| TIMARU: Builders of the replica of Richard Pearse’s historic flying machine hope to commemorate two historic aviation achievements in one foul swoop later this month, by flying the replica over the Atlantic from Ireland to America.
With this feat, both Pearse’s attempt to become the first man to fly, and Charles Lindburgh’s first crossing of the Atlantic will be honoured. Organisers hope to take off from an airfield near Galway. At the bamboo and wire replica’s cruising speed of 12 knots it is expected that the 8,000 nautical mile journey to America will take approximately 4 weeks. An extra fuel tank will be added to the undercarriage of the craft, and the pilot will be fitted with an extra tweed jacket to combat any storms that may be encountered.  The replica of Richard Pearse's flying contraption. Ready to take on the Atlantic. |
| Pearse replica to cross the Atlantic |
Tuesday, 01 April 2003 12:00
