SINGAPORE, Reuter: Two light planes took off from here at the start of a Singapore to New Zealand Air Race, which offers a top prize of 10,000 US. Dollars and a World War One Tiger Moth aircraft worth 20,000 dollars.
A total of 29 aircrafts, including jumbo jets, are taking part in the rally, which will stretch across Bali and Denpasar in Indonesia, Mount Isa, and Brisbane in Australia before ending in Christchurch.
Most of the planes will take off from Singapore’s selector military airfield.
Described by organizers as “The Last Great Air Race”, the event is modeled on the 1919 England to Australia race.
The winners are decided on a complex formula that includes aircraft type, estimated flying time, rest breaks and stopovers.
The planes are divided into two classes, light aircraft and commercial and military aircraft.
The passenger jets taking part include a scheduled Singapore airlines 747 flight to Christchurch with 300 people on board, as well as a 727 from the Royal New Zealand air force. British airways have also entered a 747.
The race was started by Singapore Law Minister Edmund Barker and the Mayor of Christchurch, Sir Hamish Hay.
Article extracted from this publication >> March 27, 1987
