The Late David Black
Published Date: 25 Oct 2013
Summary
Issued on behalf of Rebel Ag: The Black family and
Directors and Staff of Rebel Ag regret to advise the tragic loss of Managing
Director and Chief Pilot, David Black on Thursday morning, 24 October
2013.
At the time of the accident, David was engaged in aerial fire-fighting west
of Ulladulla in southern NSW.
The circumstances of the accident will be the subject of an extensive
investigation by Air Transport Safety Bureau, Rural Fire Services NSW and Rebel
Ag.
More precise details of the cause of the accident will be released
following these investigations.
David completed year 12 at St Peters College in Adelaide. After studying
Mechanical Engineering in South Australia, he pursued a career in aerial
application, where from an early stage he demonstrated a high degree of natural
skill, commitment and professionalism.
He was one of the youngest pilots to graduate to turbine aircraft when they
were introduced into Australia during the early 1990s.
David was well regarded throughout the industry and had served in a
leadership role as a Director of the Aerial Agricultural Association of
Australia.
At the time of his death aged 43, David had logged around 10,000 flying
hours, predominantly in aerial application.
David was a great believer in continual professional development as
evidenced by him gaining an Airline Transport Pilot Licence, Command Instrument
Rating as well as a Masters in Aviation studies from Newcastle
University.
He was a popular and respected figure throughout the tight-knit aerial
application industry and had operated in Malaysia, South Australia, and
NSW.
Rebel Ag was established in 1982 and in 2011 David and his wife Julie
bought the business and relocated to Trangie from their family farm at Forbes.
Rebel Ag owns and operates a fleet of nine application and agricultural aircraft
servicing the cereal and cotton growing areas of upper and central western NSW
as well as contracting firebombing aircraft and pilots to the Rural Fire
Services.
David was a committed and loving husband and father and is survived by his
wife Julie and three children.
The family respectfully requests privacy during this difficult
time.
The family is not available for interview nor will be making any further
comment.
Media contact:
Mr Phil Hurst 0427 622 430
Mr Phil Hurst 0427 622 430
Attached files:
Contact Name: State Duty Media Officer
Contact Phone: 02 9898 1855
