March 13, 2025
The Story Behind Crooked Compass by Air
Born out of resilience and a desire to rediscover freedom during the shackles of the pandemic, Crooked Compass by Air emerged during one of the most challenging periods in founder Lisa Pagotto’s life.
When the world shut down in 2020, Crooked Compass – Lisa’s thriving touring business – came to a halt. Tours were canceled, borders closed and everything she’d built seemed to fall apart under government restrictions. With commercial flights grounded, Lisa found herself drawn to regional airport terminals – just to be near planes.
“I needed to feel like myself again,” Lisa recalls. “My ability to travel had been stripped away and being near planes was the closest thing to my normal.”
One day, a sign to “learn to fly” sparked curiosity that changed everything. Determined to earn her pilot’s license, Lisa was flying multiple times a week while commercial aviation stood still.
During training, Lisa had the rare chance to land at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, one of the most sought-after experiences for any pilot. “Landing at Sydney was a bucket list dream,” she shares. “It’s a symbol of what’s possible when you don’t give up, even when the world feels uncertain.”
As she continued flying, her vision grew clear: smaller private planes could still fly and reach Australia’s remote airstrips when commercial flights were grounded. What if travelers could experience Australia differently, with curated journeys to luxury lodges, off-grid station stays and hidden gems?
That’s when Crooked Compass by Air was born. From exhilarating mystery flights to immersive multi-day tours, Lisa crafted experiences offering what the world missed most – the freedom to explore.
The evolution to Crooked Compass by Air
Today, rebranded as Crooked Compass by Air, this innovative travel experience continues to soar, offering unforgettable journeys by private aircraft to Australia’s most breathtaking, remote and luxurious destinations.
Today, rebranded as Crooked Compass by Air, this innovative travel experience continues to soar, offering unforgettable journeys by private aircraft to Australia’s most breathtaking, remote and luxurious destinations.
But this isn’t just about travel; it’s a testament to resilience, rediscovery and a boundless spirit of adventure. Lisa’s journey reminds us that even in the face of adversity, there’s room for reinvention, possibility and exploration.
Tailored travel like never before
With Crooked Compass by Air, travelers can unlock access to:
– Remote wilderness destinations
– Exclusive off-grid lodges and luxury station stays
– Personalized, handcrafted itineraries designed with you at the center
With Crooked Compass by Air, travelers can unlock access to:
– Remote wilderness destinations
– Exclusive off-grid lodges and luxury station stays
– Personalized, handcrafted itineraries designed with you at the center
Choose your preferred mode of flight – fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, seaplanes, or high-speed luxury jets – and experience bespoke journeys tailored entirely to your style and pace.
A Journey Beyond the Ordinary
Crooked Compass by Air isn’t just about the destinations – it’s about rediscovering your sense of wonder. It’s where curated luxury meets authentic adventure, crafting travel experiences that are as meaningful as they are unforgettable.
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