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PBS is running a series of documentaries about the women who helped pioneer aviation in the 1920's. Including an amazing documentary on Poncho Barnes who flew stunts in Howard Hughes movie Hell's Angels organized he first union for Hollywood stunt pilots and was a central character in the Right Stuff.
Here's something that's to do with `International Women's Day`, which I must say, is, at least, more inspiring than that dreadful Amelia Earhart, to whom, after countless years, I've become intolerant. However, Valentino Tereshkova, who, in her cosmonaut-days, looks like my late mum, is nice, isn't she? But best of luck to those girls! I'd like to 'fly' AirIndia, too
I must say, is, at least, more inspiring than that dreadful Amelia Earhart,
It is interesting that according the documentary on the first the Women’s Air Derby during the 1929 National Air Races and Aeronautical Exposition, Earhart while the best known to the public was not considered by the other women as a "natural pilot." That title went to women like Pancho Barnes, Marvel Crosson, Louise Thaden, Phoebe Omlie or Blanche Noyes. Ironically Crosson who was an experienced Alaskan bush pilot was the only fatality during the race which was speculated to have due to carbon monoxide poisoning.
What I find remarkable, is how long it took for women to be accepted as pilots in the U.S. military, first with the Navy in 1974 and the Air Force in 1976!
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Originally Posted by TheWiseWino
What I find remarkable, is how long it took for women to be accepted as pilots in the U.S. military, first with the Navy in 1974 and the Air Force in 1976!
Especially considering how well they served as civilians during WW II flying everything the military had to offer as WASPs.
Well – let's not overlook that they make admirable 'flight-attendants', too. They tend to be better than men, you know. And I'm by no-means a misandrist or 'sexist' in saying that
Anyway, today it's Mothers Day
I didn't wish to mislead us. My wife has corrected me that Mothering Sunday, which is celebrated in the Republic of Ireland and the U K, is held on the fourth Sunday in Lent, whereas Mother's Day, which applies to most other countries including the U S A, is set for the second Sunday in May. Perhaps the maternal aviatrix could get some kicks from hopping from one country to another so as to participate in several such celebrations in the same calendar year
I sure would like to see mention of my university professor (Spanish Literature) who was a pilot back then. I've tried to google it, but I don't know her maiden name. She was an amazing professor at George Washington University and she told us a bit about flying as a WASP back then. Had the funniest 'twang' in her very American-accented Spanish, but she sure knew her Golden Age literature. Learned so much from her. I can still hear her voice as she extolled Lope de Vega...
One can assume that if one were a healthy well-connected well-educated well-to-do well-advised and well-funded woman with a few billions to spare, one would be tempted to buy a rocketship (though perhaps not from Richard Branson) so as to take one round the Moon or more. Then, especially if one could get one to believe that one began with very little, wouldn't one be fêted in society and lauded by History? What I'm illustrating is how 'challenging' it would be: but how just anyone as charming and intelligent as that could do it. If only the miserable working classes could show as much enterprise or imagination!
Last edited by OldChina; 03-09-2016 at 06:39 AM..
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