These relatives of pioneer German hang-glider pilot, Otto Lilienthal, believe he inspired Richard Pearse, South Canterbury’s own pioneer aviator. Winfried Halle, from Berlin and Alister Squire, of Waitohi, are grandsons of Gustav Lilienthal and Marie Lilienthal, respectively, the brother and sister of Otto. Today they were given a guided tour of the South Canterbury Aviation Heritage Centre, by president Peter Jost, and viewed displays relating to Otto’s influence on Richard Pearse. Marie Lilienthal emigrated to New Zealand and in 1884 married George Squire, a farmer and neighbour of Richard Pearse.
L-R: Rebecca Squire, Debbie Squire, Winfried Halle and Alister Squire, relatives of Otto Lilienthal
Rebecca Squire, Debbie Squire, Winfried Halle and Alister Squire with their pioneer aviator relative Otto Lilienthal.
The South Canterbury Aviation Heritage Centre, at Timaru’s Richard Pearce Airport at Levels.
SC Aviation Heritage Centre president Peter Jost, points out the features of the replica of Richard Pearse’s aeroplane.
L-R: Winfried Halle, Alister & Debbie Squire check out the Richard Pearse replica aeroplane
Winfried Halle and the replica of pioneer aviator, Richard Pearse’s, aeroplane
The Pearse replica aeroplane, with Wright Brothers replica above.
Alister Squire and Peter Jost view the 1903 Richard Pearse replica aeroplane.
Sopwith Camel
Harvard Trainer
Link trainer, ready for restoration in the workshop
Model military aircraft in the museum section.
The South Canterbury Aviation Heritage Centre is open Tuesdays, Sundays and public holidays between 2pm and 4pm
Winfried Halle, finds a display featuring his great uncle Otto Lilienthal, who studied the flight of storks and invented one of the first hang gliders.
Alister Squire and Winfried Halle study the Lilienthal exhibit.
Otto Lilienthal (centre), between Leonardo da Vinci and Richard Pearse.
A model of Otto Lilienthal’s successful glider
Peter Jost points out a replica of Richard Pearse’s aero engine.
The Lilienthal exhibit
The Lilienthal glider
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