The Sky Races. The 1919 Air Race From London To Australia

Cover Type: Softcover
Book Condition: Very Good
Jacket Condition: None Issued
Publisher: Central Queensland University Press
Publisher Place: Australia
Publisher Year: 2010
Edition: First Edition

Description: 305 pages. Ex-Library. Book is in Very good condition throughout.

Publishers Description: Fasten your fleecy-lined flying suit, and pull on your leather helmet, goggles, and gloves. It is 1919, the First World War is over, and the Commonwealth Government has put up £10,000 prize money for the first Australian air crew to fly from London to Port Darwin. Up until now, the longest flight anywhere in the world has been 2,000 miles, yet this one will be 11,000 miles, almost halfway round the planet - with very few landing strips on the way. Sixteen outstanding young Australian aviators - decorated ex-servicemen - have the opportunity to participate in this unique air race. Kingsford Smith, Bert Hinkler, Hudson Fysh, Keith and Ross Smith, and the indefatigable Ray Parer - all to become legendary for their exploits - are involved. By todays standards their aircraft would be considered almost unbelievably primitive. Yet at the time, they were at the cutting edge of the new science of aeronautics. Still, only six flyers will reach Australia by aeroplane. Others will never see their country again.

ISBN: 9781921274145