A Final Flight
Aerial Ash Scattering by Historic Tiger Moth
For someone who loved aviation, the countryside or the freedom of flight, an aerial scattering can provide a deeply personal and dignified farewell.
Tiger Moth Joy Flights Yarra Valley offers individually planned aerial ash scattering services from our historic 1943 de Havilland Tiger Moth. Each memorial flight is conducted with care, discretion and respect for the wishes of the deceased and their family.
A Meaningful Farewell
Every memorial is different. The scattering may take place over a family property, a meaningful rural location or another suitable area chosen by the family.
Before accepting a booking, we will discuss the proposed location, the family’s wishes, the permissions required and the practical considerations involved in conducting the flight safely and legally.
Depending on the location and operating requirements, family members and friends may be able to gather below and witness the aircraft pass overhead as the ashes are released.
Purpose-Designed Release Equipment
The ashes are carried in a purpose-designed external release device fitted to the Tiger Moth.
The device is securely attached to the aircraft and operated directly by the pilot. It allows the ashes to be released clear of the cockpit and aircraft in a controlled manner.
The equipment and operating procedure are subject to the required engineering certification and aviation approvals.
Choosing a Location
Suitable scattering locations may include:
- privately owned rural property
- farmland with the owner’s permission
- a place that held special meaning for the deceased
- other suitable locations where scattering is permitted
Some locations require permission from the landowner or controlling authority. Where low-level flight is requested or necessary, additional written permission may also be required.
We will help identify the information and permissions needed before the flight is confirmed.
What the Service May Include
Each memorial flight is individually planned and may include:
- an initial consultation with the family or funeral director
- assessment of the proposed scattering location
- preparation of the flight and release plan
- coordination of relevant permissions
- a private aerial scattering flight
- an overhead pass for family and friends where appropriate
- confirmation of the date and location of the scattering
- a commemorative certificate
Additional travel, accommodation and aircraft-positioning costs may apply for regional or interstate locations.
Weather and Flight Planning
Tiger Moth operations are weather dependent.
Wind, visibility, cloud, turbulence, local terrain and the condition of the proposed release area must all be suitable. The flight may need to be postponed if conditions are not appropriate.
We understand that families may plan a gathering around the memorial. Wherever possible, we will discuss alternative dates and contingency arrangements in advance.
Regional and Interstate Memorial Flights
Memorial flights may be considered throughout Victoria and other parts of south-eastern Australia.
Long-distance operations require additional planning and may involve fuel stops, overnight accommodation, aircraft positioning or the use of another suitably equipped Tiger Moth.
Regional and interstate services are quoted individually.
Discussing Your Wishes
We understand that arranging an aerial scattering can be an emotional and unfamiliar process.
You are welcome to call us for a confidential, no-obligation discussion about the location you have in mind and how the memorial flight may be conducted.
Entrusting Us With Your Loved One's Final Flight
We understand that choosing how to honour a loved one is a deeply personal decision.
Being entrusted with their final flight is a privilege that we do not take lightly. Every memorial flight is planned with care, conducted with professionalism, and carried out with the utmost respect for the individual, their family and their wishes.
From our first conversation through to the completion of the flight, we are committed to providing a service that is dignified, compassionate and unhurried. We take the time to understand what is important to you, carefully plan every aspect of the operation, and ensure the flight is conducted safely and respectfully.
Whether your loved one had a lifelong passion for aviation, a special connection to the countryside, or simply wished for their ashes to be returned to a place that held meaning, our goal is to help create a fitting and memorable farewell.
If you would like to discuss your wishes or learn more about our memorial flight service, we invite you to contact us for a confidential, no-obligation conversation.
Phone: 0432 636 952
Email: info@tigermothyv.com.au