MARCH IS WOMEN IN AVIATION HISTORY MONTH

The Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) first required licensing of aircraft mechanics in 1927. Ruth Nichols [1901-1960] and Phoebie Omlie [1902-1975] both passed their exams for an aircraft and engine (A&E) license on July 22, 1927, and submitted their paperwork for processing by a CAA clerk. Whether by chance or in alphabetical order, license No. 421 was issued to Nichols and license No. 422 was issued to Omlie. America’s first female aviators were required to maintain and fly their aircraft. Harriet Quimby [1875-1912] became America’s first licensed female pilot through the Aero Club of America, as well as became the 37th person in the world to be licensed by the Federale Aviation Internationale (FAI) on Aug. 1, 1911. Matilde Moisant [1878-1964] became the second licensed female aviator in the U.S. on Sept. 17, 1911, earning FAI license No. 44. Quimby encouraged women to learn how to maintain and drive their own automobiles, and once said that ladies could accomplish about the same results as the opposite sex, “if she will only lose that dread of getting her hands all greasy and grimy.” 

Giacinta Bradley Koontz is an aviation historian, magazine columnist and author who has received the DAR History Medal and Honorable Mention from the New York Book Festival. She has appeared on the History Channel and PBS documentaries. For further information visit her web site: www.GiaBKoontz.com.