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Space Flip-Flop: You ve heard of the Birdman of Alcatraz
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Space Flip-Flop: You ve heard of the Birdman of Alcatraz
Space Flip-Flop: You ve heard of the Birdman of Alcatraz. Now prepare yourself for the Spaceman of Chichester, Sussex. Warehouseman Bill Philips, 27, has worked hard on his flying-saucer design, made out of silver-foil, in the hope of winning £ 1, 000 as the first prize to the man who could stay airborne for more than 50 yards. Bill climbed to the top of his launching pad -- a ladder. Then he took off on a wing and a prayer. But alas, three yards later, he came down to earth -- with a bump.
August 1978
WATFORD
Mirrorpix
Media ID 21368919
© Mirrorpix
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Space Flip-Flop - The Spaceman of Chichester Takes Flight, But Gravity Prevails
EDITORS COMMENTS
. In the summer of 1978, Bill Philips, a warehouseman from Chichester, Sussex, became determined to defy gravity and claim the coveted £1,000 prize for staying airborne for over 50 yards. Armed with his homemade flying saucer crafted from shimmering silver-foil, Bill embarked on an audacious mission to become the next Birdman of Alcatraz. Ascending his makeshift launching pad – a humble ladder – Bill prepared himself mentally and physically for this extraordinary feat. With hope in his heart and dreams in his eyes, he took off into the skies above Chichester on nothing but sheer determination. As spectators held their breaths in anticipation and excitement filled the air, Bill's flight began. However, fate had other plans as just three yards later; reality came crashing down upon him like a meteorite returning to Earth. Despite falling short of victory that day, Bill's valiant effort left an indelible mark on those who witnessed it. His daring invention may not have defied gravity as intended but succeeded in capturing hearts with its ingenuity and humor. This photograph captured by Mirrorpix transports us back to that memorable August day when one man dared to challenge conventional wisdom and reach for the stars - even if only momentarily. It serves as a testament to human ambition and reminds us that sometimes our greatest achievements lie not in success but rather in our unwavering
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