Member-only story

The Inspiring True Story of the Women Who Dared to Fly

Craig Blair

·18.1k Followers· Follow

Published in The Hurricane Girls: The Inspirational True Story Of The Women Who Dared To Fly

4 min read · 2 weeks before

663 View Claps

74 Respond

Save

Listen

In the early 20th century, aviation was a male-dominated field. Women were largely excluded from flying, and those who dared to defy convention faced significant challenges and discrimination. However, a small group of determined women refused to be limited by societal norms. They fought for their right to fly, and their stories are an inspiration to us all.

The Early Years of Women in Aviation

The Wright brothers' successful flight in 1903 sparked a worldwide fascination with aviation. However, women were initially excluded from this new technology. They were not allowed to attend flight schools, and they were not permitted to fly solo.

The Hurricane Girls: The inspirational true story of the women who dared to fly

by Jo Wheeler

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	23111 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	352 pages

Undeterred, a small number of women began to teach themselves to fly. In 1910, Blanche Stuart Scott became the first woman to solo in an airplane in the United States. Shortly thereafter, Harriet Quimby became the first woman to fly across the English Channel.

These early pioneers faced significant challenges. They were often ridiculed by the male-dominated aviation community, and they had to overcome many obstacles in order to pursue their dreams. However, they persevered, and their accomplishments paved the way for other women to follow in their footsteps.

World War I

The outbreak of World War I in 1914 created new opportunities for women in aviation. With so many men away fighting, there was a need for women to fill roles in the aviation industry.

Women worked as mechanics, pilots, and flight instructors. They flew reconnaissance missions, transported supplies, and even engaged in combat. Their contributions to the war effort were significant, and they helped to prove that women were just as capable as men of flying airplanes.

The Interwar Years

After the war, women continued to make progress in aviation. In 1927, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Her feat inspired a generation of women and girls, and she became a symbol of female empowerment.

Other women followed in Earhart's footsteps. In 1932, Ruth Elder became the first woman to fly solo from the United States to Europe. In 1937, Jacqueline Cochran became the first woman to fly solo across the Pacific Ocean.

These women were pioneers in the field of aviation, and their accomplishments helped to break down barriers for women in all walks of life.

World War II

The outbreak of World War II in 1939 once again created opportunities for women in aviation. The United States government established the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) program, which trained women to fly military aircraft.

WASP pilots flew a variety of missions, including ferrying aircraft, towing targets, and transporting supplies. They also flew combat missions, such as dropping bombs and strafing enemy positions.

The WASP program was disbanded in 1944, but the women who served in it made significant contributions to the war effort. They proved that women were capable of flying military aircraft, and they paved the way for women to serve in the military in other roles.

The Postwar Years

After the war, women continued to make progress in aviation. In 1947, Jacqueline Cochran became the first woman to break the sound barrier. In 1960, Geraldine Moynihan became the first woman to fly a jet aircraft across the Atlantic Ocean.

Today, women are well-represented in all areas of aviation. They fly commercial airliners, private jets, and military aircraft. They work as mechanics, engineers, and air traffic controllers. Women have made significant contributions to the field of aviation, and they continue to inspire us with their courage and determination.

The story of the women who dared to fly is an inspiring one. These women faced significant challenges and discrimination, but they refused to be limited by societal norms. They fought for their right to fly, and they achieved great things. Their stories are a reminder that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.

The Hurricane Girls: The inspirational true story of the women who dared to fly

by Jo Wheeler

4.2 out of 5