MISSION 69 - MILDURA / ESSENDON / MILDURA

Benjamin has been receiving treatment for Myelodysplasia [a life-threatening disorder of the bone marrow] at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital for over 7 months. Ben still needs to travel back to Melbourne on a regular basis, so that his condition can be monitored following a bone marrow transplant at the end of August last year.

With very few resources and a rather unreliable car, the 7-hour journey by road to Melbourne places additional pressure on an already stressed boy and his family.

In an effort to reduce the stress, Angel Flight pilots came to the rescue by providing air transport totally free of charge, for Ben and his father, Glen, to travel to and from Melbourne.

"This has taken a lot of pressure off us," Julianne Causon said. "I don’t think people who live in the city realize how stressful it is to drive such long distances with a sick child. You have to be constantly on the alert for kangaroos, stray cattle on the road and feeling tired. I’m really amazed that these wonderful pilots understand and want to help us. We can’t thank them enough."

Glen's thank you letter.


Rob Watt- Pilot (Leg 1)


Wendy Skilbeck - Earth Angel

Angel Flight 1 by Rob Watt

For pilot, Robert Watt, this was his second Angel Flight helping make life a little easier for some Aussie battlers.

"I understand how tiring it can be to travel long distances by road, and that is the very reason we purchased the Cessna 310 a few years ago. It can be so easy to fall asleep at the wheel when driving for many hours and it must be even more of a challenge when you have a sick child and other children to care for as well."

"My Angel Flights are very rewarding and from the feedback I get from my passengers I feel that the little that I did made a big difference in their lives and that’s what it’s really all about."


Michael Heine - Pilot


Janette Agg - Earth Angel

Angel Flight 2 report by Michael Heine

I was delighted to be able to undertake my first Angel Flight for Ben. Flew out of Moorabin into Essendon conducting and ILS approach. Picked Ben and his father up at the main terminal where they were accompanied by Earth Angel Janette Agg. We boarded the aircraft and Ben was most excited by all aspects of the aircraft which he thought was "cool"!

Dad sat up front with me on the trip to Mildura while Ben had a good ole relax down back. Ben didn't finish all the goodies we stocked up on and asked if he could take the rest home with him. He was almost as excited when I said yes as he was by the whole flying experience. Great kid and I wish him very well.

Flight conditions were beaut, blue sky once we got out of Melbourne and smooth all the way. Flew at Fl180 on the way up with a fair head wind but a very quick trip back.

I would be delighted to help out Ben or any other needy person any time as it allows me to enjoy my hobby and at the same time make it a bit easier for someone less fortunate. The flight might even inspire Ben and others like him to achieve great heights themselves. My pleasure and honour to have had the opportunity.