Flying Branson: Helicopters, Harbour Stunts, and a Missed Island Gig

In 2000, during the launch of the Virgin Mobile network in Australia, I got a call from Richard Branson’s office. They wanted an aerial stunt—something bold, unique, and very Branson—to help kick off the brand. I designed a sling-line helicopter flight, with Richard suspended 30 metres beneath the aircraft on a long line. We trained him to “fly” his body in the air, teaching him how to resist spin and maintain stability. He nailed it.

Helicopter Ride

Helicopter Crew

Aerial Stunt

The stunt took place on the Sydney wharfs. Branson was strapped in and flown around the harbour, over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and into Darling Harbour, where we’d positioned a massive flat-top barge for the landing. With media and a huge crowd watching, we flew Richard in smoothly and gently placed him onto the barge. Within five seconds of touchdown, he was out of the harness and striding away in a tuxedo—classic Branson.

He was so impressed with how perfectly it all went that he called me personally about a year later. This time, it was for the launch of Virgin Atlantic in Australia. We organised another long-line stunt—30 metres under the helicopter again—but with a twist. Using a winch system, we lowered him mid-flight for added drama. He launched from Mascot Airport and flew the coastline, hovering over Bondi, Coogee, and down to the southern beaches.

As we passed Coogee, we swung Richard out sideways and began lowering him like Superman. He loved it. We touched him down gently into an inflatable rescue boat manned by Bondi’s lifesavers, where he was quickly unhooked and whisked to shore. Another unforgettable Branson-style arrival—and another job well done.

Six months later, Richard rang me again—this time for his 60th birthday party on his private island. He wanted the same setup: flying beneath a helicopter and landing on the beach in front of his guests. Unfortunately, I had to turn it down. I was in Qatar, training the Royal Prince to fly helicopters, and the dates clashed. Bummer. Still, I remotely oversaw the stunt to make sure it was pulled off safely.

As for the story of training the Prince of Qatar... well, that’s one for the next blog. And trust me—it’s a wild one. Stay tuned.