When it comes to honoring the accomplishments of all who’ve contributed their talent, skills and know-how to the field of aviation, it’s especially important to recognize the achievements of women in the aviation industry. From pilots and flight attendants to military support and aeronautical engineers, women have taken on many positions throughout the history of aviation. While women still make up a marked minority of aviation jobs, play a central role in its history. Here’s a look at some who have broken down barriers and proven that challenges for women in aviation are not insurmountable.
The 1900s were the dawn of aviation as an industry, and women played a significant role despite challenges faced by their gender.
● Katherine Wright: We hear plenty about the Wright Brothers, pioneers of the first machine-powered aircraft that took flight on December 17, 1903. Less is known about their sister, Katherine, who provided both financial and moral support in their endeavor.
● Harriett Quimby: The first U.S. woman to earn her pilot’s license was Harriett Quimby, acquiring her credentials in 1911. She set several altitude records during her brief aviation career, which ended in her aircraft in 1912. Ms. Quimby was well-traveled, becoming the first person of either gender to land in Mexico City.
● Katherine Stinson: Some of Stinson’s most notable accomplishments include flying the U.S. mail, owning a flight school, and flying in Japan and China. Her primary non-pilot accomplishment was creating a company for the rental and sale of aircraft with another top aviation professional: her mother.
During the mid-1900s, women flew alongside their male counterparts, breaking records and offering military support in wartime.
Ruth Nichols set a women’s altitude record in 1931 in her attempt to become the first female to fly a solo Atlantic crossing, then followed up the feat by breaking a speed record previously held by a man. Other women to shatter the glass ceiling include:
○ Lady Mary Bailey, who earned the first women’s instrument rating flying certificate;
○ Elinor Smith, the first and only pilot to fly her craft under all four NYC bridges; and,
○ Phoebe Omlie, who became the first female to obtain her transport license.
The Impact of Women in Aviation during World War II
Women served the war effort in many capacities, filling military roles or other positions that were military in nature. They offered flight support and their mechanical skills, as well as flying reconnaissance missions when male pilots were in active theater. Turkish-born Sabiha Gokcen even flew a few combat treks, including support for a land operation that involved bombing the city of Dersim.
We salute women in aviation and will continue to feature them in a series of blogs about breaking the 40,000 foot glass ceiling.
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