Summary Harriet Quimby: America's first licensed pilot, flew solo across the English Channel in 1912. Bessie Coleman: First Black and Native American woman to get a pilot's license. Blanche Stuart Scott : First American woman to fly an airplane, known as "Tomboy of the Air.
" When we think of aviation pioneers, names like the Wright brothers and Amelia Earhart often come to mind. While these figures undoubtedly contributed significantly to aviation history, they are not the only ones who dared to dream of the skies. There were many remarkable women whose accomplishments have been overshadowed by their more famous peers.
These forgotten female pioneers played a crucial role in shaping the early days of aviation in the United States, proving that the sky was no limit to their ambitions. Harriet Quimby: America's First Licensed Pilot Harriet Quimby is one of the most influential yet underrecognized figures in early American aviation. Born in 1875, Quimby was a journalist by trade, but her interest in aviation was piqued after covering an international aviation tournament in 1910.
This event made her the first American woman to earn a pilot's license in 1911. Quimby was not just a pilot but also a media sensation, known for her signature purple satin flying suit and bold personality. In 1912, she became the first woman to fly solo across the English Channel, a feat that was unfortunately overshadowed by the sinking of the Titanic just a day before.
Recognizing five trailblazing female aviators throughout aviation's history. Quimby's life was tragically cut short later that same year when she died in a plane crash during an aviation meet in Massachusetts. Despite her pioneering achievements, Quimby's legacy has largely been forgotten, overshadowed by later aviators like Amelia Earhart.
Amelia Earhart: The Face of Female Aviation The world knows Amelia Earhart for her disappearance in the middle of the summer of 1937 , but the aviation world also recognizes her for her achievements. Earhart is one of the world's most famous female pilots and the first to cross the Atlantic Ocean. According to PilotMall , she was also one of the organizers of the 99's, an organization for female pilots that still exists today, providing support and advocating for women in aviation.
Earhart's legacy is so powerful that it often overshadows the contributions of her contemporaries. However, Earhart's success might have been possible with the groundwork laid by Harriet Quimby and other early aviators. Her fame should be seen as a continuation of the legacy established by these early pioneers.
Women still make up less than 10% of new pilots. Bessie Coleman Bessie Coleman, another trailblazing aviator, was the first Black and Native American woman to get a pilot's license. Born in 1892 in Texas, Coleman faced severe racial and gender discrimination in the United States.
No flight school in America would accept her, so she traveled to France, where she earned her license in 1921 from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale. For all aviation related history make sure to visit our dedicated section on Simple Flying . Upon returning to the US, Coleman became a famous stunt pilot known for her daring aerial maneuvers and her advocacy for racial equality in aviation.
Coleman's determination to succeed in a field dominated by white men was nothing short of revolutionary. Sadly, like Quimby, her life was also cut short by a plane crash in 1926. Blanche Stuart Scott Blanche Stuart Scott, another forgotten pioneer, was the first American woman to fly an airplane.
Scott's journey into aviation began with her cross-country automobile drive in 1910, which piqued her interest in mechanical feats. Amelia Earhart was the International Organization of Women Pilots' first President. Later that year, she became the first woman to fly at a public event, earning her the nickname "Tomboy of the Air.
" Scott was a skilled stunt pilot and became the first female test pilot, a hazardous role given the rudimentary state of aircraft technology at the time. Despite her achievements, Scott's contributions to aviation have been largely overlooked in mainstream history. Anne Lindbergh Charles Lindbergh may have risen to fame as an aviator, but his wife, Anne Lindbergh, was also an accomplished pilot.
Anne Lindbergh was the first American woman to earn her glider pilot's license. Her role in aviation was not just as a supportive spouse; she actively participated in many of Charles's flights, including pioneering routes from Africa to South America and exploring polar routes to travel from North America to Asia and Europe. Anne Lindbergh's contributions were significant, yet she often remained in the shadow of her husband's fame.
Matilde Moisant Like Quimby, Matilde Moisant was another early aviator who obtained her pilot's license in 1911. Moisant was the second-ever woman in the United States to receive a pilot's license, and she quickly made a name for herself in the competitive world of early aviation. According to Messy Nessy Chic , she won the Rodman Wanamaker trophy for her flight skills and became one of the few women to participate in air races, a popular and dangerous sport then.
Moisant's career was relatively short, as she retired from flying after witnessing several fatal accidents, but her impact on the field was undeniable. The Women of the WASP The WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) was created during the Second World War. They comprised over a thousand female pilots who took on non-combat flying duties to free up male pilots for combat.
These women ferried aircraft, towed targets for live anti-aircraft gun practice, and even test-piloted repaired planes. Though they played a crucial role in the war effort, their contributions were not officially recognized until three decades later, when they were finally granted veteran status in 1977. According to National Women's History Museum website, this is the timeline of WASP: Year Event 1942 September 10: Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS) is formed.
September 15: Women's Flying Training Detachment (WFTD) is created. 1943 August 5: WAFS and WFTD merge to form Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). December 7: First WASP class graduates.
1944 June: WASPs begin flying B-29 bombers. December 20: WASP program is disbanded. 1972 January: WASP members begin lobbying for veteran recognition.
1977 November 23: Public Law 95-202 grants WASP members veteran status. 1979 April 12: First WASP member receives official discharge papers. 2010 March 10: WASP members are awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.
Remembering the forgotten These women and many others were true pioneers who pushed the boundaries of what was possible in aviation. They challenged societal norms, overcame significant obstacles, and made contributions that deserve to be remembered and celebrated. While figures like Amelia Earhart have rightfully earned their place in history, it is also essential to recognize the achievements of these forgotten pioneers who built the foundations for future generations of women aviators despite the hurdles imposed on them.
Their stories remind us that history is often incomplete and that the contributions of many deserving individuals can be overlooked . As we continue to explore the history of aviation, let us ensure that the legacies of these remarkable women are not forgotten..
