Henshaw challenge Osprey GP4 is on its way from Cape Town

tnowak · Post by **tnowak** » Fri May 08, 2009 8:07 am

Chalkie Stobbart has left Cape Town. Currently over Angola. See link for further info.
http://www.henshaw-challenge.com/dnn/Ho ... fault.aspx

Tony Nowak

Will Greenwood · Post by **Will Greenwood** » Fri May 08, 2009 9:12 pm

Belive that he his hoping to arrive in the early hours of Saturday morning at Southend, hope some of you near by may be able to welcome him ?

Brian Hope · Post by **Brian Hope** » Fri May 08, 2009 11:05 pm

Though I admire anybody who takes on these challenges and wish them well, part of me hopes that Alex Henshaw's incredible record remains unbeaten. It was such an amazing piece of flying, and it was seventy years ago! Chalkie will do very well indeed to even come close to it, fingers crossed for a speedy and safe arrival at Southend tomorrow.

macconnacher · Post by **macconnacher** » Mon May 11, 2009 5:33 pm

Chalkie Stobbart landed safely at Cape Town at 1422 Zulu time this afternoon to smash the 70 year old Henshaw record by 19 hours.

His elapsed time Cape Town to Cape Town was 3 days 15 hours 17 mins.

Pity in a way but at least it was a homebuilt that did it.

mikehallam · Post by **mikehallam** » Tue May 12, 2009 1:29 pm

But not in flying time as he cut most of the 19 hours by taking a shorter in between break.

Auto-pilot, GPS, satellite 'phone, modern engine metals.

A pity he didn't list it as a Celebration to Henshaw's Achievement rather than bang on about breaking his record. There's no comparison.

Certainly a feat of staying awake most of the three and a half days !

Steve Brown · Post by **Steve Brown** » Tue May 12, 2009 2:27 pm

Last Saturday at the LAA Coaching Day at Shobdon I met a twinkly eyed guy called Robin James who knew Alex Henshaw.

We were sitting around discussing the current record attempt and how totally awesome Alex's achievement was. Robin said he had once asked Alex how he did it. Alex said that he just sat and flew the aircraft on dead reckoning with his head down continuously watching the P5 compass between his legs like a hawk. No need to look out as he wasn't going to hit anything!

Just imagine that! Alone, across that pitch black continent at night, no comms, no nav, no weather - finding the fuel stops along the way. And once he got to Cape Town (not London) he had the courage to go all the way back again.

Beyond belief. And not repeatable by anyone.

Rod1 · Post by **Rod1** » Tue May 12, 2009 2:43 pm

“And once he got to London he had the courage to go all the way back again.”

I thought AH started and finished in London?

Congratulations to the new record holder, hope the Brits can win it back soon!

Rod1

Steve Brown · Post by **Steve Brown** » Tue May 12, 2009 2:47 pm

whoops - sorry - wrong way round! Corrected.

Brian Hope · Post by **Brian Hope** » Tue May 12, 2009 5:26 pm

Alex Henshaw actually started and finished at Gravesend aerodrome, which sadly long since disappeared under a housing estate.

J.C. · Post by **J.C.** » Wed May 13, 2009 8:05 am

I think all pilots will acknowledge Alex's feat as unmatchable whilst not detracting from the new record breaker who will now go into the record books.
Most members of the public will simply say" it didn't take me that long to get to spain last year on my holiday with Ryanair,whats the big deal?".
In a way, its a magnificent achievement tinged with sadness and I completly understan Brian's post.

AV8 Magazine · Post by **AV8 Magazine** » Fri May 15, 2009 12:06 am

I think the term I would use is that Alex Henshaw's record might have been broken, but it will never be equalled.

I was lucky enough to attend a talk about Alex by aviation artist Michael Turner at the RAF Museum a couple of weeks ago. He gave a tremendous insight into the life of an amazing aviator who had a passion for accuracy and attention to detail. I felt frustrated that I would never get a chance to meet someone who I had so much admiration for.

Incidently, if you get a chance, have a look at the two articles about AH in AV8 Magazine. The second part is in the current issue but the first part can still be found (free) in the back issues section. I never tire of reading about the Cape flight, and regardless of what the record books say, Alex will always hold the record in my eyes.

Simon Hazeldine