Interesting Facts About Amelia Earhart

Amelia Earhart was an American aviator, author, and aviation pioneer. She was the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Earhart was also the first person to fly solo from Honolulu, Hawaii, to Oakland, California. She was an advocate for women’s rights, and her legacy lives on today as an icon of courage and ambition.

Earhart’s life and accomplishments have been the subject of numerous books, films, and other media. Here are some interesting facts about Amelia Earhart that you may not have known.

Early Life

Earhart was born on July 24, 1897, in Atchison, Kansas. She was the daughter of Amelia “Amy” Otis and Edwin Earhart. Her mother was a registered nurse and one of the first female graduates of the University of Kansas. Earhart’s father was a lawyer and a member of the Kansas State Senate.

Earhart was the eldest of three children and was a precocious student. She attended Hyde Park Elementary School in Chicago and then attended an all-girls school in Canada. She later attended the Ogontz School in Pennsylvania and graduated in 1916.

Aviation Career

In 1920, Earhart attended an air show in Long Beach, California, where she met pilot Frank Hawks. Hawks offered her a ride in his plane, and Earhart was instantly hooked on flying. She soon began taking flying lessons from aviation pioneer Neta Snook. In 1922, Earhart received her pilot’s license from the Federation Aeronautique Internationale, becoming the 16th woman in the world to do so.

In 1928, Earhart became the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean as a passenger on a plane piloted by Wilmer Stultz and Louis Gordon. Later that year, Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic. She completed the flight in a modified Lockheed Vega 5B plane in just under 15 hours.

In 1932, Earhart became the first person to fly solo from Honolulu, Hawaii, to Oakland, California. She completed the flight in a Lockheed Model 10-E Electra in just over 18 hours.

Interesting Facts

1. Earhart was a fashion icon.

Earhart was well known for her signature style. She often wore a leather jacket, a white silk scarf, and a pair of goggles. She also championed the idea of practical yet fashionable clothing for women who flew planes.

2. Earhart was an author.

In addition to her aviation accomplishments, Earhart was also an accomplished author. She wrote several books, including 20 Hrs., 40 Min., which detailed her flight across the Atlantic. She also wrote a column for Cosmopolitan magazine, where she discussed her experiences as a female aviator.

3. Earhart was a philanthropist.

Earhart was a strong advocate for women’s rights and was an active member of the National Woman’s Party. She was also a major contributor to the establishment of the Ninety-Nines, an organization dedicated to promoting the advancement of female aviators.

4. Earhart was a celebrity.

Earhart was an international celebrity. She was featured in magazine articles, books, and films. She was also invited to meet with numerous world leaders, including the then-Prince of Wales, later King Edward VIII.

5. Earhart disappeared during a flight.

In 1937, Earhart was attempting to become the first female aviator to fly around the world. During the flight, she disappeared over the Pacific Ocean. Despite numerous search efforts, Earhart was never found.

Conclusion

Amelia Earhart was an incredible aviator, author, and philanthropist. Her legacy lives on today as an icon of courage and ambition. From her fashion choices to her aviation accomplishments, Earhart was an inspirational figure for generations of women. Her courage and determination are an inspiration to us all.