Timeline of women in aviation
This is a timeline of women in aviation which describes many of the firsts and achievements of women as pilots and other roles in aviation. Women who are part of this list have piloted vehicles, including hot-air balloons, gliders, airplanes, dirigibles and helicopters. Some women have been instrumental in support roles. Others have made a name for themselves as parachutists and other forms of flight-related activities. This list encompasses women's achievements from around the globe.
These pilots leaving their ship at the four-engine school at Lockbourne are members of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPS), trained to ferry the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, c. 1944.
Sophie Blanchard makes her ascent in Milan on 15 August 1811 to mark the 42nd birthday of Napoleon.
Russian, Lydia Zvereva, the 8th woman to earn a pilot's license
German, Käthe Paulus, inventor of the modern parachute
Women have been involved in aviation from the beginnings of both lighter-than air travel and as airplanes, helicopters and space travel were developed. Women pilots were also
formerly called "aviatrices". Women have been flying powered aircraft since 1908; prior to 1970, however, most were restricted to working privately or in support roles in the aviation industry. Aviation also allowed women to "travel alone on unprecedented journeys". Women who have been successful in various aviation fields have served as mentors to younger women, helping them along in their careers.
The United States Air Force's first African American female fighter pilot, Shawna Rochelle Kimbrell
Aida de Acosta, 1903 flying Alberto Santos-Dumont's airship N° 9
Wilbur and Katharine Wright seated in the Wright Model A Flyer with Orville Wright standing nearby in 1909. This was Katharine's first time flying. Her skirt is tied with a string.
Hélène Dutrieu, 1911