Over the years, long-time Herald researcher/librarian Norma Marr prepared a feature called The H Files, in which she looked back at a myriad of Calgary news events. This instalment recalled an ongoing debate in 1927, as to whether or not transatlantic air flights were too dangerous to attempt. While flights across the Atlantic Ocean now occur countless times every week, back in the early 1900s the trip was fraught with problems. The engines of early planes could be unreliable at times; the distance across the ocean was significant; and navigating over endless miles of ocean could prove difficult. Several aviators were achieving success with their transatlantic trips, such as John Alcock and Arthur Whitten Brown, who flew the first non-stop transatlantic flight from the U.K. to Newfoundland in 16 hours in July 1919. Others, however, were met with failure, such as Australian Harry Hawker who crashed into the ocean after 14.5 hours of flying time. Was the risk worth the reward? Ultimately, governments, society and aviators answered yes. Read More