S8 Ep857: The 1919 competition attracted diverse aviators, including the Australian Harry Hawker, a fearless and sometimes "spiky" test pilot. Inspired by watching Harry Houdini fly in 1910, Hawker became a natural pilot who understood risks instinctively, even whi

The 1919 competition attracted diverse aviators, including the Australian Harry Hawker, a fearless and sometimes "spiky" test pilot. Inspired by watching Harry Houdini fly in 1910, Hawker became a natural pilot who understood risks instinctively, even while hiding a secret and painful spinal injury from past crashes. He was joined by rivals like Fred Raynham, a quiet pilot with steely resolve who had survived a mid-flight tail snap during the war. The end of the war had destroyed the market for military aircraft overnight, forcing companies like Sopwith to build motorcycles and kitchenware to survive. Consequently, Northcliffe's prize offered a vital way to promote civil aviation. In contrast to these striving young pilots, Admiral Mark Kerr led a team for Handley Page. Born in a palace to an illustrious naval family, Kerr maintained a sharp class distinction, refusing to collaborate with his younger rivals. (2/4)
1968 APOLLO 8