Aerial Burials marketing and operations manager Donna Jacobs and company pilot Rob Blauberg have been overwhelmed by the response to their new service, which offers families a memorable way to say goodbye to loved ones.By Glen Atwell
FOR those that would rather die than jump out of a plane, there is a new way to do it.
New Kooweerupbased business, Aerial Burials, gives families the opportunity to have their dead loved one’s ashes scattered from a flying plane.
Since opening its doors in September, the business has already helped countless families say a special goodbye to those who have died.
Marketing and operations manager Donna Jacobs said the service was a unique and memorable way to farewell that special someone.
“Many people love the idea that their loved one will be closer to heaven.
“Some of the ashes never return to earth, they get carried on thermals and will float on forever,” Ms Jacobs said.
She said families then could take solace during times of loss and uncertainty by looking towards the sky knowing their loved one was literally floating above.
Aerial Burials can make suggestions to families regarding the location of the scattering.
“Over a beach or the sea is a very popular location. Families can then return to that location for their rest of their lives to be with their loved one,” Ms Jacobs said.
The service is accessible from almost anywhere in Australia, with the company’s four planes able to fly out of most small airports.
Company pilot Rob Blauberg has had over 30 years of flying experience, allowing ashes to be scattered almost anywhere they are requested.
“At the second the ashes are dispersed, we take a Global Positioning System reading marking the exact geographical location, time and date of the scattering, which is later recorded on a unique dispersal of ashes certificate given to the family,” Ms Jacobs said.
Ms Jacobs said it was important that the public realised that scattering ashes was approved by the relevant authorities.
“The Environmental Protection Authority and the Civil Aviation Authority have given us their full support,” she said.
Due to air safety regulations, no passengers can be aboard the plane during the scattering, but families often mark the occasion with a visit to the site of the dispersing.
Ms Jacobs said the service also extended to the loss of a pet.
“We have yet to scatter a pet’s ashes, but the service is available to those who want to mark the passing of their special friends in a unique way,” she said.
