The Most Efficient Airman - The Life of Don Bennett

The Aviation Show

Don Bennett was rated by the future Bomber Command boss, Arthur Harris, as "the most efficient airman" he had ever known. In part two of our chat with Bennett's biographer, Ian Campbell, curator of the Bennett/Vial Archive at the Queensland Air Museum, we get into the incredible record-breaking flights Don flew in Mercury and his return to the RAF at the outbreak of war.

Relentless Skies: Volume 1 - The Most Efficient Airman (1910-1942) by Ian Campbell is out now! Buy your copy from The Damcasters bookshop and support the pod (UK only): https://uk.bookshop.org/a/11015/9781923020641

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00:00 Introduction

01:57 The McPherson Trophy Race

04:49 Meeting Ly, the Swiss Governess

08:47 Leaving the RAF For Imperial Airways

14:44 The Golden Age of Flying Boats

18:28 The Mayo Composite Aircraft

23:26 Record-Breaking Trans-Atlantic Flight

28:04 The South Africa Record Attempt

36:58 The North Atlantic Ferry

43:09 Ian's Upcoming Talks

45:40 Wrap and End of Year Thoughts

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