Aeroplane

Bert Hinkler, left, following his arrival in Darwin in his Aero Avian aircraft G-EBOV. The person on right is possibly Dr Kirkland, the Government Physician, conducting the quarantine formalities. Hinkler departed Croydon aerodrome near London on 7 February 1928 setting a new record to Rome and enjoyed the support of the Royal Air Force throughout the try. He made a habit of maintaining the aircraft in top condition to maximise performance. He crossed the Timor Sea on 22 February and landed at Parap at around sunset - he had almost halved the time taken by Ross and Keith Smith in 1919.Rodd, A. H