No Dumb Questions 182 - The Hacienda Hotel Airplane Endurance Record
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May 31, 2024 Discover the captivating tale of the airplane endurance record set at the Las Vegas Hacienda Hotel in the 1950s, blending aviation with entertainment. Explore the inspiring endurance records done to raise awareness and funds for cancer treatment, featuring the incredible story of Terry Fox. Delve into the physical and psychological consequences of extended inactivity on the human body and mind, with comparisons to wartime emotional hardships.
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Solar-Powered High-Altitude Endurance
- Modern materials and solar power enable extremely long unmanned flights at high altitude.
- The Airbus Zephyr flew 64 days by combining carbon-composite structure, solar panels, and batteries.
Hanging Cessna's Wild Vegas Record
- The Cessna 172 that hangs in McCarran airport once flew with two men for 64 days, 22 hours and 19 minutes.
- That manned endurance stunt was organized by the Hacienda Hotel as a publicity effort in the 1950s.
Hotel Stunt Backed By Doc Bailey
- Doc Bailey funded the stunt with $100,000 to publicize his Hacienda Hotel as a family-friendly local casino.
- A slot-machine mechanic and WWII pilot, Robert Tim, led the aircraft modifications and attempt.