Harry Houdini can't escape being part of Australia's history
Thursday, 04 March 2010
One hundred years ago, the pioneers of aviation in Australia took to the skies and changed history forever. Australia Post has recognised their heroic efforts with the Centenary of Powered Flight stamp issue commemorating three notable aviators, Colin Defries, John Duigan and American escape artist Harry Houdini.
Australia Post Philatelic Group Manager, Noel Leahy, said, "Flight has been one of the greatest influences in changing the world we live in and we felt it important to recognise the contribution of these aviation pioneers in Australia. All three pilots made an amazing contribution to shaping the nation."
The stamps commemorate three significant powered flights and their pilots from Australia's early aviation history. The first is Englishman Colin Defries who is credited with being the first person to take to the air in a powered aircraft in Australia, doing so at Sydney's Victoria Park racecourse on 9 December 1909.
The second is American escape artist Ehrich Weiss, better known as Harry Houdini, who made three flights on 18 March in 1910 in an imported Voison aeroplane at Digger's Rest near Melbourne. His longest flight was three and a half minutes covering 3.2 kilometres. He left the country soon after, never to fly again.
Finally, the third is John Duigan from Mia Mia in Victoria who made the first sustained, controlled flight by an Australian in an Australian designed and constructed aircraft. He had spent nearly a year building his own biplane and managed to fly 180 metres at up to 64 kmh on 7 October 1910.
"We are acknowledging these pioneers and the impact of their early aviation feats through this stamp issue. What better way to recognise the significance that these individuals have had on aviation, mail delivery and every day life," Mr Leahy went on to say.
A special airmail delivery will take place as a way of celebrating the Centenary of Powered flight. A series of specially produced postcards will be flown in an open cockpit 1930s aeroplane from Wagga Wagga to Temora in NSW on 9 March, the date the stamps are officially available. This journey matches one of the legs of Australia's first ever airmail delivery in 1914 and will be flown by former Australian aerobatics champion, David Lowy AM.
The Centenary of Powered Flight stamp issue is available at participating Australia Post retail outlets, via mail order on 1800 331 794 and online at auspost.com.au/stamps from 9 March 2010 while stocks last.
