The Man Who Could Fly

Harry Ferguson is known to many people here as the Ulsterman who won the hearts of farmers across the world in the 1950s when he produced the Ferguson TE20 - a tractor with a remarkable compact design and acclaimed performance.

He is also recognised as one of Northern Ireland’s most successful businessmen – a shrewd, hard working, down-to-earth man with an irrepressible entrepreneurial spirit who was determined to succeed. But there is another side and another version of the Harry Ferguson story. A new BBC One Northern Ireland documentary on Monday, November 02 at 9.00pm looks at how Harry became the first man in Ireland to fly his own aeroplane.

The Man Who Could Fly, produced by DoubleBand Films, tells the story of how, in 1909, at the tender age of only 25, he designed, built and took flight in his flying machine at Hillsborough, Co Down.

Presented by former Formula One driver Eddie Irvine the programme tells the intriguing story of how Ferguson achieved this remarkable feat of fl ight – an activity that we take for granted in this age of low cost airlines.

The programme includes contributions from Harry Ferguson’s three grandchildren, Jamie Sheldon, Caroline Sheldon and Sally
Fleming along with a host of expert contributors. The Man Who Could Fly also features dramatic re-enactments telling a story that will give viewers a new insight into a hidden chapter in the life of Harry Ferguson.