First New York to London and back flight ' on edge ofthe stratosphere ' to be attempted by former Navy pilot . The first ' round trip ' flight from New York to London and back is to be attempted early next month by Mr Dick Merrill , a former Britsih Navy air service pilot . Using a converted eight passenger machine with a cruising speed of 225 miles an hour he will make the flight to Croydon and back by the edge of the stratosphere . Photo shows , Dick Merrill (right) and a fellow pilot Johnny Kytle in bathing costumes before a flight from New York . 30 July 1936