Captain Boggles: Lisa tries some WW1 flying in the Fleurieu Peninsula region of South Australia

We're all acutely aware of the crisis effecting the lower lakes at the end of the Murray and from the air you get a real sense of how much the lakes are shrinking. But nevertheless it still makes for a wonderful site - especially through the struts of a 60-year-old bi-plane.

Meet Captain Boggles - he says he can't remember his real name! He's based at the Meningie Airfield with his pride and joy - a 1941 Tiger Moth. For Captain Boggles, Tiger Moths are more than a hobby - they are a way of life. He spent 10 years flying out of Robe and before that, he and his planes had no fixed address.

Captain Boggles: "Prior to that I was on the move around Australia - 10 years, 2 tigers, caravan, F250 and we went from town to town."

But for the time being he calls Meningie home and offers a range of aerobatic flights over the lower lakes and Coorong. But, today, I've opted for a more sedate option - without the loop the loops, spins or barrel rolls.

A little determined coaxing and the old girl splutters into life. With a top speed of about 70 knots and a fuel tank of just 19 gallons this is no high performance speed machine but they were popular airforce trainers. They were considered a real 'pilot's plane' - they reckon if can fly a Tiger Moth you can fly almost anything.

Captain Boggles: "The first tiger moth flew in England in 1931, they built 8,800 - there's currently now left about 2-300 around the world. So it's quite rare, very collectable. Airline pilots collect them because they're flying a computerised vehicle and they love nothing better than to get out and do their own thing in a tiger like aerobatics etc."

The joy of a Tiger Moth is all about the wind in your face, and the whistling of the wires as the old girl responds to the Captain's every command. From up here, there's a sense of wonder as you look down on myriad of blues, which are the Coorong and the South Ocean below.

Even if it's only for a minute or so, the spectacular view from the open cockpit lets you forget the perils being faced by the troubled lakes and Coorong. Not to mention the bewilderment and frustration about the lack of flow into our greatest river. Captain Boggles offers a number of experiences - from aerobatics to straight scenic flights. He operates from the Meningie airstrip… just south of the town. If you have any further questions please email info@postcards-sa.com.au

Tiger Moth Joy Flights
Captain Boggles
Meningie Airstrip
Bookings Ph 0407 600 166

Published 5th October 2008