WOMAN PILOT TAKES OFF.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 278, 5 September 1936, Page 5

WOMAN PILOT TAKES OFF.

“NOT A ROMANTIC ADVENTURE.”

HOPES TO CROSS IN 24 HOURS. United Press Association—Copyright) (Received This Day, 9.45 a.m.) LONDON, September 4. Mrs Markham, flying a Percival Gull, with fuel for 3800 miles at a speed of 150 miles an hour, left Abingdon aerodrome at 6.50 p.m. (summer-time) on her flight across the Atlantic. She was farewelled by a few friends. She will have the benefit of a full moon in the early stages of the flight, and if she is successful she will be the first woman to accomplish a solo east-to-west crossing. Mrs Markham, who is 33, has a son aged seven, and has had over 2000 hours’ flying experience. She believes in the future of the Atlantic air service and says, “I want to be in at the beginning. It is not a romantic adventure.”

Mrs Markham, who is accompanied by Mr Arthur Gargett, does not carry any radio. She hopes to reach New York in 24 hours.

A HEAVILY-LADEN ’PLANE. NARROWLY CLEARED AERODROME. (Received This Day, 1.35 p.m.) LONDON, Sept 1 . 4. Mrs Markham’s heavily-laden aeroplane narrowly cleared the aerodrome. Mrs Markham is a society woman, who was taught to fly by Mr C. Campbell Black, in Kenya, alter which she flew the East Africa air mail service.

AMERICAN PILOTS ASTONISHED. UNFAVOURABLE WEATHER REPORT. (Received This Day, 11.35 a.m.) LONDON, September 4. Messrs Richman and Marrill expressed astonishment at Mrs Markham’s departure, especially) without radio, as the Weather Bureau had reported that conditions were unfavourable for their immediate return.