Originally Posted by
mcoates
The problem was the wide range of nationalities that had entered. If they were all British, all Australia or whatever, then no problems but when you have people from all countries entered this suddenly became an issue mixing in all the world nations into the event. If an EU citizen could overfly a country but a US citizen, or Israel citizen couldnt then it all became too hard and impossible for the event organisers.
I might still see if i can fly the course and do the celebration flight anyway if i can afford the overflight and landing fees. Its just a shame because many people invested a lot of money into this once in 100 year event and bureaucracy killed it cold.
Yes, the official event could not be organised, but it doesn't stop people choosing to fly from London to Darwin! If there happens to be someone who can do it quicker than others, they would have won in the same way Captain Ross Smith, his brother Lieutenant Keith Smith and Sergeants Wally Shiers and James Bennett did. Quite likely the first to land in Darwin could expect some sort of recognition, maybe someone would offer a prize.