Celebration of Charles Kingsford Smith's 100th Birthday, 1997

One of Australia's favourite sons, Charles Kingsford Smith, was celebrated at Port Lincoln airport in February 1997, on what would have been his 100th birthday.

Enjoying the celebrations was one of his passengers on a 1932 plane ride – Port Lincoln's Eric O'Connel. 

O'Connel saved up 10 shillings to pay for the trip when he was a young boy, and shared his recollections of the memorable ride with the legendary 'Smithy'.