Replicating Ancient Aircraft (podcast)
The magnificent aviators of the early days were amazingly courageous, launching themselves into the blue yonder on fragile contraptions made of sticks, cloth and wire. We have photos of their aircraft and, in some cases, actual examples of their aircraft in museums… but how can we ever know what they flew like? You’re going to have to build one! One of our favourite aviation podcasts, PlaneCrazyDownUnder, has recently...
1911: Cal Rodgers (First Trans-USA flight)
A Crash Course in Transcontinental Flight Born in Pennsylvania, USA in 1879, Cal suffered scarlet fever as a child — an illness that left him almost completely deaf. Never one to let a handicap stand in his way, as a young man Cal received flight training from Orville Wright. As was normal in 1911, his flight training was short… after 90 minutes of flight training he passed his test and was issued with Pilot Certificate...
1943: Antoine de Saint Exupery
Aviator and Writer Antoine was a French aviator and author. He wrote a number of wonderful books, the most well known of which is “The Little Prince.” His writings were often poetic, and are still regarded as some of the best aviation writing ever. Antoine de Saint-Exupery 1921: Pilot training (French army, then airforce) 1926-: Postal service pilot and base manager in Africa 1929: First book published, moved to...
1935: Jean Batten
Garbo of the Skies Born in New Zealand, Jean had many great aviation achievements and set several records. She has been called the “Garbo of the Skies”, because she was very glamourous and reminded people of an actress called “Greta Garbo” who was very famous back then. Here is some movie footage… Jean’s Gypsy Moth aircraft, 1934 Jean Batten 1934: England to Australia 14 days 22 hours 30 minutes...
1934: Jimmy Melrose
Aviator – Air Racer Jimmy flew his Puss Moth from Australia to England so he could compete in the greatest air race of all time. When he got there they told him he had just beaten the Australia to England record! From an article in the Holdfast Bay Discovery Centre: “Between the years 1934 and 1936 Jimmy shot to fame with a remarkable career as an acclaimed international aviator and was, according to one national newspaper...
1934: MacRobertson Air Race
England to Australia This air race was the idea of the Lord Mayor of Melbourne and the prize of $75,000 was put up by Sir Macpherson Robertson, a wealthy lolly maker. 20 aircraft were entered, but due to various mishaps only 12 made it to Australia. While the winners (Black and Scott) made it in 71 hours (less than 3 days), one team (Parer and Hensworth) took 4 months to get there. Never give up! Here is some movie...
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Aviation podcast featuring news
and special interest topics from the Australia/New Zealand perspective.
www.planecrazydownunder.com
www.swamp.com.au
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