AOCOPM 2024 Midyear Educational Conference-346719

346719 - Article 9

Pdf Summary

This document outlines significant contributions and milestones achieved by women in aviation and space exploration. It begins by detailing early female aviators, highlighting Blanche Scott as the first woman to fly in 1910, and Harriet Quimby as the first woman licensed as a pilot in the U.S. in 1911. The formation of The 99s, an organization of female pilots led by Amelia Earhart, is noted, along with achievements of Elinor Smith, who set multiple flying records and achieved notoriety for her stunts and skill.<br /><br />Key figures in aviation history like Bessie Coleman, the first African American woman to earn a pilot's license, and Barbra Kibbee Jayne, the first U.S. woman to test Navy fighter aircraft, are also mentioned. The document also covers the role of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) during World War II, who ferried half of the combat planes across U.S. bases and trained on various aircraft.<br /><br />The text transitions into space exploration, mentioning Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman in space in 1963, and Eileen Collins, the first U.S. woman to pilot and later command a space shuttle. It also highlights Mae Jemison as the first Black female astronaut in 1992.<br /><br />The document provides statistical information on women's presence in aviation, noting significant increases from the 1960s to today. Finally, it emphasizes the diverse roles women now occupy in various aviation sectors, illustrating the expanding scope of female participation in both military and civilian aviation industries.

Keywords

women in aviation

space exploration

Blanche Scott

Harriet Quimby

The 99s

Amelia Earhart

Bessie Coleman

WASP

Valentina Tereshkova

Eileen Collins