The Columbia returns to Harbour Grace

Erroll Boyd and Harry Connor’s arrival marked the aircraft’s second visit to Harbour Grace. Their flight across the Atlantic was the second successful transatlantic flight in this aircraft, now called the Maple Leaf.

Concerned about weather this late in the Fall, Boyd had painted a black stripe on the wing’s edge. With the aid of a flashlight, he could see if white particles of ice were forming on this black stripe and adjust his flight plan accordingly.

Because of aircraft noise, communication between Boyd and Connor was normally by written note. But at times, Connor would jerk a piece of string tied to the pilot’s wrist. One jerk meant he should change course 90 degrees to the right; a second jerk meant to reverse direction 180 degrees.