WOMAN’S LONE FLIGHT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21018, 6 May 1930, Page 9

WOMAN’S LONE FLIGHT

ENGLAND TO AUSTRALIA. PREPARATIONS COMPLETED. (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) LONDON, May 4. .There is considerable interest in Miss Johnson’s lone flight attempt, the start of which has been tentatively fixed for Mondays Miss Johnson is a slim,- attractive girl with bobbed hair and a constant smile. Most careful- preparations have been made. She intends to fly in hops of 1000 miles per day. She admits that she hopes to lower Mr Hinkler’s record. A reserve petrol tank has been installed in front of the passenger cockpit. The total capacity of the machine is SO gallons, which'' is expected to ensure a flight of 1400 miles, which is nearly four times the normal range of the Gypsy Moths.

Miss Johnson said: “The flight is the outcome of a long-cherished ideal. I now hold an engineer’s ticket and a pilot’s ticket, and I feel confident that I shall be able to meet any emergency.”

A message received on March li stated: Miss Johnson is at present endeavouring to find a British aircraft firm to sponsor a flight to Australia, She has already received offers \from American and German firms, but she hopes to obtaih aid from her own people in order to make a start. If successful she may return by air. Miss. 1 Johnson plans to follow a course different from those of Mr Hinkler and Captain Chichester. THE FLIGHT COMMENCED. LONDON, May 5. (Received May 6, at 0.30 a.m.) Miss Johnson left Croydon this morning in brilliant sunshine. A small group of friends gave her a cheering farewell.