HELICOPTER pilot Bryce Nietvelt will provide a unique bird’s-eye view when he flies in for the upcoming Mallee Machinery Field Days.
Those attending this year’s two-day event will have the opportunity to hit the sky for a 10-minute joy ride.
Growing up in Manangatang, Mr Nietvelt has always been interested in aviation.
He has no idea what first sparked his interest but has fond memories of attending the Hopetoun Airshow with his dad, where he saw a gyroplane in action for the first time.
“I remember thinking, that’s pretty cool,” Mr Nietvelt said.
Following his passion, Mr Nietvelt joined the Air Force after finishing high school.
“I had just turned 18 when I joined the Air Force,” he said, noting he spent time in Adelaide, Wagga Wagga and Sydney where he trained as an aircraft engineer.
He worked on the Hercules and was deployed overseas on many occasions, working in Afghanistan, the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.
Calling it a day after eight years with the Air Force, Mr Nietvelt returned to Australia, but was still itching to fly.
Around 10 years ago he gained his helicopter licence.
Flying became a hobby and after working all week, Mr Nietvelt would hit the sky for some rest and relaxation.
“At first I was flying just for fun. I was working all week, so that I could fly on weekends.”
He soon realised the demand for helicopter services and decided to turn things around.
His weekend passion became his fulltime career.
It’s been a rewarding and challenging career, where no two days are the same.
Mr Nietvelt spent five years working in the Northern Territory, at Kadadu and Arnhem Land.
The vast wilderness provided many opportunities in this picturesque part of the world, and work consisted of working with rangers on feral control projects, transporting scientists and helicopter mustering.
“I love the freedom of flying,” Mr Nietvelt said.
“I love being in the air and it definitely beats being in an office somewhere.”
These days, Mr Nietvelt is based in Griffith and operates Riverina Helicopters.
His days remain varied, and he offers a range of services, including winery tours, spraying, surveying and aerial inspection services, charters, filming and photography services, mustering and crop pollination.
The joy rides at the field days will cost $75.
