Amelia Earhart
Pilot
July 24, 1897- July 2, 1937
Age 39
Manner of Demise: Lost in flight
“Lady Lindy,” Amelia Earhart was a pioneer in the field of aviation
for women, and over her career, she set many records for both speed and distance
flown. She was a champion for women’s suffrage, and a popular writer and
speaker.
After moving to California in 1920, Amelia attended an “Aerial Meet”
in Long Beach. The following day, she boarded an open cockpit biplane for a
flight over Los Angeles. Soon thereafter, Amelia took flying lessons and then
purchased her first plane. By 1922, Amelia set her first flying record.
Though officially she was the “Commandeer,” Amelia’s first transatlantic
flight was as passenger in 1928. Between 1928 and Amelia’s first solo transatlantic
flight in 1932, Amelia flew cross-country, organized competitions for women
pilots, and created the “Ninety-Nines,” a women’s pilot’s
organization of which she was also president.
When she next flew across the Atlantic, she flew alone. This time, she not only
set a record for being the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic, she
also was the fastest.
The only thing left was to fly around the world.
Departing from Los Angeles, California on May 21, 1937, Amelia and navigator
Fred Noonan headed eastward for the first leg of their attempt to circumnavigate
the globe. Battling equipment difficulties, foul weather and dysentery, Amelia
and Fred arrived in New Guinea on June 29, 1937. Amelia had logged 22,000 miles
and had 7000 more to go.
On July 2, the pair left New Guinea for Howland Island. Several radio transmissions
suggest that Amelia and Fred were off course. Hypotheses abound on what happened
next, but no one was to see Amelia Earhart alive again.