NZFF

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.

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

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.

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!

Naki wrote:

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.

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.

Wow thats realy cool!