Dick Smith recreates Guy Menzies solo crossing

[Dave Homewood]

TV3 News just showed the arrival today of Australian aviation pioneer Dick Smith at Harehare on the West Coast of the South Island today, recreating the first solo crossing by air of the Tasman Sea by Aussie Guy Menzies 75 years ago today.

Quite a big deal seems to have been made of the anniversary by the looks of things, and Guy Menzies' brother and sister were present for the commemorations too.

They did not show the replica of his aircraft that was previously on the news as being built for the day.

[Dave Homewood]

Actually TV1 has covered the event too - see their site
tvnz.co.nz/view/page/411365/646399

[corsair67]

That's interesting to hear: there's been nothing in the media here about this, as far as I've seen.

Mr Smith is not too popular here with a lot of people because of his often outspoken views on air safety and constant criticisms of CASA and the ATSB, so I wonder if that has anything to do with the lack of media coverage?

[Dave Homewood]

Maybe. At least Dick Smith got it right and didn't crash on landing in the same paddock. Menzies thought it was a pineapple plantation with some clear fields. It was swamp with flax. His plane tipped over on landing as it dug into the swamp.

Dick Smith is a hero. He's brilliant. He should be knighted I reckon. I loved his series where he singlehandedly flew his Jet ranger around the world. It's a pity he sold his electronics stores too, they're nowhere near as good as when he ran them.