Australian aviator Michael Smith completed a historic journey by flying around Australia to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 1924 flight of Ivor McIntyre and Stanley “Jimmy” Goble. Smith flew 15,000 kilometers, landed on 25 runways, made 18 water landings, and used over 3000 liters of fuel. His journey took him through challenging weather conditions but also allowed him to enjoy the stunning scenery of the Australian landscape.
Upon his arrival at St Kilda and later Point Cook, Smith was greeted by a crowd that included Wing Commander Rob Gill, Goble’s descendants, Smith’s relatives and friends, and RAAF Museum volunteers. Fire trucks, vintage planes, and an RAAF band formed a guard of honor to welcome him home. Despite the choppy waters at St Kilda and the “horrendous” weather conditions during his flight, Smith expressed feeling elated at being home and praised the beauty of the Australian coastline, particularly the Great Australian Bight cliffs.
During his journey around the country, Smith encountered various experiences, including sleeping in his plane at the ghost town of Israelite Bay and being escorted by modern RAAF Growler fighter planes in Townsville. In Port Hedland, he interacted with children from remote cattle stations who were unfazed by his plane since most stations have one. In Carnarvon, a woman presented him with a commemorative T-shirt featuring his plane, the Southern Sun, and the town’s name. Smith showcased the enduring impact and legacy of the 1924 pilots’ achievement, which paved the way for airlines and the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Smith’s journey was not only a personal tribute to McIntyre and Goble but also a reflection on the progress and advancements that have taken place in aviation over the past century. The flight around Australia served as a reminder to not take advancements for granted and to acknowledge the contributions of pioneers like McIntyre and Goble to the development of aviation in Australia. Goble’s grandson, David Goble, expressed pride in his grandfather’s accomplishments and appreciated Smith’s commemorative journey, which highlighted the significance of the 1924 flight.
As a token of appreciation and remembrance, the Goble family donated a piece of the original plane, a painting depicting the plane in a storm off Bulli, NSW in 1924, and a menu from a 1925 dinner at London’s Savoy hotel held in honor of the pilots to the RAAF Museum at Point Cook. Smith’s journey not only paid homage to the pioneering aviators of the past but also celebrated the spirit of innovation and exploration that continues to drive aviation forward in the present day. His flight highlighted the enduring legacy of McIntyre and Goble’s record-breaking achievement and served as a testament to the growth and evolution of Australian aviation over the last century.
