Quick, name the most famous female aviator of all time? Of course your answer was Amelia Earhart, a revolutionary figure in aviation with a tragic story to boot. However, blogger Todd McClamroch contends that Jerrie Mock should have been in your decision set. Wait … Jerrie Who?
On March 19, 1962, Mock, an airport manager in Columbus, Ohio, and a 500-hour private pilot, took off on a round-the-world solo flight in her successful bid to become the first woman to fly solo around the world.
In his post at My Flight Blog, McClamroch spells out her challenges and victories. Check it out here.
I remember reading about Jerry Mock, and wondering where she originated from. The other long distance flyer no one seems to remember is Max Conrad.
Wonderful!
So glad to see you share this and Todd’s great article – thank you!
Quick corrections … it was 1964 that she took off – this is the 50th anniversary.
And she had about 700 hours when she took off on this flight.
Thanks very much!
Wendy Hollinger
Publisher, Three-Eight Charlie 50th Anniversary Edition