The Greatest Air Race and the Heroes the World Forgot
20th Century • 54m
The Greatest Air Race is the story of how Sir Ross Smith and his three-man crew became the first aviators to cross the planet. It’s a feat that remains largely overlooked in the history of flight.
The Greatest Air Race is presented and narrated by astronaut Andy Thomas as he embarks on a trans-continental journey to retell one of the world’s greatest aviation stories.
In 1919, four Australians became the first men to fly across the globe. They flew from London to Darwin in a rudimentary plane made of canvas, wire and wood, sitting in open cockpits with only a compass for navigation. They completed the 11,000 mile journey in 28 days.
It was an extraordinary feat of endurance and a milestone for mankind, opening the world to trans-global flight. Yet 100 years later their achievement is all but forgotten. As the centenary passes, it’s time to inspire a new generation.
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