Piano Wire and Courage: Lady Carnarvon talks to Alexander Norman about Captain de Havilland's Moth and the golden age of aviation

Today, I welcomed author Alex Norman to the podcast to talk about his book on De Havilland’s Moth and the thrilling world of aviation in the 1920s and 30s, a period with such wonderful links to Highclere.  Alex shared his own family’s connections to early flying, including his grandfather’s aircraft and involvement in the London Aeroplane Club and explained how Geoffrey de Havilland’s ingenuity helped by Frank Halford’s lightweight Cirrus engine made the DH60 Moth a breakthrough for private pilots.  We explored how government-subsidised flying clubs, adventurous women and men and the freedom of the skies fuelled record-breaking journeys, from Lady Bailey and Amy Johnson to the Aga Khan Trophy winner Aspy Engineer.  We ended with Alex’s dream dance partner: the remarkable aviator Beryl Markham. 00:56 The de Havilland Family Connection 04:33 Building the First Aeroplane 05:05 Post-War Aviation & The Birth of the Moth 11:35 The Private Flying Movement & Aeroplane Clubs 14:47 Women in Aviation & Record-Breaking Adventures 16:47 The Aga Khan Trophy & Aspi Engineer 21:03 The de Havilland Legacy & The Mosquito 21:59 Dream Party Guest: Beryl Markham You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.