“JEAN HAS ABILITY”

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 19, 15 October 1937, Page 4

“JEAN HAS ABILITY”

-I'reBe Asaociation.i

Mits Batten's Father is Confident ATTEMPX 0N REC0RD

(By TeleBraph-

AUCKLAND, Last Night. C'omplete confidence in Miss Jean Batten's ability to succeed in her present enterprise, provided that she has normal good fortune with the weather, waa expressed by the airwoman's father, Mr F. H. Batten, of Auckland. "Jean has ability. She is a good flyer in good mchine, nd will not do ny thnig . foolish," Mr Battern said. He mentioned that Miss Batten, who was now 27 years of age, was thoroughly experience and was not likely to take any unnecessary chances. She ltnew her business1 in the air and could, he felt, be relied upon to get through. Mr Batten mentioned toat he had had a letter from his daughter by the last mail announcing hCr intention of flying to England. She did not disclose the details of her plans, however, nor the route she infended to follow. Great perf.orraances by this daring pilot are:— - England to New Zealand in 11 days l hour 25 minutes (first pilot to cover this route in one trip), First woman to fly over the Tasman Sea. Australia to New Zealand in 94 hours. This-beat the time set up by the two previous solo flyers. England to Austfalia, solo, in 5 days 21hours 3 minutes. First woman pilot to cross South Atlantie. Holds speed record for cross-ing-i-13 hours 15 minutes. First woman pilot to fly England-Australia-England — and she has not finished yet.