Above Gazette picture shows, left to right, Helen Bradley, youngest woman pilot in Canada, and her father, Mel. Bradley, chief flying instructor of Prince Edward Flying Club, Picton, Ontario.

On Monday evening, Helen, who is sixteen years old, made her solo flight, following ten hours “in the air” previously, when she was accompanied by her father as pilot, and instructor. She will have another twenty hours’ solo flying before completing her training as an aeroplane pilot. And, she cannot receive her pilot’s license from the Department of Transport, Ottawa, until she is 17 years old.

She will celebrate her 17th birthday on October 28th, and simultaneously, having completed her training, she will be qualified to receive her “pilot’s license” from the Dept. of Transport. This will make her the youngest licensed woman pilot in Canada on October 28th.

Helen is a student at Prince Edward Collegiate Institute, entering Grade 13 in September for her final year.

Her father, Mel. Bradley has lived in Prince Edward County for about six years, residing at R. R. 1, Milford, (Royal Street). Previous to 1949, he lived in Ottawa, serving in the R.C.A.F. His wife and family had their home in that city, while Mel. was posted, first to Portage La Prairie, and later, Camp Borden. He served during World War II in the R.C.E.M.E., posted to units at various places in Canada. Mr. Bradley acquired his license as a private pilot previous to 1939 in Edmonton, Alta.

He has been chief flying instructor for Prince Edward Flying Club since its organization in July, 1953. During the past two years, he has supervised the training of twenty graduates as private pilots, and two commercial pilots, the latter being Murray Clapp and Desmond Macdonald. The latter are also qualified as flying instructors.

Following her High School graduation, Miss Helen Bradley is planning to begin her training as a registered nurse, probably in the Ottawa Civic Hospital.

Mr. and Mrs. Bradley have six children. Helen is the second oldest, her brother, Harold being 18 years of age. Younger than Helen, twin brothers are Larry and Barry, age 14, Sonia age 11, and Kenneth, age 7. Mr. Bradley is proprietor of a service station in Picton and spends spare hours as flying instructor.

The above Gazette photo shows clearly the happy Helen Bradley, who had just completed her solo flight, on the air-strip at Picton airport. Melville Bradley shows the pleased smile of a “proud father”.