Singapore launches aviation centennial celebrations

SINGAPORE is celebrating 100 years of aviation, a milestone that was officially hailed at the "Singapore Aviation Centennial Evening" attended by Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong and organised by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS).


To mark the achievement, a series of events and activities will be held over one year to showcase the "many achievements of the aviation industry and the myriad of opportunities it offers," a CAAS statement said.


The Lion City's aviation centennial celebrations mark the landmark flight of a Bristol Boxkite biplane that took off from the old racecourse at Farrer Park in Singapore on March 16, 1911, piloted by Joseph Christiaens.


The aircraft parts had been shipped to Singapore in sea crates and was assembled by a squad from the Royal Engineers (The Royal Air Force started life as the air battalion of the British Army's Royal Engineers in 1911, later becoming a unit of its own, the Royal Flying Corps in 1914, and a distinct service on a par with the army and the navy in 1918.) An airstrip had been prepared for three days of demonstration flights and the chance for passengers to enjoy a 10 minute flight with Mr Christiaens for S$50 (US$39 million) each.


Powered by a 70 horsepower "Le Rhone" rotary engine, the aircraft built by the Bristol Aeroplane Company had made its maiden flight in July 1910.


To find out more about the Singapore aviation centennial celebrations (SACC), visit www.aviationcentennial.sg.
(Source:http://www.schednet.com)