Well done to
PH-UKU ... looks like we might see him on that Record Breakers programme one day
WORLD RECORD MARKS 100 YEARS OF FLIGHT
At exactly 3.35pm on 17 December 2003, 100 years (to the minute) after the Wright Brothers' first flight, Piper Warrior G-BSYZ touched down at Glasgow Prestwick International Airport (GPIA). The aircraft and 3 pilots (John Douglas, Hamish Mitchell and Alistair Mackinnon) from Glasgow Flying Club, had just completed a record 100 take-offs and landings during the day.
Starting at 8am the team left GPIA and headed out for the Island of Islay where they completed over 80 circuits before a (prepositioned) refuelling stop at Campbeltown. Returning to Islay they completed the 99th landing and then headed back to Prestwick for the 100th landing. They will now be submitting the official log sheets to Guinness Records for confirmation.
The anniversary was an opportunity paying tribute to the spirit of all who endeavour to fly in honour of the achievement of Orville and Wilbur Wright. It is also a reminder that it is General Aviation and the "little guys" who are the bedrock of commercial aviation, providing essential support, particularly to remote communities. Without General Aviation, continually squeezed out by Government and airports alike, where will tomorrow's airline pilots come from?
Commenting later, Hamish Mitchell said they were extremely honoured to participate in the Anniversary celebrations, but slightly sad that they had made it back to Prestwick - "we were hoping to get stuck on Islay and stay overnight at the Ardbeg Distillery!"
The team would like to thank Highland and Islands Airports (Islay and Campbeltown), Prestwick Flight Centre, Glasgow Prestwick International Airport, Glasgow Flying Club and Air Traffic Control at Islay and Prestwick for their exceptional help on the day.
Source: Glasgow Prestwick International Airport
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