Eternal Adventure - Gilles Kupfer (An aviation enthusiast's memoirs. Wanaka)

Eternal Adventure by Gilles Kupfer

Publisher: Gilles Kupfer, New Zealand, 2010. FIRST EDITION. VERY SCARCE.

Hardback, excellent condition, no inscriptions, minor edgewear.

PLANE CRAZY For the past five and half years, Gilles Kupfer has lived and breathed the construction of his World War II German fighter plane. The aviation enthusiast has spent more than 14,000 hours building a replica of a Focke-Wulf Fw 190 D9, which has just gained certification and will undergo flight testing in Wanaka. He has recounted his crusade in his recently released autobiography, Eternal Adventure. "My book is about spirituality, human valour and aviation," Gilles said. "Behind the story is a lot of sacrifice." Gilles believes: "Each human being has the power to shine and make the others shine. We must have the courage to look inside us and let our soul vibrate with our heart." Gilles, who is originally from Switzerland, moved to Wanaka in 2008 after meeting renowned aviation great John Lamont. Gilles went on to meet Sir Tim Wallis, the founder of Warbirds over Wanaka. "He is an amazing person and an inspiration," Gilles said. "I would like to fly my plane in Warbirds over Wanaka, but I need to make sure it is safe first. It has to be perfect before I fly in an air show," Gilles said. His plane, which he fondly calls 'Lucky', is 400 HP and has a top speed of 500 km/h. "This plane is like my baby. When I was building it, I lived in the hangar," he said. 163 pages with photos.

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