On Wednesday, 17 December 2003, the world celebrated the 100^th anniversary of the Wright Brothers’ First Flight. This event, which opened the world to the era of powered flight, took place at Kill Devil Hills, Kittyhawk in North Carolina, USA at 1535hrs GMT (1035hrs EST) on 17 December 1903.

Scotland has a rich aviation heritage and continues to contribute to the future development of world aviation. To commemorate this momentous anniversary, to raise awareness of General Aviation and its importance to remote communities, and also for the sheer challenge, three pilots (Hamish Mitchell, John Douglas and Alastair Mackinnon) from Glasgow Flying Club performed a record 100 take-offs and 100 landings in one aeroplane. The aeroplane was a Piper PA28 Warrior, registration, G-BSYZ.

The team departed Prestwick International Airport at 0730hrs heading for Islay Airport for seven hours of continuous circuit flying with a refuelling visit to Campbeltown Airport. They then plan to landed back at Prestwick for the 100^th landing at exactly 1535hrs GMT, to coincide with the 100^th anniversary (to the minute).

The event would have been impossible without the support of staff at HIAL (Islay and Campbeltown Airports), Prestwick (Glasgow) Airport, Glasgow Flying Club, Prestwick Flight Centre, the West of Scotland Popular Flying Association and the weather!

Roy Cartledge, Regional Manager South with HIAL, said: "This was a fantastic way to mark the 100^th anniversary of powered flight and we are delighetdto have been able to facilitate this record breaking challenge. Our congratulations go to Hamish, John and Alastair for their achievement."

ENDS