Off the Ground - 2, Challenge and Crisis

One never fathoms or fully understands air movements and it’s a perpetual challenge, and a very exhilarating one. It can be very lonely. I think in life one has to be frightened every now and again. It does one good and makes one appreciate the wonderful experience living is.

– Record breaking glider pilot Dick Jorgenson

The first successful solo trans-Tasman crossing ended unconventionally, to say the least. For Guy Menzies landed, not on a smooth brown paddock but in a West Coast Pakihi swamp.

– Peter Clements on the end to Guy Menzies trans-Tasman flight

Our idea was pioneering for the air routes. I remember that last part — the Tasman crossing — very vividly because I was very tired, but I was determined to go on. Looking back now nothing could compensate me for this thrill of being the very first person ever to have landed at Mangere from England.

– Jean Batten, recalls becoming the first woman to fly the Tasman, en route from England.