AVIATION

Hokitika Guardian, 22 March 1933, Page 2

AVIATION

WOMAN PLANS LONE FLIGHT.

FROM JAVA TO ENGLAND. SYDNEY, March 9. Mrs F. Bennett, wife of a tea-planter in Assam, arrived in Australia this : week, and after a few weeks will com tinue her journey to Java, whence she will fly to England in hex* own aeroplane—a Conxper Swilt. It is a singleseater machine- —the smallest type used on this route—and is similar to the plane in which Mr A. Butler made his record flight from England to Australia. j “Although I have done a great deal 1 of flying both jn England and India, | it was only recently that I thought of I this long flight,” said Mrs Bennett. “It will be no record-breaking dash. So far I have not settled definitely on the route I will take, but I will probably follow the Dutch mail-planes’ track, it this flight is successful, I will come from England to Assam by some other j more unusual route.” j Mrs Bennett said that flying was becoming popular for women in England and India. “Hendon, where 1 ; learned, has many women members, ' and a wonderful clubhouse,” she added. ' “Then the Bengal Flying Club also has i its women pilots. Flying , 1 consider j is an excellent pastime for women, es- | pecially those who are compelled to I live in isolated parts. It develops the I judgment, and compels one to make quick decisions.” Polo is also becoming popular among women in India, according to Mrs Bennett. “In Assam, there is an enthusiastic women's polo team, and although we have lots of fun and strenuous exercise, there are never any serious accidents.” While here Mrs Bennett will visit civil aviation authorities, to obtain information about the air route frofnj Java to England.