YOUNG ASPIRANT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 177, 28 July 1934, Page 11

YOUNG ASPIRANT.

CENTENARY AIR RACE

AUSTRALIAN ON MARIPOSA. Ono of the five Australian entrants for the Melbourne Centenary Air Race from England to Melbourne, Mr. Warren H. IVnnv, was n through passenger by the MaripcMa. which arrived at Auckland this morning. Tie is on his way to America, where ho is to buy a VI. Vulteo all-metal monoplane at a cost of €9000. Mr. Penny ; s accompanied by Mr. Roger Downs, who will form ono of the crew of four which the 'plane will carry when it competes in the race.

Tall and slim, Mr. Penny is only 23 yeads of age, but has had five •or six years' experience of aviation, and ill 1928 enjoyed the distinction of being the youngest* Australian pilot to obtain a commercial license. Subsequently 'ic went to America, where he had considerable experience in commercial aviation.

Mr. Penny said that hie companion on the present trip, Mr. Downes, would act as assistant to the wireless operator whom the monoplane would carry in addition to a navigator. He would also be relieving pi10t.... Mr. Dowries, a journalist by profession, was trained, in the Australian Air Force.

The machine which is being bought in America is about 12ft wider in wing span than the Altair which Sir Charles Kingsforcl Smith recently took to Australia.