Aviation History - 1 August 1911 - First American woman receives pilot's license

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 10:52:02 -0400

Harriet Quimby is the first American woman to receive a U.S. Federation Aeronautique pilot's license.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Aug 2 at 2015 11:54 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 11:54:56 -0400

That beats my mom out by a bunch. Even shortly before WW2, women getting licenses was rare, hence I'm making sure her original license and photo are saved. She was going to an all girls school which had an aviation program taught by a salty ex-Mil who could say "Laaaadies" in tones that would curdle a Senior Chief. They flew Jennys (JN-4) biplanes similar to the WW-1 Army trainer shown. Her dream of flying was short lived as the hourly cost during the depression years made it impossible. Her father forbade her from signing up to fly in WW-2 as he already lost one daughter to elopement and he wasn't going to see another go. Those efforts pushed her out to my dad regardless. Other than the famous female aviators, there was a strong cultural bias against women pilots.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2015 1:15 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 13:15:26 -0400

When it comes to Aviation "tid bits", CW3 Private RallyPoint Member, you always keep us informed

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 2 at 2015 1:22 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 13:22:50 -0400

I just went to the Pima Air Museum in sunny Tucson and they have a display for the first black woman to earn her license (1912-ish). Huge accomplishment considering that not only did women get treated like 2nd class humans, but minority women had even higher to climb. Respect!

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Aug 2 at 2015 5:53 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 17:53:57 -0400

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member, I read about Harriet Quimby. She was also the first woman to cross the English Channel and tragically was thrown from her plane at 1500' (pre seat belt days) and killed exactly 11 months after she received her license. Her trademark flight suit was especially made for her from purple satin material. CPT Private RallyPoint Member