New Documentation of Dick Smith's Epic Adventure

For the first time, Super8 footage of Australian aviator and businessman Dick Smith AC on his solo helicopter journey around the world will be on display in a new exhibition at Powerhouse Castle Hill.

The Dick Smith: First Solo Flight exhibition will showcase self-captured archival film footage that has been digitised and conserved by Powerhouse, alongside the iconic Bell 206B Jetranger III helicopter.

Dick Smith made the 55,000km round trip in 260 hours of flight between August 1982 and July 1983. During this epic flight, he established significant world records, including the first solo helicopter flight around the world (1982–83) and the first solo helicopter flight across the Atlantic Ocean (1982). Smith’s achievements also include the first helicopter flight around Australia (1984), the first helicopter flight to the North Pole (1987) and the first helicopter flight across Australia (1988).

Following in the tradition established by great Australian aviators including Bert Hinkler and Charles Kingsford Smith, Dick Smith became the first person to traverse the globe solo in a helicopter that was not designed for long distance flights. The aircraft was modified to carry more fuel and fitted out with the latest equipment including the VLF Omega navigation system to allow precise navigation to any point on earth. The pioneering voyage originated and ended in Fort Worth, Texas USA, where the Bell helicopter was built.

In 1990, Dick Smith generously donated the Bell 206B Jetranger III helicopter to the Powerhouse after its final flight between his home in Terrey Hills and the Powerhouse museum carpark in Ultimo. It was subsequently displayed at Powerhouse Ultimo until 2024 and is now presented at Powerhouse Castle Hill.

The Powerhouse Collection is also home to 25 film reels containing Smith’s self-captured documentary footage, the Super8 film camera he used between 1982–1983 and a wall map highlighting his expedition routes between 1964–2013.

Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah said, ‘Powerhouse is proud of the work that our conservation team has undertaken to preserve and protect this internationally important material. We are excited to continue to share this story and connect our audiences with the incredible innovation and adventures of Dick Smith.’

Australian Explorer Dick Smith AC said, ‘Seeing the exhibition at Powerhouse Castle Hill brings back memories of the incredible journeys that I’ve taken with this helicopter, including my 55,000km round trip around the world in 1982–1983. I hope this inspires people to explore and see the world through new eyes.’

The Dick Smith Australian Explorer exhibition is now on display at Powerhouse Castle Hill, open weekends from 10am–4pm. For more information, visit https://powerhouse.com.au/program/dick-smith-helicopter