フレンドシップフライト　ダイアリー

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DIARY

FRIENDSHIP FLIGHT 2005 ARRIVED SAFELY AT NAGOYA AIRPORT
MARCH 27 AFTER A 12000km JOURNEY OVER 6 COUNTRIES.
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Aug 26, 2005 The Friendship Flight crew attended the annual Helicopter Festival in Toyama Prefecture. Chris was the MC for the pilot's party on the Saturday night, and the FF crew thanked the Japan Heli Club for their support in the project.
	Chris speaks with Victoria State's Governor, John Landy at the Australian Pavilion, EXPO. The team had their official launch at GOVERNMENT HOUSE, and the Governor was most interested in hearing about the flight.
	When the Governor's wife, Mrs. Landy saw Chris she was most excited「OH!! FRIENDSHIP FLIGHT!!」she called and rushed over to say hello. With her is the Governor's aid, and a former helicopter Pilot. "Glad you made it to Nagoya safe and sound," she said after hearing about some of the crew's adventures.
	July 2. 2005. Victoria's Governor Landy closes Victoria Week at EXPO.
FF crew, Chris, Takashi and coordinator Yuka with the Australian Pavilions' giant Platypus。	The pilots clown around outside of the Australian Pvilion at EXPO KKK
With Paul Molloy of the Aust. Pavilion, Chris, Obu's Keiko Yamada。Takashi and Obu City's Yukihiro Kuno KKK	Obu City's Yukihiro Kuno, with the help from a few beverage makers, thanks Takashi for coming to the reception. KKK
The Friendship Flight crew present the Ishigase Primary school headmaster and board of educatiuon ministerwith the book created by the students of St. Kilda Primary school and collected by the FF2005 crew on their fly -in . See the Feb 25 entry in this diary for more pictures。
39 year old Mayor of the City of Port Phillip, Mr. Darren Ray talks with the pilots about the flight.
Takashi signs one of the giant fans presented as momentoes of friendship at the Obu - Pt. Phillip Sister City reception at EXPO。
June 30 2005 The crew took part in the Obu City = Pt. Phillip sister City reception at the Australian Pavilion. Chris was the MC for the evening. Pictured are Pt.. Phillip Mayor, Mr. Darren Ray and Adam Simmons of the Obu City International Division.
	Both pilots were on their best behaviour at the Victoria State, Aichi Prefecture 25th anniversary official reception at EXPO. Coordinator Yuka (mother)only had to tell them to get down off the stage twice,...
	Aichi Prefectural Assembly member and former chairman, Minami Kato showered praise on the FF2005 crew exclaiming the project to be "A great project!" at the recent Aichi - Victoria reception.
	Chairman of gas equipment maker, and official sponsor of FRIENDSHIP FLIGHT 2005、Rinnai's Mr. Naito was at the Victoria - Aichi Sister State official reception.
	FRIENDSHIP FLIGHT 2005 official sponsor,TOYOTA's Mr. Sakaguchi was at the official reception. It was the first time since the landing event (also at EXPO) that they'd seen Mr. Sakaguchi, and a good chance to catch up.。
	June 29 2005. Takashi and Chris attend the Victoria State, Aichi Prefecture Sister State 25th anniversary official recepotion at EXPO.
Takashi and Chris flank one of the Friendship Flights HEROs, Kevin Knowles from the Victorian Government. Kevin was a supporter of the project from the first and worked tirelessly to assist us and get the Victorian Government involved. Whenever we had a problem, Kevin had an answer.. The world needs more Kevin Knowles's!
Chris and Takashi greet Victorian State Premier, Steve Bracks. "I heard you got home safely, how did it all go?"After a brief explanation, Mr. Bracks congratulated the pilots and wished them well for future endeavors.
Sun. June 26 The dignitaries cut the ribbon at EXPO 2005 for the opening of Victoria week.
	The crew also presented Takane Primary school with works and gifts from sister school Warrnambool Primary in Victoria, Australia!!
	Over 1000 children and parents gathered in the school gymnasuim to hear the crew talk about the FF2005 flight, complete with slide show。
	A light rain was falling so the children and parents watched the landing from their classrooms。
	2005.6.11 Landing in the Aichi Prefecture based Takane Primary School's grounds. Takane is sister school to Warrnambool Primary in Victoria, Australia.
The crew force World EXPO mascot character Kikkoro into a photo session. poor little blighter couldn't get away,..not with us holding on! Poor little blighter couldn't get away
With Rod Kirkman of the protocol division, office of the Lord Mayor of Sydney. Rod was responsible for putting together the fine reception for the crew on their visit to Sydney in March.
The FF2005 crew flasnk Sydney Lord Mayor, Clover Moore MP.
May 28, 2005. Chris and Takashi at the Sister Cities Celebration reception in Nagoya's Kanko Hotel。
	May 27 Chris visited the Sakuramachi Primary School in Toyokawa talking to the students about Friendship Flight and handing over works from sister school, Essendon Primary in Victoria.
2005.5.26 The FF crew went out for drinks with the team from the Obu City International division and Australia Nagoya Consul, Mr. Denis Zolin (centre)
	May 16, 2005 At Nagoya's Shinmei Primary school, presenting the Aboriginal Flag from Northbridge Primary to the children and explaining it's meaning. The children were all interested in the flight and had many questions regarding their sister school in Sydney
	Handing over the Australian National Flag (albiet back to front) as well as art works from the childrens' counterparts in Northbridge Primary School, Sydney.
Teachers as well as the kids were excited to see the helicopter land in the school grounds!!
Handing over the returned works from the children's counterparts in Oak Hills Drive including a set of beautifully folded paper cranes mobile.
The crew flank Idota Primary schools headmaster, Mr. Sakakura
May 6 The crew landed at Idota primary in Nagoya City as a light rain fell
	After the reception, the crew faced the media for a final press conference. "We're both happy to be home and to have successfully carried out our mission. At the same time, we feel a little sad that the dream and 6 years of work has come to an end. Thanks to our sponsors and everybody who followed and supported us. We hope to be able to share the experiences we've had along the way 、and put into effect the lessons we've learned, and to get more people to follow a dream." was the comment from Chris. "We've both taken a fresh look at life, and will use this experience to strengthen our lives", said Takashi. 12000km、66hours18minutes flight time, 6 countries, and the FRIENDSHIP FLIGHT 2005 comes to a close.
Chris and Takashi address the audience

kkkkkkk	Australian Commissioner General, Mr Andrew Todd opened the recption with a toast to the crew
	The crew and guests were bussed from the Airport to the World EXPO site for the official reception at the Australian Pavilion VIP room.
Facing the TV crews and newspaper reporters	For 2days, the FF2005 media story appeared
	Members of the College of NakaNippon Aviation (CNA) who provided so much assistance both in Austalia and in Okinawa were on hand for the landing.

	Over 80 official guests and teams of supporters greeted the team as JA 9313 flew into Nagoya Airport, causing Takashi to comment "I never imagined so many people would come to see us." Both pilots emerged from the helicopter to the cheers and applause from the gathered crowd, both smiling, both happy to be home.



	Australian Pavilion mascot character, Kamone the Platypus was on hand to greet the crew.
	On approach to Nagoya Airport, the crew mused that they had come the full circle. They had left Nagoya for Australia, Feb. 16, on the last international flight before Nagoya closed and the new 'Centerair' International Airport commenced. Not expecting to see Nagoya Airport again, they felt as if they'd really arrived "home".
The crew made a victory lap over the EXPO site	Over the EXPO with the Australian Pavilion centre left.
Despite the 12000km trip, cameraman Tetsu kept filming to the end
Over Nagoya Port, with the city in the background. The Twin Towers were the first sights visible, and brought with them feelings of home.
March 27. 2005 From Yao, just outside of Osaka, the team headed towards their final destination. En route they flew over the Todaiji, (pictured) home of the Great Buddah of Nara.
	In Osaka's central districts. "What do you want to eat tonight?" asked Takashi. "How about sushi?" said Chris. "We've come all the way from Australia to Osaka, and you want sushi?" "What? you want octopus dumplings do you?" asked Chris referring to the Osakan famed fast food dish.
New Kobe Airport （under construction）	Over Osaka Port
The world's longest suspension bridge, Seto.	Over Kobe City
	March 25, 2005 Refuelling JA 9313 at Fukuoka before leaving for Yao, on the outskirts of Osaka. It was freezing!
At last, the team make it to Fukuoka	Entering Fukuoka airspace for landing。
Flying over Kagoshima City to escape the storm	The seas and the sky were rough!
	Weather conditions from Amami Oshima were fine until the FF crew arrived in Kagoshima.There they refuelled and took off into a squall. after 35 minutes of trying to escape the rainstorm, they were forced to turn back. Time was running out, they had to make Fukuoka that evening for the customs inspection the next morning。
Yakushima Island	Yakushima on the map
Weather conditions over Amami Oshima were calm
March 24, 2005 6:40am　The crew had flown to Amami Oshima the night before, arriving just as heavy rains threatened to pour down. The next morning they prepared for the flight from Amami Oshima to Kagoshima and then to Fukuoka. It was going to be a long trip.

	March 22, 2005 Aero Asahi's Ohde and sponsor CNA's Endo came to Naha to give JA 9313 her 30 hour check.
The crew were welcomed to Okinawa by former sponsor CNA students now working at Naha Airport, and Okinawa CNA representative, Mr. Toji.	Group shot at Naha Airport
A round of applause as 9313 sets down	2 tired pilots and a cameraman emerge to a warm Okinawan welcome
The coral reefs around Naha Airport are stunning	The crew finally touch down in Okinawa
	The team finally touch down on Japanese soil at Ishigaki Jima Airport. This is where the next problem arose. They couldn't re-register the helicopter here, and would have to go to Fukuoka before the weekend, or they won't make the landing event. During their immigration proseedings came news that a big earthquake had just struck Fukuoka.
	After entering Japanese airspace, the team flew over Iriomote Island, the southernmost Japanese island。All were surprised at just how beatiful the oceans and how extensive the coral reefs were around the southern islands.
Over Iriomote Island	西表島上空
Flying above the clouds from Taiwan, Japan bound	First sight of Japanese land!!
The easternmost point of Taiwan....and	our departure point from Taiwan。
Being Japanese registered, the crew couldn't land at Taipei's domestic airports and so they parked at Chiang Kai Chek International.	8:00am and ready for departure to Japan.
	March 20, 2005 7:00am, the sun rises over the empty streets of Taipei. The team are driven 45 minutes to the airport.
	Chiang Kai Shek Memorial in Taipei City.
The view of Taipei City from the Taipei 101 building observation deck.
March 19, 2005. A day off in Taipei	The world's tallest building,Taipei 101
On approach to Chiang Kai Shek International Airport	poor conditions cause airport lights go on early.
	March 18, 2005 Visibility from Kaoshiung to Taipei is very poor, among the worst they encountered to date.This means a low, slow flight with practically no view. Pictured arer the extensive fish farms that cover the south central areas.
Taiwan coke can	Kaoshiung at night from Chris' room
Their hotel is Kaoshiung's tallest building,....	view from the world's 9th tallest hotel
	4:30pm After a long and gruelling flight, the team set down in Kaoshiung. Fighter jets had been scrambled as Laoag hadn't contacted Kaoshiung about the crew's departure. Thankfully the jets heard the pilot's calls to Taiwan Control ad deemed them friendly,..or at least 'harmless',... Visibility had been very poor on entry to Taiwan which made the flight even more tiring. The team are heartened that Taiwan is a little like Japan with asian faces and signs written in Kanji characters. This is when they realise that after Taiwan is ...the land of the rising sum, Japan!
Lifting off from Laoag	Conditions for the long sea crossing look OK
Staff and officials at Laoag Airport gather for the customs and immigrations spectical。	Sand dunes north of the airport
North of Manila, near the former U.S. Clark Airbase	Luzon Islands famous resort coast
	Taking off over sprawling Manila City. Today, the team have a marathon flight from Manila to Kaoshiung, Taiwan via Laoag.This is to be the longest and most dangerous leg of the journey.
	Finally it was time to say goodbye to another of the FF2005's heroes, Mr. Joy, (left, with his son) who had been so kind and helpful to us through our travels in the Philippines. Mr. Joy's company, AIR ADS, and his staff were total professionals. They did more than could have been asked, and played a major part in making the project go so well.
AIR ADS staff wheel JA 9313 onto the pad	farewells at Manila
March 17, 2005　 A final ride from the hotel to the airport	traditional Jeepneys plying their morning trade。
Chris and Tetsu joined 'Otosan' (Father) and his staff, Nelson for seafood dinner by the sea while Takashi spent time on the town with his wife.
March 16. 2005.3.16 The afternoon was spent at AIR ADS offices and hangars doing interviews and photo sessions for the local media.
	March 15, 2005 Manila from the hotel. This prestige hotel in central Manila was the stage for the 2004 military coup d'etat. in another incident, an explosion there killed 56 people. Imelda Marcos has an apartment in one of the neighboring buildings.
Touchdown in front of the hangars of handling company, AIR ADS	Takashi's wife and Father in Law were there to greet the crewand present them with flowers
マニラ上空	Flying over the Philippines capitol, Manila
A few giggles as the helicopter landed for fuel at Iloilo	as "Iloilo" means "all sorts of things" in Japanese
2005.3.14 Departing Cebu Islands' Mactan, they flew over the old castle towards Manila.
	Out looking at the nightlife, the team visited an old castle, a remnant of the Spanish colonisation of the Philippines. This 15th century castle is the oldest in the Philippines.

	March 13, 2005. A day of rest and relaxation on the private and crystal clear beaches and pools of their resort hotel in Mactan, Cebu Island.
4:30pm, JA 9313arrives at Mactan Airport, Cebu.
	Over the Philippines. The scenery was different from anything the team had seen before. The colours of the soils and vegetation was different, and the mountains were incredibly wrinkly. They looked like a badly made georama.
	March 12, 2005. Having left Indonesia, FF2005 headed towards the Philippines. Indonesian authorities had granted special permission for the crew to land in Naha, a small island between Indonesia and the Philippines for refuelling. There they experienced the most expensive landing fees (US$350) just to put down. Pictured is the southern tip of Mindanao.
kThe volcanic island of Babullah	At Sam Ratulangi in the shadow of a volcano.
The Equator runs thru' the middle of this picture	1.35pm,...Nearing the Equator
Heart shaped un-inhabited coral islands	Flying high over Indonesia's Halmahera Island
March 11, 2005 Today's flight took Takashi, Tetsu and Chris from Sorong to Babulla, over the zero degree equatorial line, and to Menado's Sam Ratulangi.
	7:00pm Enjoying a very inexpensive seafood dinner at Sorong, with the master of the house entertaining his customers (all 6 of them) with poorly sung karaoke numbers.

	2:00pm The helicopter arrived at Kaimana airport for refuelling. 8 locals aboard the fuel truck came out to meet the crew and all wanted FF2005 stickers for their children. The seas surrounding Kiamana are absolutely beautiful, as can be seen below.

2005.3.10 Unspoiled scenery between Timika and Kiamana
	Chris assists the rescue team in refuelling the AS350 before the rescue chopper guides them back to Timika base.

	March 9, 2005 After a night in the trees, the tides subsided and the team came down to inspect the damage. JA9313 was fine, altho' she'd sunk 12cm into the sand. At 7:30am, there was a flurry of excitement as the AIRFAST RESCUE helicopter finds the crew, bringing jet fuel, water, sandwiches and pitted cherries.
	A tired and depressed looking project leader Chris, 2m up a magrove tree, with the sea lapping in below. All are concerned about the helicopter. If the sea rises too high, the heli may get washed away and destroyed. If salt water gets to the avionics or mechanicals, it will be ruined. Could this be where FF2005 ends, in the jungles of Iriyan Jaya? Takashi, cameraman Tetsu and Chris have life jackets strapped on, and have a life raft up the tree with them just in case. Although the sky above is clear and the stars are plentiful, on the horizon, lightening flickers,... waves crash below them against the boughs of their trees.
The sun is going down, the sea is coming up! Trapped between the jungle and the rapidly rising tide, Takashi pilots the heli as close to the trees as he dares, and the team consider their options.	They have very little water, no food, only this fire for comfort,... and now the tide is rising fast!
	They start to collect wood for a fire,...。
A second storm and strong head winds hit, and in an effort to outrun it, the pilots burn too much fuel. They're still 80Km from the nearest town when the fuel warning light comes on! Up ahead they see a small patch of sand between the jungle and the ocean and put down after calling in an emergency situation. Their satelite phone isn't working, which doesn't help. None of the crew had eaten breakfast or lunch that day. Now they're told a rescue helicopter can't be mobilised until the next morning as the sun is sinking fast,...
The team find a mud bank and put down for an hourto wait out the storm。。	Cameraman Tetsu catches the moment
	Heavy rains lash the small aircraft, strong winds buffet them. Visibility is below standard . There is nowhere to land, below them is dense jungle, and so the pilots head towards the coastline again.
	The weather starts to worsen, clouds build and strong head winds slow progress.
Flying over thick jungle makes the crew think about what to do in an emergency...	Below them is thick jungle and swamps, rivers and tidal flats. Not the sort of place you'd want to land in,...
	Indonesian handling company staff, Mr.Tappy tries on his FF2005 cap. They're filled with fuel and Mr. Tappy tells them weather conditions to next stop, Timika are "All clear",... so they skip lunch in favour of an early arrival at Timika,...
Arriving at Indonesia's Merauke Airport	イGoing thru' customs and immigration
Over New Guinea. If they are forced to make an emergency landing in that jungle, the team are aware they might not be found. It's the jungle or the sea!
March 8, 2005 Almost half an hour after departing Australia's Horn Island, the trio catch their first glimpse of New Guinea. Conditions don't look too good, possible effects of Cyclone Ingrid, now over the Coral Sea.
	Last port of call in Australian waters, Horn Island. The team check into the local hotel and spend dinner talking to a couple of locally based helicopter pilots. Apparently Japanese fighter plane wrecks can be seen at low tide just north of the island, remnants of the war 60 years ago.
	The northern most point of mainland Australia, Cape York Peninsula
	The helicopter was refuelled at isolated Lockheart River, possibly the most expensive place for jet fuel along the route. The airport was built during the war as a base in which to launch counter attacks against Japanese air raids. Just off the runway was a huge 1.5m termite mound.
	From Cooktown, the trio flew over the stunning Great Barrier Reef towards Lockheart River. A camera, no matter how good, could never capture the true beauty of this natural wonder.
The colours wre fantastic,...	The scale was unbelievable...a vast ocean kaleidoscope
	"Good thing you phoned in advance," said the bloke at Cooktown Airport as he hand pumped the fuel into 9313." I was thinking of going fishing, then you would've been stuffed!" He later drove us to the local shops for some snacks and water. "Don't go near the river behind the strip," he warned. "Crocs there took my dog last year, and a horse a few years back,"
	March 7, 2005. The team was now a trio, Chris, Takashi and cameraman Tetsu. From Cairns, they headed off north over the wide Australian wilderness to Cooktown
March 6, 2005. 9am, Time to say goodbye and thank you to the B-team of the CNA, College of NakaNippon Aviation. Crew and support members sign t-shirts.
	That evening, the FF2005 team were hosted by the Cairns Australia-Japan society. Once again, the project met it's ideals of improving Australia Japan relations. Our thanks to Micheal Waters and his members for arranging the evening. It was a fitting farewell for the CNA team。
	Chris and Takashi thank the B-Team students for their help and hard work from Melbourne to Sydney and Cairns. All CNA members did their very best, and were rewarded with joy flights over Cairns.
CNA's B-team give the heli a final going over	the recently licensed young mechanics do their job!!
kkksharp topped mountains south of Cairns Airport	Touch down at Cairns International!

March 5, 2005. Australia offered a range of stunning scenery between Mackay and Cairns, the beautiful Great barrier Reef, thick, lush rainforest, wild scrubland and clean white beaches。
	2005.3.4 From Brisbane, Friendship Flight flew north to Mackay where the crew stopped overnight. Thanks to the team at Mackay Helicopters for allowing JA 9313 to park in their hangars for a night, and for organising fuel too!
Brisbane city from Brother Phil's balcony.	Stephan joined Chris and Yuka for a BBQ at Chris' brothers place in brisbane
Above the magnificent Gold Coast	kkkWith Stephan and the Heli Scenic team
At Tyagara, the crew were met by local pilot Stephan Teschner、	Stephan lead the crew over the Gold Coast to Hope Island Golf Course for a fun reception
kPassing over Coffs Harbour	Stopping for fuel at Taree
along the coast near Wiliamtown	Dolphins near Pt. Maquarrie
March 3, 2005 Loading up for departure from Sydney	kkk Low and fast over the beaches...yea!!
kkkっk 後ろには、ひな人形も飾られています	The children were so well behaved and attentative. FF Coordinator Yuka ,made mention of how bright the children were, compared with the darker moods of Japanese children.
teachers, parents and students crowded the meeting hall to greet the team	Some children dressed in summer Kimono

1:30pm, visit to Oakhill Drive Primary

When the children performed a traditional Japanese dance, some of the CNA crew joined in, furthering the bonds of Friendship and communication.	One of the CNA team attempts to explain to the children about the EXPO mascot characters。

March 2, 2005 9:30am JA9313 pulled in to a stop on the oval at Northbridge Primary school, which has now become a "sister school" to Nagoya's Shinmei Primary. (left) the kids point to the sky as the team perform a reconnaissance pass
	Toyota's Peter Griffin presented Sydney with calligraphy reading "Friendship", and the team presented a letter from the Mayor of Nagoya.
Enjoying the recption	Chris and Takashi meet the press
	6:00pm The FF2005 crew are invited to the Sydney Town Hall for the Lord Mayor's reception for the Friendship Flight and hosted by Councellor Hoffs. The Friendship Flight also celebrates the Sydney - Nagoya sister city 25th anniversary.
A $110 million yaqcht with it's own heli on the Harbour	In the Sydney PowerHouse Museum is the helicopter Australian adventurer, Dick Smith used in 1983 to circumnavigate the globe solo, a feat much admired by Chris...."Getting from Melbourne to Sydney was hard enough,, let along solo around the world, with no GPS!"
March 1, 2005 A day off in Sydney, and everyone spends it differently, however most end up admiring the beautiful harbour views.
	That evening after dinner, the team surprised Chris with a birthday cake. 37 today, and so he shared the cake cutting honours with Takashi.
	In Sydney's Bankstown, the team caught up with mutual friend, Australian based Japanese pilot / Flight Instructor, Takafumi Kato (who was Chris' turbine helicopter instructor) and Okano (in cap). Takafumi provided handling assistance while in Australia and hangar space at Bankstown.
3:30 pm FF2005 arrives at Sydney's bankstown Airport	The CNA staff and Shinya give JA 9313 a checkover following the flight from Melbourne. No Worries at all!
Over the nation's capitol, Canberra	Landing amongst roo poo at Canberra
	The helicopter makes it's first fuel stop at Albury before continuing on the Canberra.
10:30am and it's up,up and away	JA 9313 takes off for Sydney。
A final farewell to the team from Elite Helicopters, and many thanks for their support and the farewell card too!
The CNA B-Team	Japanese consul Mr. Hagiwara and an Essendon shirt
	Feb 28. 2005 Friends, family, sponsors and supporters had gathered at Essendon to see the team off. Takashi and Chris go through a final check of the route...。
	The FF2005 team, and the CNA A-Team gather for a group shot on the streets of Melbourne after dinner. They've been through a lot together over the past few days and a special bond has been formed. All had worked not as 2 teams, but as one to overcome all kinds of obsticles. Together they completed re-assembly of the helicopter in a single night, not the three days expected!. They communicated with Australian children and got to see parts of Australia tourists rarely see. They've had hands on experiences few would ever get to try, and they've enjoyed every minute of it!
The CNA A-Team enjoy a farewell dinner	ksharing the moment!!
	Chris then asked the crew to sign his FF2005 t-shirt, which started a new trend. Even Takashi signed, writing "Team Work" on the back. "I thought he'd written BAKA, or 'idiot' at first,..." laughed Chris.

It was time for the students to say goodbye to the helicopter they had helped to get back into the sky. Each of the CNA team came forward and one by one offered prayers and words of encouragement for a safe flight.
Feb 26 2005After a final check, the crew took the CNA team....	kkkk.....on a joy flight around Melbourne City


	2:00pm Friendship Flight visited St. Kilda Primary and the Pt Phillip City Council for a reception. Pt. Phillip and Aichi Prefecture's Obu City are sister cities. The school was easy to find with the students red shirts really standing out from the sky. They presented the team with a large book to take back to Obu. The quality and effort of the kids' work blew the team away!
After Government house, the crew flew to Pt. Phillip, and over Melbourne Dockyards where JA 9313 was kept for so long	Above Melbourne's F-1 racetrack with the city in the background.
	Over 300 guests and dignitaries attended the reception to help launch not just the Friendship Flight 2005 project, but also to start celebrations for the Victoria State, Aichi Prefecture sister state 25th anniversary. Chris and Takashi presented Governor Landy and Premier Steve Bracks with messages of goodwill from Aichi's Governor.
	Left, Steve Bracks acts as Ground marshal and the helicopter takes off from Government house, above.
Chris presents a Friendship Flight crew cap to Governor Landy	Governor Landy, sporting a FF2005 cap watches the take off

Victorian State Premier (at podium) and Gov. Landy (on throne)	Premier Steve Bracks greets the pilots
JA 9313 puts down on the lawns of Government House	The Australian Boy's Choir provide entertainment
Feb 25 2005 9:30am The FF2005 heli lands on the lawns of Government House, Victoria for the reception
Over pink lakes en route home from Warrnambool	kOver the strange, pink salt lakes
kTakashi meets the kids of Warrnambool	The CNA team try out their English skills
k	The crew answer the students questions about Japan, the team and about the helicopter
The kids yell and point when the heli comes into view	Welcome signs in both languages
	pm2:00 The 2 hour flight from Melbourne, and for the ground crew, the 4 hour bus ride was worth the effort of seeing the excitement on the faces of the kids as JA 9313 roared overhead before landing on the school oval


	On the way from Essendon to Warrnambool, the crew flew over the Great Ocean Road and the famed 12 Apostles
9:30am At Essendon Primary school, the team landed in front of the students, and the CNA lads communicated with the children in English.
2005.2.24 am9:30 The well behaved students at Essendon Primary listen attentatively to the FF2005's crew.
	After a day of visiting schools, the team and the CNA staff went out for dinner. A few members had a little too much to drink, and an impromptue autograph session commenced,...wonder if they felt the same way about their clothes the next day!?!
The kids get a close up view of 9313	「The children wave goodbye to the heli crew
Principal Burgess exchanges works with those from the Tokoname East Primary	kkkPosing for the press with 2 of Weedon's students
	10:30am The first school visit geos better than expected. The children were all well behaved and interested in what the crew had to say. The school grounds grassed area was a bit sparse, and to stop the dust, some of the kids helped sprinkle water on the landing site
	Feb. 23 2005 The sponsors logos are fitted, the weather is perfect and all are looking forward to visiting 2 local schools
1:30pm The first engine run ap and subsequent test flight all went perfectly, the mechanics had done a fine job, and so the team were ready for tomorrows school visits
Posing for the papers, at a shoot for various newspapers	TOYOTA's Mr. Okada checks out the comfort factor。
10:30am TPresident of Toyota Australia, Ted Okada came out to Essendon to sign the sponsorship contract, hold a press conference and present an Aussie Rules football for the crew to carry home to Japan
Feb 22, 2005 8:00am Another one of the FF2005 heroes, Terry the Stickerman professionally fitted the contact sheets over 9313's red stripes, and then fited the sponsors logos on straight and clean,...and in record time too,... thanks Terry!
	The College of NakaNippon Aviation's Mr. Sugihara and Aero Asahi's Shinya Ohde take a well earned break from putting JA 9313 back together in a marathon overnight drive! Shinya was a student of Mr. Sugihara's many years ago, and this shows in their teamwork. Thanks to their efforts, the crew can test flight the aircraft tomorrow!
CNA's logos get stuck on first in recognition of their fine efforts	3 days of work is compressed into an overnight spurt, upon completion, the CNA team smile and relax

The CNA team check the technical details	Fitting the rotor head
After checking into their hotel, the CNA team return to Essindon Airport and commence work on the helicopter	fitting the skidskkk
Chris reports live to Radio-i	Takashi cuts new registration numbers for 9313
kWork picks up as the sun goes down	Dr. Shinya prepares for the operation
	East meets West, Japanese mechanic Shinya comes face to face with Australian mechanic and CEO of Elite Helicopters, Scott.
At last 9313 is free of her container	Bit of confusion as the Australian and Japanese ways clash
	17:20pm At last, all is cleared and JA 9313 is free. Takashi and Chris, while looking like dis-inherited Thunderbird dolls grin like monkies now that the legal and red tape problems are over. Next problem is whether the crew can ready her for the school visits and the Government House reception in time!
All look on in nervous anticipationっっ	The Customs lady inspects the contents
	5:00pm At long last the truck arrives with the helicopter. Precious time has been lost. The customs problems have been overcome, next worry for the team is Quarrantine. The quarrantine lady had been waiting for the truch to arrive and had told Chris she could only wait until 4.35,... Chris's eyes bulged, then she said 'Only Kidding!'
2:00pm　 The College of NakaNippon Aviation (CNA) A-Team arrive,..."What do you mean the helicopter hasn't arrived" they ask shocked,...	Planning for IF the heli arrives continues,...
	12:30pm Chris meets with Peter Griffin and Katheryn Russell of Toyota about the visit of Toyota President, Ted Okada and the press conference.
	Feb 21 2005 10:00am　Until now, all the planning had been done by e-mail and phone. Now the staff meet with the authorities at the Bictoroian Education Department to discuss the school visits in detail and go over any last minute details and safety concerns
2005.2.20 Back at the hotel, FF2005 coordinator, Yuka sews sponsor logos onto Chris' flight suits.... all 3 of them. Right, the end result.
	After realising that home centers aren't all that exciting, the team headed to a shopping centre (Yuka's idea) for lunch and shopping before returning to the city for a more touristy look at Melbourne. From here all went their seperate wasys to discover the city
っっMelbournes famous trams	On a tram looking for a home handyman centre
	Feb. 19 2005 With no helicopter to work on, the team find they have 2 spare days to enjoy some sightseeing, however no one can think of anywhere to go
Both pilots are now worried. If they don't get the helicopter soon, they won't be able to visit the schools, and may not make the Government House reception. All could be lost. The pressure is on to do something and fast. An emergency contingency plan is worked on by Chris and Takashi.
12:45pm Team member, "Guchi" Sekiguchi and Aerto Asahi's Shinya finally turn up. Their plane had been delayed and diverted due to a chemical scare and had supposed to arrive at 8:40am。As it hgad passed noon, the other members were concerned, and had been phoning around, even Japan to find out where they were. With the team now complete, minus the heli, it was a good opportunity for a group shot.
am10:30 Arriving back at Elite Helicopter after the meeting at Government House, and the bad news is, the Helicopter is still under customs control, and still at the wharfes. Another shock, what do we do from here?
Feb 18, 2005 Government House, Victoria GOVERNMENT HOUSE	9:00am　The team gather at Government House to discuss the Feb 25 reception and check the grassed landing site,...then cameraman Tetsu realises he'd left a camera and tripod in the taxi,...。
	After meeting with CASA, the crew contacted Elite Helicopters, only to be told the helicopter hadn't arrived. "It's being held up by customs at the port, it should arrive tomorrow." they were told. So it was back to the hotel and a steak dinner。
Down to business, first a meeting with CASA	Meeting with CASA Officer and helicopter pilot Mal Walker Mal had flown in New Guinea and was a wealth of knowledge and advice
	2005.2.17 10 hours later, the project team arrive in Melbourne Airport。After arriving the team ran into Australian EXPO unit PR director, Paul Molloy、then the first "incident," member Yuka's big pink suitcase had gone missing。
2005.2.16 At last, the time has come to leave for Australia。The team's flight was to be the last international flight out of Nagoya Airport. Tomorrow, the new Chubu International Airport commences operations, so it's a final farewell to Nagoya Airport too.
	2Feb 10. Friendship Flight 2005 Sponsor College of Naka-Nippon Aviation (CNA) has made a series of original Friendship Flight T-shirts for the crew and support teams to use as a uniform. At the same time, the Friendship Flight office has had official caps made. Chris and CNA's Kenji Sato model the caps and T-shirt. Check the GOODS section for more information.
Feb 8 2005 The crew were guests on 79.5FM Radio-i, where they were interviewed by DJ's Colin and Cocoro. Strange having DJ's interview another DJ。。
The crew demonstrate CNA's 355 helicopter	「FRIENDSHIP FLIGHT 2005」 Pilots pose with CNA student support team.

	2Feb 5. 2005. The crew held a press conference at the College of Naka-Nippon Aviation (CNA) (left Chris and Takashi explain the route) A number of local major newspapers and TV stations were there, (below) and the crew met the two teams of CNA student mechanics (Helicopter Division) who will be assisting with the flight.
Getting to meet the kids one by one.
Feb 2 2005 Chris and Takashi visited Shinmeisho Primary School in Nagoya City to tell the children about Friendship Flight and how they are to participate, by exchanging letters with Northbridge Primary in Sydney, Australia。
	Introducing the latest member of the FF2005 team, official cameraman, Tetsuya Murasaki. Tetsuya will be aboard the FF2005 helicopter for the entire duration of the flight filming every aspect for the TV documentary.
22005.1.25 Chris and Takashi being interviewed for free paper, "Shopper".
	2Takashi being fitted out for his new flight suits.
2005.1.12 There was a distinct feeling of excitement! Not just from the FF2005 crew, but all those involved, Aero Asahi staff, shipping company staff and even the truck driver was impressed. The helicopter was finally containered up and taken to Yokohama Port, to be loaded onto a ship and carried to Australia, Jan 17. arriving Melbourne Port a month later. Our thanks go to all who helped so far. We're looking forward to seeing JA9313 in Australia!
	Aero Asahi President, Mr. Ken Asano dropped by to wish the crew well and farewell one of his helicopters.
	担The crew flank JA9313's mechanic, Shinya Ohde, who said he's "Feeling quite relieved now that the chopper is on it's way Down Under,",... This is where the adventure begins!
	Takashi and Chris being interviewed by Sky Sports magazine for the March issue, at Aero Asahi's lounge room.
Even the skids were bubble wrapped	Engine cover panels being prepared
20The heli was hoisted up, and the truck backed in around it, while a forklift pushed it in the remainder of the way. It was an exciting moment for all involved.
Jan 12, 2005 The crew visited the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo for a meeting with Transportation Attache, Mr. Yan. The team offered their assistance in the earthquake and Tsunami affected areas and checked all customs, immigration and quarantine details.
	Jan. 11, 2005 In the Tokyo office of Takashi's company, Heartland Air with project flight coordinator, Masanari Doi (far right) going over route maps for Indonesia.
	FF2005 crew go through the scheduling and various components with members of Aero Asahi
Jan 4, 2005. Nagoya City, Moriyama North Junior High becomes the 8th and final school to agree to participate in the Friendship Flight. It also happens to be Friendship Flight chief coordinator Yuka Kato's old school. Pictured are Principal Okabe and teacher, Mr. Hayakawa.
Friendship Flight 2005's helicopter, AS350, Reg. No. JA9313	日豪フレンドシップフライト2005で使用するヘリコプター　JA9313
While the mechanics gave the helicopter an overhaul, Chris got acquainted with the control panels of JA9313 as project mechanic, Aero Asahi's Shinya Ohde explains the aircrafts' extra features.
Chris and Aero Asahi's top radio expert, Noguchi check out the new BOSE noise cancellation headsets .
Shinya Ohde and Chris check JA9313's tail rotor for fatigue cracks and wear,.. no problems!
	Mon. Dec. 27, 2004 At the Aero Asahi hangers at Tokyo's Shinkiba Heliport, from left, Project Staff, Sekiguchi, Aero Asahi's mechanic, Shinya Ohde, Tetsuya Ozawa and Chris in front of Friendship Flight's helicopter
	Dec. 21. 2004 Sakura Machi Primary School in Toyokawa, Aichi Prefecture became the 6th school to take part in the Friendship Flight's educational project. Going through the details with Chris are Principal Mr. Oyobe (centre) and teacher, Mr. Suzuki.
	Dec. 21 2004. Takabari Primary school in Nagoya City also joins the project. From left to right, Principal, Mr. Kishi, teacher Mr. Makino, Chris and the schools Deputy Principal.
Dec. 20, 2004. Chris visited Tokoname Higashi Primary school for talks with Principal Nagata (centre) and teacher, Mr.Yoshikawa. Both teachers are looking forward to seeing the looks on the children's faces when the helicopter lands in their school grounds!
	Dec. 20, 2004. Chris and Takashi flank Friendship Flight 2005 sponsor, Rinnai Chairman Mr Akito Naito at Rinnai's headquarters in Nagoya. The team presented Rinnai and Mr. Naito with Supporter Certificates after lunch with the Chairman in the company cafeteria. 「Rinnai」
2004.12.18 Takashi and Chris collect donations from members of the Helicopter Club, Japan. at the annual year end party.
	Dec. 17, 2004. Staff at KISS-FM, Kobe clicked on the Friendship Flight 2005 home page and got number 2525! Lucky, but unfortunately no prize,...we'll send them a Supporter Certificate instead.
Dec 16 2004. Takane Primary school in Togo Cho, Aichi Prefecture has joined the ranks of schools participating in the FF2005 project. They will be creating art works and letters to swap with a sister school in Australia.。Takashi and Chris will act as "Flying Postmen" bringing communications between the 2 countries. With Chris is Principal Nishida, (centre) and teacher, Mr. Kobayashi.
	Dec. 16, 2004. Obu City International Division head, Mr Kuno clicked on the FF2005 home page at number 2500 and sent us this picture, along with his claim for a prize,... his Supporter Certificate is on the way!
Dec 14 2004. A certificate of appreciation was presented to the project team from the Mayor of Obu City for their participation in the Obu Culture Festival in October.

	Dec. 8 2004 The crew went to the College of NakaNippon Aviation (CNA) campus at Seki City to discuss the college's role in the project, routes and support.
Masanori checks the route details at his Tokyo office. Safety is a major factor in this project, and it's great relief to have an experienced third person double checking everything.
Nov. 2004 Introducing Friendship Flight's Flight Coordinator, Masanori Doi. Masanori is an FAA certified flight instructor, and once flew a twin engined plane from Japan to Australia. His navigation expertise and contacts have helped the project leap ahead.
Nov. 12 The Friendship Flight Home Page clicked over to 2005! Chris just happened to check the figures at that moment,..really!
	Takashi and Chris worked the booth provided by Obu City to meet and greet the people, and sell supporter certificates and project goods. It was a good turn out despite the rain.
	Takashi presents a personalised certificate to Ms. Sugai as Chris looks on.
	With the helicopter parked on display in the main arena, Takashi hands out stickers to the children. who gathered for a close look at the aircraft.
	Oct. 30 Takashi and Chris on stage at the Obu City Culture Festival explaining about the Friendship Flight project. The 2 pilots had just landed in the main arena.
12x9cm Friendship Flight 2005 logo stickers are available at events, and on-line (from Nov.) from the Friendship Flight Home Page 'goods' section. The stickers feature: SUPPORTED BY OBU INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION
OCT. Friendship Flight 2005 Supporter Certificates are now available at FF2005 events, and on-line from this site's GOODS section. Suitable for framing, these A-4 size personalised certificates make great gifts and momentos too.
	The colour photo and article appeared the following day (28th) in the regions largest paper, Chunichi Shinbun.
	Oct. 27 Takashi and Chris at the Obu City Hall being interviewed by the Chunichi Newspaper.
Oct 18, 2004. The poster for the Obu City Culture Festival has come out, featuring the Friendship Flight Crew as one of the main attractions. Takashi and Chris will arrive at the site by helicopter, which will then be put on public display while Chris does a talk show from the center stage.
Mr. Andi and Mr. Surya talk with Chris at the Indonesian Embassy. Mr. Andi jokingly suggested the crew try an Indonesia-Japan Friendship Flight next.
Oct. 14 At the Indonesian Embassy Tokyo with Mr. Yan and Mr. Surya. Both were most kind and helpful with our enquiries and information regarding the flight.
Oct. 14 Chris meets with First Secretary, Mr. Chen, and Mr. Peter Hseih of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, Tokyo. Both gentlemen were very interested in the flight and pledged their support.
Oct. 13 Chris working late into the night preparing for the following days presentations from his hotel room in Tokyo.
Oct. 5 Takashi and Chris at a fast food outlet in kariya going over the charts for the Okinawan leg of the flight.
Sept. 2004 Chris working on route, time and distance figures in the PPF offices.
Chris, Takashi and members of the Obu City officials pose in front of the helicopter after the 2 pilots landed in the carpark of the Obu City Gymnasium. The 2 will land before appear on stage at the Obu City Festival in front of 76,000 people in late October .
Sept. 2 2004 Chris explains the helicopters controls to Mr. Kuno of the Obu City Office.
Aug. 22 Takashi being interviewed by Nippon TV at the Heli Festa in Toyama,...naturally he gave the Friendship Flight a big plug!
Takashi and Chris talk to Mr. Hatano and Mr. Kimura at the Aichi Prefectural Government building.
818 Chris and Takashi pose with Nagoya City officials, Mr. Yoshikawa and Ms. Nishimura
Chris and Takashi with the head official of Obu City, Mr. Imai.
August 11 2004 Takashi and Chris plan their appearance at the Obu City Festival. City officials are planning to allow the 2 to make their entrance via helicopter, and land near the center stage.
July.14 Takashi and Chris at CNA in front of the schools old Bell 47,...reckon we could do the Friendship Flight in this?
July 4. Takashi and Chris at Heartland Air working on sales plans to fund the Friendship Flight.
June 30. The flight crew with management of CNA, College of NakaNippon Aviation.