The Women Pilots
This skilled pilot and mechanic won the 1929 Women’s Air Derby.
Who is Louise Thaden?
The race crossed the United States from California to this eastern city.
What is Cleveland, Ohio?
Navigation often depended on maps and landmarks rather than instruments.
What is visual navigation?
Many reporters focused on appearance instead of skill.
What is gender stereotyping?
Most planes in the race were made of this lightweight material.
What is wood and fabric?
She competed in the race while battling an ongoing rivalry with Amelia Earhart.
Who is Pancho Barnes?
The race began in this California city.
What is Santa Monica?
Social prejudice made people doubt women’s flying ability.
What is sexism?
The book shows how publicity could help or hurt women pilots.
What is media influence?
Many planes did not have this modern flying aid, making the race more dangerous.
What is a radio?
This pilot helped push for better safety standards and fair treatment of women in aviation.
Who is Ruth Nichols?
The event was officially called the Women’s Air Derby, but was nicknamed this by critics.
What is the “Powder Puff Derby”?
Clue: Emergency landings were common due to these unexpected problems.
Response:
What are fuel shortages or breakdowns?
Newspapers closely followed the race because it was considered unusual.
What is women flying planes?
Pilots relied on this basic tool to find their way across the country.
What are maps?
Several racers later helped form this organization to support women pilots.
What are the Ninety-Nines?
The race was organized as part of this major national event.
What are the National Air Races?
Several pilots risked serious injury just to prove women belonged in aviation.
What is personal sacrifice?
The racers became role models for girls.
What are pioneers?
Some aircraft broke down because engines were unreliable and overheated.
What is mechanical failure?
This racer later became the first woman to fly nonstop across the Atlantic Ocean.
Who is Amelia Earhart?
Racers landed in multiple cities along the route rather than flying nonstop.
What are stages or checkpoints?
Despite all risks, the women showed determination and bravery.
What is courage?
The women’s success helped pave the way for future female pilots.
What is equality in aviation?
The race showed the need for better aircraft design and these improvements.
What are safety standards?