[dfrench]

Does anyone know who was the first ever person to fly from Lands End to John O'Groats? Also the date, what plane they flew, the route they took etc.

Tried the net but nothing has come up.
Any information on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
David

[David Viewing]

Wonder if it's ever been done non stop? (I mean actually landing at both places, presumably Wick - Lands End)

[BlueRobin]

Now there's an idea for raising a bit of money for charity. Wonder if a HR200/PA28 has enough range to do it non-stop?

[David Viewing]

509 nm. Now there's a thought... 5Hrs in a Warrior

[BlueRobin]

You'd either embarrass yourself downstairs or fall asleep from the boredom of drilling holes in the sky

[Adam]

Now there's an idea for raising a bit of money for charity. Wonder if a HR200/PA28 has enough range to do it non-stop?

The Mooney will if you fancy a go and a bit quicker too

[TonyL]

Ok then who is going to organise the 2004 Flyer trip between Wick and Lands End .
Prizes for the most accurate time in the air?
do we get a VFR , IMC, IR differences ?

[pinty]

I believe it was William Forbes- Sempill, 19th Baron Sempill. Don't have a date or aircraft type, but he certainly claimed it. Brief biog below:

William Francis succeeded to the peerage in February 1934 on the death of his father. William Francis completed an engineering apprenticeship just before the outbreak of World War 1. His love of flying was obvious and he volunteered for service at the beginning of the war. He was selected as test pilot and tested most of the new planes at Farnborough. He served in the Royal Flying Corps, the Royal Naval Air Service and the Royal Air Force. He was promoted Colonel in 1918. He retired from the R.A.F. a year later and was then attached to the Air Ministry on the Advisory Committee on aeronautics. Lord Sempill made one of the first flights in a single engine machine between Norway and Scotland in 1934. He flew 25,000 miles solo to Australia, arrived back in Britain after many narrow escapes. He held numerous decorations, including the A.F.C.; he was honoured by Japan and Greece for his services. He was former president of the Royal Aeronautical Society. At the outbreak of World War11he rejoined the Fleet Air Arm and worked with the rank of Commander on the equipment side of the service. He was also keen on gliding, and was president of the British Gliding Association from 1933 to 1942. In 1948 he became chairman of the Institute of Advanced Motorists. Lord Sempill, who was one of the best linguists in the House of Lords, had many international links, especially with Sweden. In 1956 Sweden bestowed on him its highest honour, The Order of the Polar Star, in recognition of many years of service in furthering good relations between Sweden and Britain. For more than 30 years he was Chairman of the Anglo-Swedish Society in London. As Master of Semphill he used to fly his own small plane and land in the haughlands at Fintray House. One of Britain

[BlueRobin]

Might be easier to do LE-Wick as a SW-ley tailwind is more likely to occur.

[TheDealer]

If you are going to Wick at the weekend, be sure to call FarNor 01955 602201 and speak with Andy Bruce...nice bloke, he will arrange all the out of hours stuff and sell you some overpriced fuel.

And don't forget to tell him that he is a bad tempered, overcharging , sweaty thief. He likes that You can also mention the dismal Scottish rugby performance in the world cup if you really want extra discount.