The two-man team of Mr Hines as pilot and Dr Scholtz as timer and navigator chalked up second place in the friendly but highly competitive ‘Outback Air Race’.

The event is held every three years as a fundraiser for the Royal Flying Doctors and Mr Hines said the event had raised at least $500,000 this year.

“It was really rewarding and a great way to see parts of remote Australia,” he said.

“I came second in the last race in 2015, so it was pleasing to do it again. It’s a big effort to get in the top levels, or even in the top 20, as there are Qantas pilots that take part as well.”

The race took place across eight stages over 12 days with pilots competing on speed in time trials and also on their ability to maintain heading, altitude and estimate their arrival times down to the second.

The racers had four days across the event for rest and to see the sights.

“There's teams from all over Australia and the money is distributed depending on how many teams there are from each state,” Mr Hines said.

“I think NSW had the most teams this year so I think we might get slightly more funds.

“It’s a time trial and accuracy trial. Each team gets 1800 points and you can lose points for various thing for timing or not maintaining altitude. You have got to fly very accurately.”

The race route took the teams through the Kimberly and finished in Broome.

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