The True Story Of The First Women Cross Country Air Race

In the early 20th century, when aviation was still a male-dominated industry, a group of courageous women dared to defy societal norms and took to the skies. They formed the foundation of women's presence in aviation and paved the way for future generations of female pilots. One of their greatest achievements was the first women cross country air race, an event that would forever change the course of women's history in aviation.

It was the year 1929 when a group of twenty women pilots gathered in Santa Monica, California, to participate in the historic Women's Air Derby. This ambitious race aimed to challenge the perception that women were incapable of flying long distances and achieving greatness in the field of aviation.

The participants included renowned aviators such as Amelia Earhart, Louise Thaden, and Pancho Barnes. These women were not only skilled pilots but also strong advocates for gender equality in the aviation industry.

Sky Girls: The True Story of the First Women's Cross-Country Air Race

by Gene Nora Jessen(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8317 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	357 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

The race covered a distance of approximately 2,759 miles, taking the pilots from Santa Monica, California, to Cleveland, Ohio. Over the course of the race, the women faced numerous challenges, including treacherous weather conditions, mechanical failures, and limited navigational aids.

Despite the hardships, the women showed great resilience and determination. They braved stormy skies, navigated through unfamiliar territories, and overcame mechanical setbacks. The race became a true test of their skills, both as pilots and as women breaking barriers in a male-dominated profession.

The long journey presented an opportunity for the pioneering female pilots to showcase their abilities and prove their worth. As they soared through the skies, their determination to shatter the glass ceiling inspired countless aspiring female aviators.

Their daring endeavor quickly caught the attention of the nation, becoming a media sensation overnight. Newspapers featured headlines such as "Fearless Female Fliers Take On the Skies" and "Women Pilots Make History with Cross Country Air Race." The increasing public interest in the race propelled these remarkable women into the spotlight, where they solidified their place in aviation history.

During the race, Amelia Earhart emerged as one of the frontrunners and captured the public's imagination. Her boundless courage and groundbreaking achievements made her a symbol of hope and empowerment for women across the country.

As the race reached its climax, it became evident that the women had not only exceeded expectations but had also shattered the prevailing prejudices against female pilots. Louise Thaden emerged as the winner, proving that women had the skill, dedication, and stamina to fly alongside their male counterparts, if not surpass them.

At the finish line in Cleveland, the victorious pilot received a hero's welcome, but her triumph was shared by all who had taken part in this historic race. The first women cross country air race not only showcased the incredible talent and determination of the participants but also paved the way for women to pursue careers in aviation undeterred by gender stereotypes.

The impact of the race reverberated far beyond the aviation industry. Women from all walks of life drew inspiration from these trailblazing pilots who had dared to challenge societal norms and rewrite the rules. The participants became role models for generations to come, empowering women to dream big and break boundaries in traditionally male-dominated fields.

The groundbreaking race was a turning point in women's history, marking a significant step towards gender equality in the aviation world. It shattered the notion that flying was exclusively reserved for men and proved that women could soar to unimaginable heights when given the chance.

Today, the legacy of the first women cross country air race lives on. Women continue to make remarkable strides in aviation, and their achievements are celebrated worldwide. The race paved the way for countless female pilots to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness, proving that the sky has no gender limitations.

So, let us remember the brave women who took part in the first women cross country air race as we celebrate their remarkable journey and their enduring legacy in aviation history.

Sky Girls: The True Story of the First Women's Cross-Country Air Race

by Gene Nora Jessen(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8317 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	357 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

"A beautiful and inspiring book...fascinatingly told." — Donna Shirley, former head of the U.S. Mars program, NASA

The exhilarating story of the first women who boldly conquered the skies in the first female cross-country air race

The year is 1929, and on the eve of America's Great Depression, nineteen gutsy and passionate pilots soared above the glass ceiling in the very first female cross-country air race. Armed with grit and determination, they crossed thousands of miles in propeller-driven airplanes to defy the naysayers who would say it cannot — not should not — be done.

From the indomitable Pancho Barnes to the infamous Amelia Earhart, Sky Girls chronicles a defining and previously forgotten moment when some of the first women pilots took their rightful place in the open skies. For a country on the brink of defining change, they would become symbols of hope, daring, and the unstoppable American spirit. And for generations to come, their actions would pave the way for others to step into the brave unknown and learn to fly...

Written by female pilot and member of the original Mercury 13 Gene Nora Jessen, Sky Girls celebrates the strength and smarts of these trailblazing women, and sits perfectly on the shelf next to The Radium Girls, Hidden Figures, or Code Girls.