The Greatest Flight

The Greatest Flight
November 10, 2011 | 5:30 PM
FedEx Global Education Center, Nelson Mandela Auditorium

Glamour, danger and pioneering spirit are not words commonly associated with the air travel industry today, but for a time in the early 20th century, aviation truly captivated the global imagination.

Inspired by this spirit and the groundbreaking voyages of a particular WWI-era bomber plane, UNC alumnus Peter McMillan ’81 and Australian Lang Kidby undertook the challenge in 1992 of rebuilding the enormous Vickers Vimy biplane, complete with open cockpit and cotton-covered wings, and re-creating her historic 1919 flight from England to Australia.

National Geographic’s documentary “The Greatest Flight” chronicles this record-breaking flight that marked the beginning of commercial aviation. Viewers will witness the joy of cruising over the Taj Mahal and the aftermath of a crash landing on Sumatra. This story interweaves the 1919 and 1994 adventures, separated by 75 years but united in a common spirit of adventure.

The documentary screening will be followed by a Q&A with Peter McMillan and a public reception. This event is free and open to the public.