First "Flight" - Wright Brothers or KIWI Richard Pearse (MSFS)

[FrankPilot]

The world's first becoming airborne in a heavier-than-air powered aircraft was not the Wright Brothers in December 1903 but probably New Zealander Richard Pearse some 8 or 9 months earlier. With further development the Wrights did then go to sustained, fully controlled flight in 1904/5. Come see how Pearse did it. Hope you enjoy. Cheers.

 

 

[bushcaddy105]

Having visited the memorial at the site of his flight, and reading the handwritten testimonials late in their lives by then students at the nearby school who witnessed the flight, I am personally convinced that he was the first. (These original testimonials are on display at MOTAT (Museum of Transport and Technology). The only grounds for denial that Americans will quote is that Richard himself got the date wrong when interviewed towards the end of his life in a mental institution.

[johnm]

in the appendix of a book I just started reading - comment from local topdressing pilot 'my throne, a cockpit' his comments re R Pearce: