New Zealand's Himalayan Aviation Connection

[HardCorePawn]

I was very much surprised to discover during the tribute on TV1 this evening that Lukla airport in the Himalaya's was actually built by Sir Ed!

I knew he had built schools, health clinics and a couple of hospitals, but did not realise he was responsible for Lukla as well... a truly amazing individual who gave so much.

[Ian Warren]

Quite impressive reading , Both Poles and Everest ,.......... It would be nice to find more out on his RNZAF service , a Navigator .

[ardypilot]

Yeah we had that show on too- I didn't think too much of his passing having not lived in this country long and not being able to appreciate his achievements as much as his fellow countymen- however, throughout the two hours of programming I have a very different viewpoint on the man from before it started... what a top genuine bloke, and what a life he led!

I was too very surprised to learn he built Lukla airport, on what was originally a potato field! I also had no idea that his first wife and daughter were both killed in a plane crash he was involved in- I think commemorative screenshots in his honer should be the theme for next month's competition.

[Naki]

Ive been lucky enough to meet him many years ago at his house (long story) - he was a very humble and down to earth guy and very approachable.

I also didnt know he helped build Lukla - I see the Tibetan Govt are renaming the airport after him - it will now be called the Sir Edmund Hillary Airport (according to Wikipedia) - if thats the case his name will live on in Flight Sim thats for sure!

[HardCorePawn]

QUOTE (Naki @ Jan 22 2008, 11:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I also didnt know he helped build Lukla - I see the Tibetan Govt are renaming the airport after him - it will now be called the Sir Edmund Hilary Airport (according to Wikipedia) - if thats the case his name will live on in Flight Sim thats for sure!

It is actually going to be renamed the Tenzing-Hillary Airport... and they are considering renaming the trekking route in the Everest region, "The Tenzing-Hillary Trek"... fair enough too... both great men who deserve recognition.

[K5054NZ]

That's an amazing thing to find out! And great stuff that the trek and possibly airport will be named after him and Tenzing.....it's just a shame that it is only now, after they've both passed, that they do this.

[Q300]

Wow thats realy cool!