Identifier2000-06-20_image_034SourceThe William P. and Moya Olsen Lear Papers (2000-06-20), Box 3, Folder 8DescriptionPhotograph of Learadio radio and navigation equipment, consisting of a transmitter, receiver, and direction finder, circa 1936-1939. The verso caption notes that this equipment was developed by "myself" (William P. Lear) and Reeder Nichols for the London to Melbourne Air Race.
Caption on verso: "S. This is the equipment that was built up in the 60 days in our organization at 123 W. 17th St. NYC, by myself and Reeder Nichols for the Robertson London-to-Melbourne race, which was won by the Dutch in a DC-3. Roscoe Turner, Clyde Pangborn and Reeder Nichols came in second. This equipment included a transmitter, a receiver, and some direction finding capability. Through the use of the direction finder and the alertness of Reeder Nichols, the flight was saved from catastrophe, which was threatened when they overflew Karachi. Roscoe Turner was at the controls while Pangborn slept. During this flight I received a message from Pangborn, Turner and Nichols, transmitted from Australia directly to me in New York on short waves, which was halfway around the world. Reeder Nichols, after this flight, went with the Australian CAA and is now connected with the IT&T subsidiary in Australia. (Circa 1936).”Creation Datecirca 1934-1939SubjectLearadioRadio--Transmitters and transmissionRadio in aeronauticsPangborn, Clyde Edward, approximately 1893-1958Nichols, Nichols, Reeder Glen, 1904-1975Turner, Roscoe, 1895-1970Aids to air navigationMacRobertson International Air Race (1934)Extent1 photograph : black and white ; 8 x 10 inOriginal Formatphotographic printsBibliographic CitationThe William P. and Moya Olsen Lear Papers/The Museum of FlightRightsCopyright undetermined
[Learadio radio and navigation equipment], [2000-06-20_image_034]. Museum of Flight Digital Collections, accessed 11/02/2026, https://digitalcollections.museumofflight.org/nodes/view/4680
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