Clyde Fenton was a skilled aviator and a brilliant surgeon. Together with fellow doctor, Cecel Cook, the Northern Territories chief medical officer, he pioneered the creation of the Flying Doctor Service. The service was a great medical success but ran foul of the Department of Civil Aviation. Fenton battled with the Department and soon found himself in court fighting to retain his pilot's license and carry on his work. Fenton soon became a folk hero to the people of the Northern Territory.