About 40 years ago, a 16-year-old boy, on his way home from school, saw a sign that said 'Learn To Fly' outside the Aero Club of Hong Kong next to the now-defunct Kai Tak International Airport. The boy, curious about aircraft, walked up to the club and knocked on the door.
A well-built westerner answered the door. He asked the boy if he had some spare time and the boy said yes.
'Let's go for a spin then,' the westerner said.
The westerner was Geoff Gotfried, the then-president of the club.
He had no idea that the flight would inspire the boy, Francis Chin Yiu-cheong, to make history with his brother Dominic Chin Io-chong by flying from England to Hong Kong in 30 days on a Beagle Pup plane.
Today, the 55-year-old Mr Chin - a retired clinical specialist - can barely conceal his sadness when he gazes at the demolished Kai Tak from the window of the restaurant at the Hong Kong Aviation Club.