined 50 years’ aviation and outback tourism experience. All necessary approvals and insurances to operate aviation services are in place:
• Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA)
• CASA Air Operators Certificate number CASA.TAAOC.0408
• CASA approval for disaster support, aerial work for fire & flood
• Appropriately trained and licenced pilots and support crew
• Insurances including public liability and workers compensation
• Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Approval
• Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Permit (GBRMPA)
R44
The R44 Raven is able to take one pilot and three passengers.
The R44 is great for sight-seeing as it features unobstructed passenger views due to the open cabin design.
CESSNA
C182
The comfortable interior and a respectable cruising speed with rugged capability, makes it the ideal Australian bush plane.
Our C182 can accommodate 3 passengers and is also available for charter services. It has been immaculately restored, with leather interior and headsets for all passengers.
LONGRANGER
With its exceptional versatility and impressive performance, the Longranger helicopter is perfect for both scenic flights and specialised operations. Capable of carrying up to 6 passengers, it offers a comfortable cabin with ample space and great views. Meticulously maintained, ensuring a smooth, safe, and efficient flight experience.
AS350
'AS350 (commonly known as the 'Squirrel') is designed to take a pilot and five passengers.
Due to its compact size and single engine, the Squirrel is incredibly versatile and can be flown into areas that are too tight for larger aircraft.
