The Phantom and the 1969 Daily Mail Transatlantic Air Race

This week on Top Landing Gear we’re turning the clock back to 1969, a hugely significant year for aviation and aerospace, with the first flights of Concorde and the 747 Jumbo Jet, and of course the first man on the moon. But it was also the year of the Daily Mail Transatlantic Air Race, probably one of the last great aviation adventures. 

 

The race was between the top of the Post Office Tower in London (now the BT Tower), and the top of the Empire State building in New York, in either direction. The fastest crossing of all was achieved by an Observer in a Royal Navy Phantom, and he is our very special guest. Lieutenant Commander Peter Goddard’s story of the race and the preparations that went into it are something to behold. Peter will be coming up later after our usual features: Ask James, Jez’s Quick Facts - all about the Air Race, and of course the highlight of every episode – The Top Landing Gear Quiz.