Instigator Father John Fowles and the group arrived on Thursday and spent the evening spreading the message of their campaign which has raised money to help different projects in East Timor and bring young people from East Timor to Australia for World Youth Day.

A gathering was held at St Mary’s Hall in Taree where the pilots explained why they are involved in the project.

“We like to share with people why we are doing this and how it eventuated,” Father Fowles said.

Live entertainment was also provided (although singer Korey Livy who recorded the theme song Earth Angels Care which was being sold as a fundraiser, had been called away from the trip).

By the time the project arrived in Taree, Fly Away to Heaven had raised $190,000.

Henry Sowa from Taree, who promoted the local visit, said the Catholic communities of Taree and Wingham had conducted a prayer crusade for the safety of the pilots on the trip.

The trip left Albury on May 1 and there has been some ‘excitement’, with many of the planes (including Father Fowles’ plane Angel Wings) needing repairs at different times along the way.

In Taree the team welcomed back Jeff Knott, who had a forced landing over the Gold Coast when the electrics in the plane failed.

Jeff said he learned of the project in the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) magazine and wanted to take part because it involved his two loves: East Timor and flying.

The group has visited very remote areas of Australia and been welcomed with open arms, the trip also building a great camaraderie amongst the pilots.

In his message, Father Fowles would like to see Australians extending themselves to help others.

“I think East Timor is one of the poorest nations in the world. If we open our hearts to the poor God will bless our nation,” he said.