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Amsterdam, December 28 – KLM pilot Jan Plesman, who flew the historic ‘memorial’ flight of De Uiver to Australia with three colleagues in 1984, passed away on Second Christmas Day. His family confirmed the news.
Jan Plesman, a legendary figure in Dutch aviation, was among the four KLM pilots who took on the mammoth task of recreating the original 1934 flight of the De Uiver from Amsterdam to Sydney to mark its 50th anniversary. The successful journey garnered widespread recognition and admiration, further cementing Plesman’s reputation as a skilled and daring pilot.
In an era before modern navigation aids, Plesman, along with pilots Jan Nagel, Theo Honing, and Arend de Koorn, navigated the vast distances using traditional methods such as celestial navigation and following shipping routes. The 1984 flight not only paid tribute to the original pioneering flight but also showcased the remarkable abilities of the modern-day pilots.
Beyond his aviation prowess, Plesman was also known for his calm and composed demeanor, both in the air and on the ground. He will be remembered by many for his significant contributions to Dutch aviation history and his role in keeping the spirit of exploration and daring alive.
Details about a memorial service or funeral arrangements have not been disclosed by the family, pending further announcements.
