FlightGlobal.com
Home
Premium
Archive
Video
Images
Forum
Atlas
Blogs
Jobs
Shop
RSS
Email Newsletters
You are in:
Home
Aviation History
1928
1928 - 0179.PDF
MARCH 8, 1928 ' \ The Johannesburg Flying Meeting : A close finish. Lady Heath winning the 12-mile handicap race in her Avro " Avian," with Lieut. Bentley a good second in his D.H. " Moth ." Note the big crowd. difficulty was experienced in controlling the spectators, who trampled underfoot the rope barriers and swarmed on to the aerodrome. Eventually however, a " formation " of officials etc., advanced on the crowd, and by entreaties, commands, and threats that the meeting would have to be stopped, succeeded in getting the crowd back into its proper place, and the meeting proceeded. A number of attractive events were down on the programme, including balloon catching, exhibition and stunt flying ; joy- rides, and a handicap race. The latter was held over a tri- angular course, approximately 12 miles (two laps). The competitors were Maj. Miller, on a D.H. " Moth," I.ieut. Bentley (" Moth "), Capt. Bellin, the Johannesburg Club instructor (also on a " Moth ") and Lady Heath on her Avro " Avian." The machines were lined up at the eastern end of the aerodrome, and started in the order given above, Bentley and Bellm following n sees, after Miller ; Lady Heath, starting atscratch S sees, later. Major Miller had the misfortune to miss the first turning point—a belt of trees—and circled back tothe second point—a flag on one of the hangars—he was therefore, disqualified. This left the two " Moths " and the" Avian " in the race, which kept a true course in fine style. Bellin was leading at the end of the first lap, with Bentleyclose on his tail, Lady Heath still being some distance behind. Bellin rounded the mark very low, barely 20 ft. above thehangar, while Bentley was a little higher. Lady Heath flew very high, and dived* as she rounded the mark, thus gainingspeed as she started on the second lap. During this final lap, Bentley obtained the lead, and Bellinmade a thrilling effort to regain his position by darting through a small gap in some trees, but without avail. Mean-while, Lady Heath was rapidly overhauling her rivals, and on the home leg she " flashed " ahead of them and crossed INCIDENTAL : " Surfing," says Lady Heath, " is more like flying than flying is." She is seen here (left) withMiss Partridge, a prominent member of the Port Elizabeth Flying Club, after some dual instruction on the surf at that town. Top, centre: an alfresco breakfast on the Jo'burg aerodrome. Below: starting up the Bristol"(Jupiter " of a Service D.H.9. Special permission was given by the O.C. Defence Force for Lady Heath to fly in this machine, provided she disguised her identity. N.B.—On the right, the disguise ! 159
Sign up to
Flight Digital Magazine
Flight Print Magazine
Airline Business Magazine
E-newsletters
RSS
Events
