In 1912, the 21 year old Floridian Ruth Law purchased her first aircraft directly from Orville Wright. This would be the beginning of many firsts for her, she would soon become the first woman to make a night flight, the first woman to loop an aircraft, and the first woman authorized to wear a military uniform. Florida was also the home to another record breaking aviatrix, Jacqueline Cochran, the first woman to break the sound barrier, the first to fly a bomber across the Atlantic, and the first woman who to earn a Distinguished Service Medal.
Now it is your turn to have your first! Following the examples of the Floridian aviatrices of the past, to date two Florida events will take place during March 4-10, 2013 for Women Of Aviation Week. On the space coast, in celebration of 50 years of women is space, there will be special tours of the Kennedy Space Center on March 8th. The following day is a Fly it Forward event where non-pilot girls and women will receive free introductory flights.
In Tallahassee, the FL Aviation Center is a newly opened flight school started by two female flight instructors, Lacey and Faith. Immediately responding to the call for more women in the aviation industry they are excited to host their first Fly it Forward event come March. Girl Scout Troops and adult women will receive free flights and pinch hitter courses will be available.
Will these first time flyers become the Ruth Laws and the Jacqueline Cochrans of the future? What “firsts” will these Florida women achieve? We’ll have to wait to find out, but it all starts during the 2013, Women Of Aviation Week!
Florida is also home to the first woman to fly around the world, Jerrie Mock. She lives very close to Tallahassee, and we are hoping to have her appear at our Fly it Forward event, as well!
How fun!