What Was Sir Charles Kingsford Smith Famous For?
With time, the number of prominent individuals has been evolving at a fast pace. Now and then, new records are made in every field that beat the older ones. But as it said, knowing about something is all about knowing about its past first! The universal truth is to start from the roots. Today, we will go through one of the oldest as well as the finest aviators that the world has ever seen: Sir Charles Kingsford Smith. We will discuss his legacy briefly and know what he has conquered in his era! So, let's scrape the delay and fly in!
History of Sir Kingsford Smith
As discussed earlier, to know the best about anything, we must begin from the starting point. Born in 1897, Sir Charles Kingsford Smith was a legendary aviator who was born in Brisbane. The pilot started his career as a motorcycle dispatch rider in the Army. After a while, he changed his career to become a pilot in the Royal Flying Corps.
He then again changed his profession from working for the government to working as a stunt pilot and serving in foreign countries too! Along with being a stunt pilot, Sir Charles Kingsford Smith also joined West Australian Airways. From then on, he was known in the country as one of the first commercial pilots.
In 1928, Sir Kingsford Smith and his co-pilot, Sir Charles Ulm, made a few tours around Australia as well as in a few countries. This led to the development and establishment of Australian National Airways. However, their journey of establishing this business went flop, because of which Sir Charles Kingsford Smith continued to fulfil his career as an air racer.
The talented pilot passed away in 1935 while he was on his way to break a speed record over the Andaman Sea. He lost control of the plane and crashed into the sea off Burma.
What Was Sir Charles Kingsford Smith Famous For?
Sir Kingsford Smith was known for many things, most of which were related to his flights and skills in flying an engine. Here is a list of things he became popular for:
First Non-stop Country Crossing
This is one of the most fascinating things about Sir Charles Kingsford Smith. He was the first pilot ever to conquer the whole country's mainland without stopping! The pilot was publicly honoured for completing this tiring endeavour at once.
Trans-Pacific Flight
Trans-Pacific Flight is yet again one of the best things about Sir Charles Kingsford Smith. He and his co-pilot, Sir Charles Ulm, started their voyage from the US in an aircraft they named Southern Cross. The voyage ended when they reached Brisbane after covering a total distance of more than eleven thousand kilometres and a thunderstorm by the equator.
England-Australia Air Race
Sir Charles Kingsford Smith took part in a solo race from England to Australia in 1930. He successfully won the race, which took place over 13 days. Kingsford Smith’s aviation was later sold to Captain W.N.
Sir Charles Kingsford Smith's Achievements
The late pilot was honoured with many achievements during his lifetime. But his biggest achievement was unleashed after his death. The Kingsford Smith Coin, which was a one-dollar coin, had the name of the pilot along with his aircraft. He was also seen on $20 Australian paper notes for almost three decades. Apart from all of this, Sir Charles Kingsford Smith's Achievements are as follows:
Awards
Knight Bachelor for his services in aviation.
Military Cross—for his courage even after being wounded in a battle.
Air Force Cross—for his courage during battle.
Segrave Trophy—for his skill in handing over land, air, and water.
Honours
He was inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame and the San Diego Air & Space Museum in 1986.
The major airport in Sydney was named after him.
A memorial dedicated to Sir Charles was built near Brisbane Airport.
A school was built in 2001 dedicated to Sir Kingsford in Canberra.
A trans-encke propeller moonlet of Saturn was named after him.
Conclusion
Charles Kingsford Smith's biography is all about his passion for flying an engine and his amazing skills! He was known all over the world for his thrilling endeavours. His quests were as thrilling as they were life-threatening. The saddest part about Sir Charles Kingsford Smith’s life story is that he died in a plane crash while he was on his way to break a new record! But his death was never seen as a failure, as his past successes marked him in the history of aviation, with several honours dedicated to him!
