Media Archive

"The only way to fix (the petrol overflow gauge) was by climbing out of the cock pit and kneeling on top of the fuselage"

On six occasions in mid-flight, Brown had to leave the cockpit and manually clear ice from the critical parts of the aircraft. During their 16-hour journey, the fliers survived continuous cloud, snow and ice, a non-functioning wireless and a near-fatal stall

Connemara Chamber of Commerce, in association with Galway Airport,  will honour Alcock & Brown's first non-stop transatlantic journey with a magnificent free air show this June 13^th in Clifden, Co. Galway. This pioneering date in aviation history will be marked with the Connemara skies once again opening up with a wide range of skilful and daring aerobatic acts. Together with an amazing ground display from the Irish Defence Forces, an Alcock & brown exhibition by Kathleen Villiers-Tuthill, the book launch of "Yesterday We Were in America" by Brendan Lynch, guided walks & lectures, this promises to be a fabulous weekend of fun for all the family.

Today we take transatlantic travel for granted but 90years ago, two brave airmen undertook a dangerous and life threatening trip which in time opened up the skies to all of us. This trip was re enacted in 2005 by the late Steve Fossett and Captain Mark Rebholz in a replica Vimy, which followed the original route from Newfoundland, taking 18 hours 15 minutes, flying at low altitude all through the night, navigating by sextant, compass and chart and hand-flying the accurate replica of the WWI era bomber. At almost 70' wingspan, the Vimy replica is the largest biplane flying today, as well being the world's largest home-built aircraft. 

Adding to the exciting programme of events, with weather and mechanics permitting, the Vimy will fly to Galway airport for the press launch of the weekend's celebrations on June 12^th and will appear at the Connemara Air Show on the afternoon of June 13^th.  Crewed by John Dodd and Clive Edwards, the Vimy is returning to Clifden to mark this auspicious date. Jenny Moseley, the Atlantic flight's crew chief will join the pilots in representing Brooklands Museum, who are now the proud owners of this replica.

Displaying at the press launch in Galway Airport on Friday, June 12^th @ 11am, Super Aerobatics, the world's ONLY formation wingwalking team, sponsored by skincare giants Guinot, will hint at their skilful act for the following day. They will be joined by Team Viper, the  Strikemaster Jet Display Team rolls, for a taste of what will be on show for the Alcock & Brown 90^th Anniversary Connemara Air Show on Sat 13^th June, 2009. See www.connemaraairshow.com for full details.

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CONTACT : MICHELE HEHIR
CONNEMARA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
TEL: 087 09520295
Email: michele@clifdenchamber.ie
Web: www.connemaraairshow.com