Post by Dave Homewood on May 7, 2024 16:45:10 GMT 12
This is from The Press, 5 October 1964:
LAST GREAT FLIGHT
Melbourne To South Pole
(N.Z. Press Association) BYRD STATION, October 4.
"The last great long-distance flight to be made on this earth connecting two continents,” was how the officer commanding the United States Navy support force (Rear-Admiral James R. Reedy) described the Hercules flight from Melbourne to the South Pole on Friday.
“It was a challenge and I am glad we took it,” he said after his ski-equipped aircraft had landed on the 14,000 ft snow strip at Byrd Station.
The Hercules reached the South Pole, 3600 miles from Melbourne, in exactly 12 hours. The outside temperature upon arrival was minus 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bad weather at McMurdo Sound had caused a last-minute change of flight plans after leaving the Pole. Admiral Reedy ordered the course changed to Byrd Station, 900 miles further east.
At Byrd Station the Hercules landed with heavy chains holding the nose ski gear in position after the failure of the automatic locking device.
The pilot, Commander F. S. Gallup, commander of VX6 Squadron, brought the 65-ton Hercules to a skilful halt with the main skis bearing the weight of the aeroplane.
LAST GREAT FLIGHT
Melbourne To South Pole
(N.Z. Press Association) BYRD STATION, October 4.
"The last great long-distance flight to be made on this earth connecting two continents,” was how the officer commanding the United States Navy support force (Rear-Admiral James R. Reedy) described the Hercules flight from Melbourne to the South Pole on Friday.
“It was a challenge and I am glad we took it,” he said after his ski-equipped aircraft had landed on the 14,000 ft snow strip at Byrd Station.
The Hercules reached the South Pole, 3600 miles from Melbourne, in exactly 12 hours. The outside temperature upon arrival was minus 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bad weather at McMurdo Sound had caused a last-minute change of flight plans after leaving the Pole. Admiral Reedy ordered the course changed to Byrd Station, 900 miles further east.
At Byrd Station the Hercules landed with heavy chains holding the nose ski gear in position after the failure of the automatic locking device.
The pilot, Commander F. S. Gallup, commander of VX6 Squadron, brought the 65-ton Hercules to a skilful halt with the main skis bearing the weight of the aeroplane.
