First Flight

17 March 1910

The day before Houdini claims he made the first human flight out at Diggers Rest.

In South Australia mechanic Fred Custance flew for over 5 minutes continuous for three circuits of area. According to Nancy Bird Walton, who was an early pioneer, Australias first female pilot - tuition with Charles kingford Smith

Nancy Bird was born in Sydney in 1915. When she was four she attempted to launch herself off the backyard fence after hearing news about the Great England-Australia Race.

Took her to doing air flight customers 10 shillings a flight, started at Tamworth, Shell road map, follow fences and rivers, landmark language, barnstorming for a living, Dubbo, 200 a year for farmers and workers around nowhere, had to learn spinnin.

Also: http://www.ctie.monash.edu.au/hargrave/nancy_bird_walton_bio.html

Article Offend-o-Meter Ranking

Vote 1 Vote 2 Vote 3 Vote 4 Vote 5