From Navy Wings to Outback Horizons: Team 35 Gears Up for the Outback Air Race 2025
Last week, I had the pleasure of traveling to Nowra to reconnect with Vince Di Pietro, captain of Team 35 "Charlie A. Foxtrot" and owner of our race aircraft, VH-CAF. Vince isn’t just my teammate for the upcoming Outback Air Race—he was also my Senior Naval Officer when I was a Midshipman on pilot’s course at No. 2 Flying Training School, RAAF Base Pearce, back in 1991. It’s incredible how life has brought us full circle, from military cockpits to this epic aviation adventure.
A snapshot of Team 35 "Charlie A. Foxtrot" in front of VH-CAF at Nowra. This Piper Cherokee PA28 will be their home for six weeks as they race across Australia to raise funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
A Night with Shoalhaven’s Best
The trip wasn’t just about race preparations; it was also an opportunity to engage with the Shoalhaven community. On Monday, February 24, I joined Vince at the Shoalhaven Business Chamber Super Dinner, where local leaders gathered to celebrate collaboration and innovation. Vince took the stage to update the audience on Team 35’s fundraising efforts for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS). His presentation highlighted not only our progress but also our ambitious goal of raising $20,000 for this life-saving service.
Vince Di Pietro speaks passionately at the Shoalhaven Business Chamber Super Dinner on February 24, updating attendees on Team 35’s progress and objectives for the Outback Air Race. The event highlighted community support for this life-saving cause. Image courtesy of Shoalhaven Business Chamber’s Facebook page.
The event was a testament to the Shoalhaven community’s generosity and shared commitment to supporting remote Australians who rely on the RFDS for critical healthcare.
Why We’re Racing
Growing up just 12 months out of Mt Isa, I witnessed firsthand how vital the RFDS is for rural and outback communities. Their ability to deliver emergency medical care and essential health services to some of Australia’s most isolated areas is nothing short of heroic. Participating in the Outback Air Race allows us to give back in a meaningful way while doing what we love—flying.
The Tight Quarters of VH-CAF
A close-up view of VH-CAF’s cockpit, showcasing the tight quarters where Vince Di Pietro and his teammate will work together during the Outback Air Race. Despite its size, this aircraft is ready for an epic journey supporting the RFDS.
During my visit, I got reacquainted with VH-CAF, our trusty Piper Cherokee PA28. Let me tell you—this cockpit makes an F-111 feel spacious! Sharing such a confined space for six weeks will undoubtedly test our patience and sense of humor. But if there’s anyone I’d trust in these tight quarters, it’s Vince. Decades of camaraderie and mutual respect make us a solid team for this adventure.
The Outback Air Race: A Journey with Purpose
The Outback Air Race isn’t just about aviation; it’s about making a difference. This biennial event spans over 9,000 kilometers across some of Australia’s most breathtaking landscapes, from Yulara to Carnarvon. Along the way, we’ll stop in places like Alice Springs, Katherine, and Broome, connecting with communities and fellow aviators who share our passion for flying and philanthropy.
For us, this race is more than a challenge—it’s a mission. Every dollar raised helps ensure that no matter where someone lives in Australia, they have access to life-saving medical care through the RFDS.
Join Us on This Adventure
As we prepare for takeoff later this year, I’ll be documenting every step of our journey right here on this blog. From behind-the-scenes moments at airstrips to candid snapshots of outback communities, I’ll bring you along for the ride through stories and images.
If you’re inspired by our mission or simply love aviation as much as we do, consider supporting Team 35 "Charlie A. Foxtrot." Donations go directly to the RFDS and help us reach our $20,000 fundraising goal. Business sponsorship opportunities are also available—imagine your brand flying across Australia’s most remote corners!
Stay tuned for updates as we countdown to race day—and don’t forget to check out the photos below for a closer look at VH-CAF and some moments from my visit to Nowra.
Let’s make this journey one for the books!