Stearmans commemorate pioneering floatplane flight

On the morning of Sunday, March 12 a special commemorative flight was due to be undertaken in New Zealand

Starting north on the Coromandel Peninsula, the special flight will take place marking the anniversary of the first ever flight made by an aircraft to Tauranga.

This was George Bolt’s flight on March 12, 1920, in a B & W (Boeing and Westervelt) flying boat.

The commemorative flight idea stemmed from a conversation between Peter Bolt (George Bolt’s grandson) and Tauranga-based classic aircraft pilot Willie Kay. Peter and Willie were friends in the 1960s and after making contact again more than 40 years later decided to replicate Peter’s grandfather’s flight in a Boeing floatplane a century previously, following the same route in the same month at the same time of day.

Images from George Bolt’s 1927 flight
Images from George Bolt’s 1927 flight The Hugh Whitehead Collection

This new flight will involve two Tauranga-based 1930s-vintage Boeing Stearmans – they plan to arrive at Tauranga at precisely 1105hrs.

Boeing One will be carrying Peter Bolt and Willie Kay with Boeing Two flown by Marty Cantlon and passenger. Peter and Willie fly on to Whakatane and Opotiki to commemorate George Bolt’s arrivals there as well.

This arrival at Tauranga will coincide with the precise arrival time of the 1920 flight by 27-year-old George who landed the floatplane opposite Victoria Wharf. He then taxied the Boeing to the small beach near the former Commercial Hotel on The Strand, much to the delight of local children. The Tauranga Harbour railway bridge was then under construction and is still in use today.

With thanks to classicflyersnz.com

Images from George Bolt’s 1927 flight
Images from George Bolt’s 1927 flight The Hugh Whitehead Collection