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James Mollison- The Unexpected Guest

James Mollison, first person to make westward trans-Atlantic flight
On August 18, 1932 James A Mollison took off from an airstrip in Port Marnock, Ireland, to attempt what would be not only the first Westward trans-Atlantic solo flight, but also the first North Atlantic crossing in a light airplane, a silver-grey Puss Moth.

Did you Know

Did You Know?
A trans-Atlantic flight couldn't be made without stops: the fuel tanks on planes in that era were too small to hold enough fuel for such a long trip. An eastward flight beginning in New York to Paris might make stops for refueling in Saint John, NB; Harbour Grace, NF; Greenland; Iceland; and England.



James Mollison landed safely in Pennfield RidgeSaint John wasn't on Mollison's itinerary: he had originally planned to land in Harbour Grace, Newfoundland, but he was on a roll and decided to continue flying. At 5:00 a.m. on Friday, August 19, he was sighted over Halifax, Nova Scotia. At 1:45 p.m., due to foul weather and extreme fatigue, he made an unscheduled landing in a field at Pennfield Ridge, 40 miles west of Saint John.


James Mollison remained in Saint John for 2 daysGrounded by heavy fog, Mollison decided to cancel his trip to Montreal and head straight for New York when weather permitted. On August 20 he attended the mayor's luncheon, which had been delayed for his arrival. His plane was brought to Saint John, and on August 21 he left from the Saint John Municipal Airport to fly to New York.

link to Amy Johnson

Did You Know?
Amy Johnson, James Mollison's new bride, set a speed record, in 1930, flying from London to India in 13 days. She then continued her flight and eventually reached her destination in Australia, where she was greeted by cheering crowds. When she saw the crowds from the air, she thought she must have arrived during an air pageant - not realizing they were there to greet her.


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