An Unexpected Visit, an Unforgettable Flight

By María Jesús Ardura — Aerotoscana

A few months ago, we received an email that took us completely by surprise. It was from Jon Davison, one of the most recognized aviation photographers in the world. For over a decade, Jon has been the official photographer for Pilatus. He authored the first Robinson Helicopter book, “Robbie”, where he captured iconic images of the R22 and R44. His work has appeared in more than 20 coffee table books on topics ranging from submarines and special forces to world exploration. This time, however, his lens was focused on helicopters—specifically, the R66. You can find more of his work at https://www.eyeinthesky.com.au/aviation-shoot-profiles

When Jon and Judith arrived in Chile, we welcomed them at Villas Toscanas Hotel Boutique in Limache, where they could enjoy the marvelous surroundings of the Limache Valley. They visited our helicopter stopover point at the Reitz office building in Viña del Mar (photo) and explored the vibrant port and scenic hills of Greater Valparaíso—an unforgettable introduction to Chile before we headed south together.

Traveling with Jon was his wife and creative partner, Judith, who is in charge of writing and editing the book. They had just come from Brazil, where they documented the impressive operations of HBR Aviação. Here in Chile, they came to meet a smaller company—but one built with the same ingredients: passion, precision, and perseverance.

Out of Season, But Not Out of Heart

Originally, the idea was to show them our agricultural operations—cherry drying and frost control. But since it was March, we were out of season. Still, we didn’t let that stop us. We explained each part of our process in detail, took them flying over the fields where we work, and even visited a fruit packing facility that was receiving fresh table grapes at the time.

Everything was going according to plan—until a rare window of perfect weather opened in Patagonia. One of those opportunities you just can’t miss. So, we invited them to join us doing what we love most when we’re not working: flying freely over southern Chile.

Heading South in Formation

We coordinated with fellow pilots from the south and organized a formation flight with three Robinson R66s. Together, we explored some of the most majestic landscapes imaginable: Queulat Glacier, hidden lagoons, soaring mountain ranges, and volcanoes that looked otherworldly.

One special stop was at Michinmahuida Volcano, where we visited our dear friends from Fundación Reñihué—Eduardo Mintes and Valentina—who live at the foot of the volcano and dedicate their lives to preserving this unique corner of the planet. We even helped Eduardo retrieve some camera traps he had installed the previous year to monitor the local wildlife. Instagram Fundacion Reñihue.

As we continued south under skies seemingly made to order, we flew over Corcovado Volcano, Monte Yanteles, Monte Melimoyu, the fjords, Macá Volcano, and reached Laguna San Rafael—a place full of memories from a past trip with Tim Tucker, Bob Muse, Sergio Nuño, and their wives. This time, the weather was so favorable that we were able to cross the ice fields to Neff Glacier, and even farther, to Lago General Carrera.

Technology Meets Freedom

For this expedition, we used the auxiliary fuel tank to extend our range by over an hour. The R66’s baggage compartment was perfect for carrying gear and photo equipment. Bear paws were essential for landing on snowy ground, and the fuel flow meter gave us peace of mind with real-time fuel monitoring—an essential tool when flying in remote and challenging environments.

Spending these days flying with Jon and Judith felt like a true privilege. Two New Zealanders with amazing stories, who see each flight as a way to better understand the world. We’re incredibly proud that a piece of our journey, born in this remote corner of the Andes, will be featured in their upcoming book.

The photos in this article capture just a glimpse of our journey—some taken by Jon with his expert eye, others by María Jesús Ardura as we flew through Chile’s breathtaking landscapes. But above all, what excites us most is knowing these moments will soon be part of something bigger: Robinson’s upcoming book, showcasing the incredible work of R66 operators across the globe.

We can’t wait to see the final result—not just our chapter, but all the stops Jon and Judith made along the way, documenting the passion and precision that define this community. Late 2025 can’t come soon enough!

Thank you for flying with us—even if only through these words.
María Jesús Ardura & Felipe Reitz
Aerotoscana