Sunday, November 16, 2025

A Hardy Group - Those Tri-Motor Boys!

I thought you might enjoy this remarkable bit of aviation history.

It’s the story of Sir Charles Kingsford Smith and P.G. Taylor’s harrowing 1935 flight from Australia to New Zealand - a crossing that very nearly ended in tragedy. One engine out, the remaining engine overheating, and more than 1,000 km of open ocean standing between them and the Australian coastline.

It’s the kind of story that reminds us why these early aviators are legends.

One engine out, the other cooking. 1000km away from Australia.

More video's like this at Paul Stewart

For those flying Microsoft Flight Simulator: Local Legend 2 happens to be the Fokker F.VII, the same class of aircraft that made these pioneering flights possible. It’s a perfect excuse to recreate Smith and Taylor’s journey and experience (safely!) the tension and skill involved in that crossing.

Microsoft's Local Legend 2 is a Fokker F.VII.


And if that’s not your style, I invite you to join me this month as we celebrate their daring achievements in our own way: by flying a Ford Tri-Motor Commemorative Flight from Chicago to San Francisco simulation. 

It’s a cross-country tribute to the grit, courage, and ingenuity of early aviation trailblazers - an experience both fun and inspiring.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, or better yet, have you fly along.

Kenneth (Ken) Butterly, Founder

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