Tag: Women Aviators

Let’s Fly Now: Experience the Skies for Free!

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Experience the Skies for Free This Saturday and be Ready to take your dreams to new heights. Circle April 27th on your calendar because the Florida Goldcoast Ninety-Nines are hosting a Let’s Fly Now! event at Homestead airport (X51) in Homestead, FL. This thrilling opportunity invites new and aspiring pilots of all ages to experience the magic of flight firsthand, completely free of charge. Experience the Skies

Empowering Tomorrow’s Aviators

Let’s Fly Now! isn’t just about flying; it’s about empowerment and breaking down barriers. While our focus is on females of flying age, our event welcomes everyone with a passion for aviation. This signature introductory flight program, launched by the Ninety-Nines in 2018, aims to inspire and educate the next generation of aviators.

Generous Support and Exciting Partnerships

Thanks to the generosity of Ninety-Nines, Friends of The Ninety-Nines, and certified pilots, we can offer this unique opportunity with all expenses covered. But wait, there’s more! King Schools and Dare to Fly have joined forces with us, providing free online programs, significant discounts on pilot courses, and special gifts to kickstart your aviation journey plus you get to Experience the Skies For Free!

How to Join the Adventure

Ready to take flight? Registering for this unforgettable experience is as easy as navigating to our website and following the provided instructions. Select your preferred time slot, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the skies. Whether you’re an experienced pilot or stepping foot into a cockpit for the first time, we promise an experience that will stay with you forever.  Register Here To Attend This Saturday 4-27-24

Experience the Skies

Volunteer and Spread Your Wings

Behind every successful flight is a team of dedicated volunteers and volunteer pilots. If you’re a licensed pilot eager to share your love of flying or if you’d like to lend a hand on the ground, we’d love to have you on board. Visit our website to sign up and be a part of this incredible initiative. To volunteer as a pilot, you must possess at least a Private Pilot’s license and valid Medical Certificate.

First 1) visit Here to Register as a Pilot and click on “Register as a Pilot”, to ensure you are properly registered with the Ninety-Nines as a pilot, selecting the Florida Goldcoast chapter as the participating chapter you’ll be volunteering for. Then, 2) email Myra Bugbee at mjbugbee1@gmail.com to notify her know of your registration and interest. Be sure to check any provided contact method, and ensure timely responses to our organizers, who will reach out to review the coming event with you.

Join Us in Homestead, FL

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to soar above Homestead, FL, on April 27th. Whether you’re a seasoned pilot or an aviation enthusiast, we invite you to join us at the Homestead airport to experience the skies and discover the thrill of flight firsthand. We can’t wait to welcome you to the world of aviation and show you the endless possibilities that await.

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At EmptyLegs.net, we’re passionate about making aviation accessible to everyone. Stay tuned for more exciting updates, events, and opportunities to explore the skies. Until then, Remember to Be Social, Fly Private! 

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The Remarkable Elinor Smith, the “Flying Flapper of Freeport.”

Posted on by rbaliatico

In the annals of aviation history, there are names that shine bright as beacons of inspiration and accomplishment. One such name is Elinor Smith. Often dubbed as the “Flying Flapper of Freeport,” Smith’s journey through the skies transcended boundaries, shattered stereotypes, and left an indelible mark on the aviation world. In this blog post, we delve into the life, achievements, and enduring legacy of this remarkable pioneer.

Elinor Smith her Early Life and Passion for Aviationelinor smith

Elinor Smith’s fascination with flight began at an early age. Born in 1911 in New York City, she grew up in an era where aviation was still in its infancy. Fascinated by the daredevil pilots of her time, Smith was determined to take to the skies herself. At just six years old, she experienced her first airplane ride, igniting a passion that would define her life. At age 10 she began receiving flying lessons from Clyde Pangborn who tied blocks to the rudder pedals so Elinor’s feet could reach. She received further lessons from Frederick Melvin Lund, who piloted her father around the country on the vaudeville circuit and was teaching him to fly as well, and from Bert Acosta. Her father bought a Waco 9 and hired “Red” Devereaux as a pilot and flight instructor for both of them. However, during that time her father directed the instructors to not let her take off or land, because he was concerned for her safety. This prohibition was finally lifted by her mother while her father was out of town, and after ten days of intense instruction from Russ Holderman, she soloed for the first time at age 16. She began taking her father’s Waco 9 up to higher altitudes than anyone had ever taken such a plane. Smith’s journey into aviation wasn’t without its challenges. In an era dominated by male aviators, she faced skepticism and discrimination. However, undeterred by societal norms, she pursued her dreams with unwavering determination. At the age of 16, she earned her pilot’s license, becoming the youngest licensed pilot in the United States at the time.

Record-Breaking Flights of Elinor Smith

Throughout her career, Smith set numerous aviation records, showcasing her unparalleled skill and daring. In 1928, at the age of just 17, she gained international fame by becoming the youngest pilot to fly solo. On January 30, flying an open cockpit Bruner Winkle biplane on a day when the temperature was 0 °F (−18 °C), Smith set a women’s solo endurance record of 13½ hours. Her plan was to fly through the night and land in daylight: unbeknownst to those around her, although she had often landed at dusk she had never done a true night landing before. However, the effect of the cold on both her body and that of her aircraft forced her down early. By her own account, she managed to land with a heavy remaining load of fuel only due to the good fortune of being able to follow in Jimmy Doolittle, who had seen her fire her flare pistol. No one on the ground had seen the flare, so the runway lights had not been turned on. Upon landing she promised herself “never again to display this blend of incompetence and arrogance.” Her audacious flights, including endurance tests and altitude records, captured the imagination of people worldwide and solidified her status as a trailblazer in aviation history.

Landmark Achievements, her Legacy, and Influence on Aviationelinor smith

In Smith’s list of achievements is as impressive as it is extensive. From setting speed records to pioneering new flight techniques, she continually pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible in aviation. One of her most notable feats was her successful navigation of New York City’s dangerous Hell Gate Bridge—a daring maneuver that earned her widespread acclaim and cemented her status as a fearless aviator. A request for Elinor’s autograph accompanied the Department’s letter of reprimand. Tom D. Crouch writes that she had her license suspended for 15 days. In any case, the stunt and her devil-may-care attitude made her a celebrity and helped to win her the “Flying Flapper” nickname. In March 1930 she added almost 1 mile (1.6 km) to the world altitude record, flying to a height of 27,419 feet (8,357 m). Her articulate performance in an NBC broadcast interview after that flight won her a position as a broadcaster covering the world of aviation, including live broadcasts from air shows and interviews with other prominent aviators. In May 1930, still before her 19th birthday, she became the youngest pilot ever granted a Transport License by the U.S. Department of Commerce. In October 1930 a poll of licensed pilots selected her as the “Best Woman Pilot in America”. Elinor Smith’s impact on aviation extends far beyond her record-breaking flights. As a role model for aspiring pilots, particularly women, she inspired generations to pursue their dreams fearlessly. Her legacy lives on in the countless individuals she inspired to reach for the skies, regardless of gender or background. Today, her name stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and determination.

Wrapping It Up

In the storied history of aviation, few figures shine as brightly as Elinor Smith. Her courage, skill, and relentless pursuit of excellence paved the way for future generations of aviators, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to inspire to this day. As we reflect on her remarkable achievements, let us remember the Flying Flapper of Freeport as a true pioneer whose spirit of adventure and determination knew no bounds. That’s a wrap, until next week, remember to Be Social, Fly Private!

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New Sonar Image May Have Found Amelia Earhart Plane

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The strange disappearance of pioneering aviator Amelia Earhart during her flight over the Pacific Ocean has held the world’s fascination for nearly 87 years, sparking numerous investigations, debates, and expeditions in search of answers regarding the fate of the beloved pilot. The latest addition to the search effort comes from a team of underwater archaeologists and marine robotics experts affiliated with Deep Sea Vision, an ocean exploration company based in Charleston, South Carolina. They claim to have come across a potential breakthrough that might shed light on Earhart’s story. Utilizing sonar imaging, a technology that employs sound waves to chart the ocean floor’s topography, the team has identified an intriguing anomaly lurking in the depths of the Pacific Ocean, submerged at a staggering depth of more than 16,000 feet (4,877 meters). This anomaly bears a striking resemblance to a small aircraft, prompting the team to speculate that it could potentially be the Lockheed 10-E Electra, the ten-passenger plane that Earhart was piloting when she vanished while attempting her around-the-world flight.

Amelia Earhart Disappearance, the Greatest Mystery of All Time

Tony Romeo, CEO of the company, who also boasts a background as a pilot and a former US Air Force intelligence officer. He stated, “We find ourselves presented with a unique chance to provide resolution to one of the most remarkable stories in American history.” According to Romeo, the imagery was captured approximately 100 miles (161 kilometers) from Howland Island. This island was the anticipated landing point for Amelia Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan after their final departure from Lae, Papua New Guinea. Following an extensive 16-day search led by the US government, the duo was officially declared lost at sea.

Deep Sea Vision, during its expedition, meticulously scanned an expansive area of more than 5,200 square miles (13,468 square kilometers) on the ocean floor. They employed the Hugin 6000, an advanced autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) equipped with sonar technology for seabed mapping. Romeo revealed that the company’s expedition commenced in early September 2023 and concluded in December. He expressed his intentions to revisit the site within the year to seek further validation regarding the anomaly’s identity, which would likely involve deploying a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) equipped with a camera for closer examination. Additionally, the team would explore the possibility of retrieving the discovery from the ocean depths.

 

More theories on the Earhart disappearance

Amelia Earthart
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In a 2017 History Channel documentary, a hypothesis was presented, suggesting that Amelia Earhart and Fred Noonan had crash-landed in the Marshall Islands, approximately 1,000 miles (1,609 kilometers) distant from Howland Island. According to this theory, they were subsequently captured and taken to Saipan Island, where they were held captive and eventually met their demise. The foundation of this theory rested on a photograph from the US National Archives, featuring several indistinct figures, with investigators contending that the aviator and her aircraft were discernible in the image.

In 2016, the International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery (TIGHAR) proposed an alternative scenario. They theorized that Earhart and Noonan survived a challenging landing on a Pacific Ocean reef but eventually perished as castaways when their attempts to send radio distress signals were unsuccessful. TIGHAR’s team argued that a skeleton discovered on the island of Nikumaroro, Kiribati, in 1940, exhibited characteristics matching Earhart’s height and ethnic background. Meanwhile, the most widely accepted theory, upheld by the US government and the Smithsonian, posits that Earhart and Noonan crashed into the Pacific Ocean near Howland Island due to fuel depletion.

The newly acquired sonar image of the presumed missing aircraft has generated considerable interest because of its close proximity to Howland Island. Dorothy Cochrane, a curator specializing in general aviation within the aeronautics department at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, emphasized that Earhart’s final radio transmissions indicated increasing signal strength as she approached Howland Island, implying proximity to the island before her disappearance.

Wrapping It Up

To verify that the newly discovered anomaly is indeed Earhart’s plane, further investigation would be necessary, including the specific task of locating the aircraft’s certification code “NR16020,” which was inscribed on the underside of the missing Lockheed’s wing. In the event that the plane is found at such profound ocean depths, characterized by frigid temperatures and limited oxygen, there exists the potential for remarkable preservation. Amelia Earhart represented a prominent figure of her era and everyone was rooting for her, hoping she would successfully circumnavigate the globe. However, she vanished without a trace. It remains one of the 20th century’s greatest mysteries, a puzzle that has extended into the 21st century. Well that’s it for now, until next time remember to Be Social, Fly Private!

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Jacqueline Cochran, makeup meets moxie

Posted on by rbaliatico

Jacqueline Cochran, a name etched in the annals of aviation history, was not just a pioneering pilot; she was an indomitable force that blazed trails through the sky. While many know her as a record-breaking aviator, her life was an intricate tapestry of remarkable stories that deserve to be celebrated. In this blog post, we’ll uncover six captivating aspects of Jacqueline Cochran’s life, from her entrepreneurial spirit to her role in the early space program.

Entrepreneurial Early Life of Jacqueline Cochran

Born as Bessie Mae Pittman in DeFuniak Springs, Florida, Cochran was destined to live life on her terms. At the tender age of 10, she boldly left her job in the cotton mills to work at a beauty salon. Her journey led her to briefly study nursing, but her spirit pushed her back to the world of hairdressing. By the early 1930s, she had climbed the ranks to work at Antoine’s salons in the prestigious Saks Fifth Avenue stores in New York City and Miami. Interestingly, Cochran publicly maintained that she was an orphan while secretly staying in contact with her Pittman family.

How She Started to Fly

Jacqueline Cochran

Jacqueline Cochran’s entry into the world of aviation was unconventional, to say the least. It was her future husband, Floyd Odlum, who suggested she learn to fly to promote their business venture. In 1932, she embarked on this daring journey, soloing at Roosevelt Flying School on Long Island after just three weeks of lessons. Her passion for flying soared, leading her to advanced instruction at the Ryan School of Aeronautics. She earned her instrument rating, commercial, and transport pilot licenses. Her courage knew no bounds.

Flying, Cosmetics, and Setting Records

In 1935, Cochran expanded her horizons into the cosmetics industry by establishing “Jacqueline Cochran Cosmetics, Wings of Beauty.” She competed successfully with established beauty houses like Helena Rubenstein and Elizabeth Arden. What’s intriguing is that, despite her rigorous flying schedule, she managed to fly around the country delivering test products and building a network of distributors. Her relentless spirit even led her to create a moisturizer to combat dry skin caused by high-altitude flights. Cochran’s insistence on looking impeccable after flights was not only a personal preference but also a statement against the prevailing perception of women pilots.

Jacqueline Cochran Setting Aviation Records

Jacqueline Cochran was not content with breaking the mold; she aimed to shatter records. In 1937, she set two women’s speed records in her Beech D-17W Staggerwing. But she didn’t stop there. Cochran went on to break three major flying records, not just in women’s categories but also in men’s. Her crowning achievement was winning the prestigious 1938 Bendix Trophy Race, piloting Alexander de Seversky’s P-35 pursuit plane after three tenacious attempts.

World War II and Forming the WASPJacqueline Cochran

As World War II loomed over Europe, Jacqueline Cochran was among those who believed women should play a pivotal role in wartime aviation. In 1941, she handpicked 27 highly qualified U.S. women pilots to ferry military aircraft in Great Britain for the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA). In 1942, at the request of Army General Henry “Hap” Arnold, she organized the Women’s Flying Training Detachment (WFTD) to train civilian women pilots in anticipation of a domestic shortage of American military pilots. The WFTD merged with Nancy Love’s Women’s Auxiliary Ferry Squadron (WAFS) to form the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), with Cochran as its director. These fearless women flew over 60 million miles, ferrying aircraft, towing targets, and performing critical transport duties. Despite disbandment in 1944, Cochran’s unwavering leadership eventually led to the WASP receiving retroactive military status in 1977.

 

Jacqueline Cochran and the Early Space Program

Cochran’s influence extended to the early space program as well. She supported the Lovelace Clinic’s Woman in Space Program in 1960-1961, which offered rigorous medical testing to highly-qualified female pilots, mirroring the NASA tests for male astronauts. Thirteen women successfully passed these tests. However, NASA was not yet ready to include women in the space program. Jacqueline Cochran’s complex stance on women as prospective astronauts or commercial airline pilots was a testament to her multifaceted personality.

Wrapping It Up

Jacqueline Cochran’s life was a symphony of audacity, resilience, and triumph. Her entrepreneurial spirit, record-setting flights, pivotal role in World War II, and involvement in the early space program make her an icon of aviation. Her legacy reminds us that with unwavering determination, we can soar to unimaginable heights, break barriers, and leave an indelible mark on history. Jacqueline Cochran, the soaring pioneer, will forever inspire us to reach for the stars. That’s it for this weeks blogs, until next time, Be Social, Fly Private !

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Jean Batten: The Fearless Female Aviator, Shattered Gender Norms

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Jean Batten

Jean Batten, the fearless female aviator, shattered gender norms. In aviation history, there are few names that shine as brightly as Jean Batten’s. She was not just a pioneering aviator; she was a trailblazing woman, and set records that continue to inspire aspiring pilots and aviation enthusiasts to this day. In this blog post, we will delve into the life and achievements of the famous female aviator, Jean Batten.

Early Life of Jean Batten and Her Passion for Aviation

Jean Gardner Batten was born on September 15, 1909, in Rotorua, New Zealand. From a young age, she exhibited a deep fascination with aviation, which was still in its infancy at the time. Her passion for flying was kindled when she saw an aerial circus performance as a child, and she knew from that moment on that she wanted to take to the skies.

Batten’s journey into aviation was far from typical, especially for a woman in the early 20th century. At the age of 18, she moved to England to pursue her dream of becoming a pilot. In 1929, she enrolled in the London Aero Club and earned her private pilot’s license, making her one of the very few female pilots of her time.

Record-Breaking Flights

Jean Batten’s true claim to fame came through her record-breaking long-distance flights. The mid 1930s were the heyday of Batten’s flying career. After two failed attempts to fly from England to Australia in 1933 she successfully completed a return journey in May 1934. Although the route had been flown in one direction or the other more than 30 times, Batten’s gender and her beauty captured huge media attention. In keeping with the direction of her ‘patron saint’, oil magnate Lord Wakefield (of Castrol Oil), she carefully kept herself in front of the public eye, embarking on extensive tours of Australia and New Zealand. During both tours Batten was accompanied by a mascot, a black kitten she had named Buddy.

However, Batten’s most iconic flight was her solo journey from England to New Zealand in 1936. She completed this historic flight in just 11 days and 45 minutes, shattering the previous record for the journey. Her achievement captured the hearts and imaginations of people worldwide, and she was celebrated as a national hero in New Zealand.

Batten’s accomplishments continued as she broke several more records, including flying from Australia to England in 1937 in a mere 5 days and 18 hours, making her the fastest woman to complete the journey at that time.

Jean Batten and Her Spirit of Adventure

Jean Batten’s determination and courage were truly remarkable. She faced numerous challenges and obstacles on her journeys, from mechanical problems to unpredictable weather conditions, but she persevered. Batten’s adventurous spirit and unwavering dedication to aviation became an inspiration to countless individuals, especially women who aspired to enter the male-dominated field of aviation.

Legacy and Recognition

Jean Batten’s achievements did not go unnoticed, and she received numerous awards and honors during her lifetime, including being made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1937. Her legacy continues to be celebrated in New Zealand, where she is remembered as one of the country’s greatest aviation pioneers.

Wrapping It Up

Jean Batten’s remarkable journey from a small town in New Zealand to becoming a world-renowned aviator serves as a testament to the power of determination, passion, and breaking down gender barriers. She left an indelible mark on the world of aviation, inspiring generations of women and men to pursue their dreams, regardless of the obstacles they may face. Jean Batten’s name will forever be associated with the pioneering spirit of aviation, and her story remains an enduring source of inspiration for those who dare to dream of conquering the skies. Until next time, remember to Be Social, Fly Private!

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Unraveling the Enigma: The Early Life of Amelia Earhart

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Unraveling the Enigma: The Early Life of Amelia Earhart

Introduction Amelia Earhart

Amelia Earhart, a name that resonates with courage, determination, and the spirit of adventure, captivated the world with her remarkable achievements as an aviator. Her trailblazing exploits shattered gender norms and paved the way for future generations of women to dream beyond boundaries. But before she became an aviation icon, Amelia’s early life played a pivotal role in shaping the extraordinary woman she would become.

A Childhood of Curiosity

Born on July 24, 1897, in Atchison, Kansas, Amelia Mary Earhart exhibited an inquisitive mind and a thirst for exploration from an early age. Raised in a progressive family, Amelia’s parents encouraged her curiosity and independence, fostering an environment that would later fuel her passion for flying. She was known to be a tomboy, unafraid to explore the outdoors and embrace activities considered unconventional for young girls at the time.

Influence of Family and Education

Amelia’s familial support was a cornerstone of her early development. Her grandfather, Alfred Otis, was a federal judge, while her mother, Amy Otis Earhart, was an advocate for women’s rights and social justice. This familial influence instilled in Amelia a sense of responsibility to challenge societal norms and strive for equality.

Her education at Hyde Park High School in Chicago played a significant role in nurturing her intellect and love for learning. However, her formal education was cut short when her family faced financial difficulties, leading to Amelia working various jobs to support herself and her dreams.

World War I and Nursing

During World War I, Amelia volunteered as a nurse’s aide in Toronto, Canada, attending wounded soldiers and gaining exposure to the medical field. This experience further solidified her determination to make a difference and contribute meaningfully to the world.

The Fateful Flight

Amelia’s introduction to aviation occurred in December 1920, when she attended an airshow in Long Beach, California. A 10-minute flight with pilot Frank Hawks sealed her fate: she knew she had to learn to fly. This decision marked the beginning of her aviation journey, a path that would ultimately define her legacy.

Breaking Barriers

In 1921, Amelia Earhart began flight lessons, demonstrating her tenacity and fearless attitude in a male-dominated field. Just two years later, she set the world record for women’s altitude at 14,000 feet—a testament to her determination and skill. Throughout the 1920s, she consistently broke barriers for female aviators, smashing gender stereotypes and becoming an inspiration to women everywhere.

Amelia Earhart’s early life laid the foundation for her groundbreaking career as an aviator and an advocate for gender equality. Her childhood curiosity, family support, determination, and exposure to unconventional experiences molded her into the extraordinary woman who would go on to redefine what women could achieve.

As we reflect on her life, it’s clear that Amelia Earhart’s journey was not only one of exploration through the skies but also a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Her legacy continues to inspire individuals to pursue their passions, shatter limitations, and reach for the stars—just as she did on that fateful flight that launched her into the annals of history. Next week we will take a closer look at her flying accomplishments, so until then Be Social, Fly Private!

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