Historic Aviation > Aviation History
Women in aviation
Viggen:
Its ok. I just thought i would remind you before anything more hardcore turns up. LOL! ;D I know how easy it is to get a bit carried away, done that mistake a couple of times myself. :)
Viggen:
In poker this might be a winning hand. ;D
AVIATOR:
The early aviation achievements of Amy Johnson
Early in 1930, she chose her objective: to fly solo to Australia and to beat Bert Hinkler's record of 16 days.
Amy set off alone in a single engine Gypsy Moth from Croydon on May 5, 1930, and landed in Darwin on May 24, an epic flight of 11,000 miles. She was the first woman to fly alone to Australia.
In July 1931, she set an England to Japan record in a Puss Moth with Jack Humphreys. In July 1932, she set a record from England to Capetown, solo, in a Puss Moth. In May, 1936, she set a record from England to Capetown, solo, in a Percival Gull, a flight to retrieve her 1932 record.
With her husband, Jim Mollison, she also flew in a DH Dragon non-stop from Pendine Sands, South Wales, to the United States in 1933. They also flew non-stop in record time to India in 1934 in a DH Comet in the England to Australia air race.
After her commercial flying ended with the outbreak of World War II in 1939, Amy joined the Air Transport Auxiliary, a pool of experienced pilots who were ineligible for RAF service. Her flying duties consisted of ferrying aircraft from factory airstrips to RAF bases.
It was on one of these routine flights on January 5, 1941, that Amy crashed into the Thames estuary and was drowned, a tragic and early end to the life of Britain's most famous woman pilot.
Viggen:
Great post Aviator. It was a real intresting read. :)
Webmaster:
Came across a nice related story.
--- Quote from: RAF ---Flying suit to fancy frock for model pilot
Thursday 2 July 2009
21 year old student pilot Jennifer Thomas is trying to keep her feet on the ground after selection as a finalist in the Miss Wales competition. Following her success in the Miss Conwy heat, she will join other regional winners to take part in the Miss Wales Grand Final at Cardiff International Arena on 18th July.
Away from her final year studies at the University of Chester, law student Jenny is an Officer Cadet with Liverpool University Air Squadron, based at RAF Woodvale, Formby. After three years at the station, Jenny said “My biggest achievement so far is flying solo in a light aircraft – I’ve had over 40 hours of instructional flying and 5 hours solo”. Taking up the Miss Wales challenge started out simply enough. “A friend entered last year, and I thought ‘I can give that a go’. It’s not just about looking good, the judges are looking for well rounded people – one of the finalists is a female fire-fighter from South Wales” Jenny added.
Physical fitness is important to Jenny, and she represents the Squadron in football, rugby, netball and hockey, as well as taking part in training expeditions to Canada and Austria. Despite this she was glad that the competition does not involve some of the pageant stereotypes, and she was quick to point out: “There is no swim suit involved!” The Final will feature an interview, and three outfits - a short dress, a Welsh flag dress and a full length evening gown. Also playing a crucial part is the public vote – the finalist with the most votes will be awarded an extra 10 points on the night. So far Jenny has been handing out flyers around RAF Woodvale and her local area, canvassing votes and trying to raise her profile.
“I really want to win this” she said. “I’m up against girls who do this for a living – I have no previous experience of this kind of thing. I was always a bit of a tomboy, and my Mum got quite teary the first time she saw me in a full length frock”. Dad Mervyn and younger brother Michael are supportive, but Mum Cheryl was not keen when Jenny first entered the competition; “She’s always taught me not to rely on looks, but then she realised that the competition overall is really about me as a person - now she’s more excited than me!” Judging at the Grand Final will mark the contestants on their confidence, poise on the catwalk, personal presentation and overall enthusiasm. Jenny has been keeping up with her fitness training to help get her in shape for the big night. “I want to give of my best – I’m only going to do this once!” she added.
The winner on the 18th July will go forward to the Miss World Competition in October. Miss Wales will also work with The Joshua Foundation, the chosen charity of the competition, helping to provide holidays and experiences for children diagnosed with terminal cancer. Whoever wins will face a jam packed schedule of events, but Jenny is determined to pursue something she has always wanted to do – she plans to apply to the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre at RAF Cranwell before the end of the year.
ITV Wales will be filming Jenny as she takes part in adventurous training with Liverpool University Air Squadron, to be screened on the evening of 13th July.
Vote for Jenny:
Text jenniferthomas to 84205 or vote from a landline by calling 0901 656 1550 and entering her contestant number 60. All votes cost 60p plus the standard network charge. Lines close at 12pm on Friday 17th July. Full details available on http://www.misswales.co.uk/
Source: http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/archive.cfm?storyid=40C4F371-5056-A318-A884407A914CBE34
--- End quote ---
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