Inspired Richard Pearse ?

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.