Pilot Jimmy Melrose was once an aviation star — and his reputation needs a lift, historian says

Jimmy Melrose flying his Percival Gull over Glenelg. (Supplied: Glenelg Historical Society)

Less than a decade after the Wright brothers made history with the world's first powered flight, Jimmy Melrose arrived in the world, and was almost destined for the skies.

Aviation was in his family, with his uncle founding the company that would become known as Supermarine — the manufacturer of the celebrated Spitfire.