Bland, Lilian (1878–1971)

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Bland, Lilian (1878–1971)

British aviator. Name variations: Lillian Bland. Born in Kent, England, 1878; lived in Carnmoney, Co. Antrim, Ireland; died 1971; granddau. of a dean of Belfast.

The 1st woman in the British Isles, possibly in the world, to design, build, and fly her own plane, first established a reputation as a press photographer and sports-writer before undertaking the construction of a bi-plane glider; successfully flew her plane, the Mayfly (1910), after modifying it with the addition of an engine; was also a successful press photographer and sports journalist.

See also Women in World History.

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