Harry Lyon (aviator)

Harry Lyon (born June 28, 1884, died February 7, 1961) was an American navigator and radio operator best known for his participation in the first successful transpacific flight from the mainland United States to Australia in 1928, aboard the Southern Cross, piloted by Charles Kingsford Smith.

Lyon's expertise in radio communication and navigation was crucial to the success of the flight. He was responsible for maintaining contact with ground stations and using radio signals for navigational purposes, technologies still in their relative infancy at the time. The Southern Cross's flight, starting in Oakland, California, and stopping in Honolulu, Fiji, and finally Brisbane, Australia, demonstrated the potential for long-distance air travel and significantly advanced aviation technology.

Following the transpacific flight, Lyon continued to work in the aviation field, contributing to the development of air navigation techniques and serving as a consultant on various aviation projects. He played a role in pioneering air routes and improving aviation safety standards. His contributions to early aviation have secured him a place in aviation history.