1935: Jean Batten
Garbo of the Skies Born in New Zealand, Jean had many great aviation achievements and set several records. She has been called the “Garbo of the Skies”, because she was very glamourous and reminded people of an actress called “Greta Garbo” who was very famous back then. Here is some movie footage… Jean’s Gypsy Moth aircraft, 1934 Jean Batten 1934: England to Australia 14 days 22 hours 30 minutes...
1934: Jimmy Melrose
Aviator – Air Racer Jimmy flew his Puss Moth from Australia to England so he could compete in the greatest air race of all time. When he got there they told him he had just beaten the Australia to England record! From an article in the Holdfast Bay Discovery Centre: “Between the years 1934 and 1936 Jimmy shot to fame with a remarkable career as an acclaimed international aviator and was, according to one national newspaper...
1934: MacRobertson Air Race
England to Australia This air race was the idea of the Lord Mayor of Melbourne and the prize of $75,000 was put up by Sir Macpherson Robertson, a wealthy lolly maker. 20 aircraft were entered, but due to various mishaps only 12 made it to Australia. While the winners (Black and Scott) made it in 71 hours (less than 3 days), one team (Parer and Hensworth) took 4 months to get there. Never give up! Here is some movie...
1932: Amelia Earhart
Amelia Earhart was the first woman to fly solo non-stop across the Atlantic Ocean. This is the ocean between America and Europe. She set many flying records but, in 1937, she disappeared while attempting an around-the-world flight. Here is some movie footage about Amelia… Amelia Earhart 1928: Transatlantic (Newfoundland to Wales) 20 hours 40 minutes (first woman passenger) 1932: Transatlantic Solo (Newfoundland to...
1930: Amy Johnson
Queen of the Skies Born in England, Amy Johnson was one of the most courageous pilots of her time. She set many records, including being the first woman to fly solo from England to Australia, in 1930. Amy set many other records, both by herself and with her aviator husband Jim Mollison. Here is some movie footage about Amy… Amy Johnson and her Gypsy Moth aircraft, in India, 1930. She called her plane “Jason”. This...
1928: Charles Kingsford Smith
Charles Kingsford Smith was the first to fly an aeroplane across the Pacific Ocean, along with crew members Charles Ulm, James Warner and Harry Lyon. His plane was named “Southern Cross”. His flight, from America to Australia was in three stages… stopping in Hawaii and Fiji on the way, finally landing in Brisbane, Australia. This was a total distance of 7400 miles, taking 83 hours (almost 3 and a half days)....
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