A world record attempt by Charles Stobbart at the fastest ever single-engined solo flight, Capetown-London-Capetown, set originally in 1939 by Alex Henshaw.
These records are as much about the machines and how they've evolved as they are about the crews' personal achievements. Sat-nav simply meant Stobbart could spend a bit less time with maps and compasses, but had nothing to do with the plane being quicker. The pilot still had to be on board for the whole ride (dealing with commercial traffic and a dozen different countries' ATC protocols instead of four colonial authorities and empty skies).
Quite correct Alex was never knighted. By the time it could have been arranged it didn't interest him. I've not been able to illicit a response from this team . Alex issued his challenge before Sat Nav I would point out. I personally on Alex behalf issued the challenge to fly the route under the same conditions to Taff Smith XF's owner. He wisely told me " Tell Alex Henshaw to keep his Money".
Alex HUMAN record WILL NEVER BE BROKEN.I wish him all the best several have tried and failed.
A great challenge, especially in a homebuilt aircraft. Best of luck!
FlyingPodcast 1 year ago
Not really a challenge when you consider the modern avionics and autopilot. Pfft... Alex did it when it WAS a challenge.
unapro3 2 years ago
Beaten by about 18 hours.
These records are as much about the machines and how they've evolved as they are about the crews' personal achievements. Sat-nav simply meant Stobbart could spend a bit less time with maps and compasses, but had nothing to do with the plane being quicker. The pilot still had to be on board for the whole ride (dealing with commercial traffic and a dozen different countries' ATC protocols instead of four colonial authorities and empty skies).
madswede99 2 years ago
Good Luck with your flight, see you in Southend!
Copermill 2 years ago
Quite correct Alex was never knighted. By the time it could have been arranged it didn't interest him. I've not been able to illicit a response from this team . Alex issued his challenge before Sat Nav I would point out. I personally on Alex behalf issued the challenge to fly the route under the same conditions to Taff Smith XF's owner. He wisely told me " Tell Alex Henshaw to keep his Money".
Alex HUMAN record WILL NEVER BE BROKEN.I wish him all the best several have tried and failed.
captainpercy 2 years ago
Much as he actually deserved it, Alex' was never knighted, so he wasn't 'Sir Alex'...
HeavensGremlin 2 years ago
Very poor diction on historical overview but interesting challenge, would have preferred more technical stuff
scipio6345 2 years ago