Richard Pearse : News 28, 30 & 31 March 2003
Maker and role
Television 3, Producer
TV3 Ventures, Other contributor
Hilary Barry, Reporter
Jeff Hampton, Reporter
Production date
Mar 2003
Object detail
Accession number
03-1017
Description
Jeff Hampton reporting from Timaru reported that a radio controlled scale model replica took to the South Canterbury skies. Among the spectators were several generations of the Pearse family. At the Richard Pearse Airport, Timaru, two replicas of the first aircraft were being assembled that will feature at the air show. On Monday an attempt will be made to re-enact the historic flight. The story of Richard Pearse whose historic attempts at flight 9 months before the Wright brothers still captures the imagination. Gordon Ogilvie author of "The Riddle of Richard Pearse" said that Pearse himself never claimed that he had flown before the Wright brothers. Ogilvie claimed that Pearse was certainly the first to fly in the British Empire. 30 March Hilary Barry reported on the air show and the Pearse replica aircraft on display. Large crowds turned out to the air show. Lex Westoby was inspired by Pearse taking three years to develop an engine to power the replica. A highlight of the air show was a performance by the Red Checkers Aerobatic team. 31 March Carol Hirschfeld reports on the attempt to re-enact history. The Bamboo and cloth replica was piloted by local pilot Geoff Melhopt. Just as Pearse's early attempt were not recognised, the current attempt was thwarted by inclement weather and cross winds making the runway tacky causing the cancellation of the attempt.
Media/Materials
Physical description
1 videocassette (9 minutes ) : sound, colour ; 1/2 in.
Credit line
Television 3 et al. Mar 2003. Richard Pearse : News 28, 30 & 31 March 2003, 03-1017. Walsh Memorial Library, The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
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