this post was submitted on 22 Aug 2025
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Katherine Stinson (February 14, 1891 – July 8, 1977) was an American aviation pioneer who, in 1912, became the fourth woman in the United States to earn the FAI pilot certificate. She set flying records for aerobatic maneuvers, distance, and endurance. She was the first female pilot employed by the U.S. Postal Service and the first civilian pilot to fly the mail in Canada. She was also one of the first pilots to ever fly at night and the first female pilot to fly in Canada, Japan, and China. She also was the first woman to fly over London, England.

Photo from Library of Congress

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[–] lowspeedchase@lemmy.dbzer0.com 14 points 9 months ago (1 children)

What a badass! Thank you for the link I saved the OG tiff so I can get a high quality print.

[–] Zombiepirate@lemmy.world 15 points 9 months ago

From the article:

In March 1915, the famous barnstormer Lincoln Beachey died in a crash into San Francisco Bay, and Stinson acquired the rotary engine from his wrecked plane, rebuilt it, and used it in her plane.

Yeah, the whole thing is worth a read.

[–] victorz@lemmy.world 6 points 9 months ago

I also love that we can see the shadow of the camera person in the picture.

[–] PrincessLeiasCat@sh.itjust.works 2 points 9 months ago

Oh how interesting! I didn’t know about her before this - thanks OP!