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High, Wide, and Frightened: The Extraordinary Journey of Louise Thaden

Clark Campbell

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Louise Thaden In The Cockpit Of An Airplane, Wearing A Flight Suit And Holding A Map. High Wide And Frightened Louise Thaden

Louise Thaden: A Trailblazing Aviator

In the annals of aviation history, the name Louise Thaden stands as a beacon of courage, determination, and unwavering spirit. She soared through the skies at a time when women were largely marginalized from the world of flight, shattering barriers and inspiring generations to come.

High, Wide and Frightened

by Louise Thaden

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	265 pages

Born in 1895 in Arkansas City, Kansas, Thaden's passion for aviation ignited at an early age. Despite societal norms that discouraged women from pursuing such endeavors, she defied expectations and embarked on a remarkable journey that would forever change the face of aviation.

Early Accomplishments and Breaking Barriers

Thaden's aviation career began in 1928 when she purchased her first airplane, a three-cylinder Waco Taperwing. In the following years, she quickly ascended the ranks of aviation, setting records and shattering glass ceilings along the way.

In 1930, she became the first woman to fly solo from Los Angeles to Cleveland, completing the cross-country flight in a record time of 17 hours and 14 minutes. Her astonishing feat garnered national attention and cemented her status as a pioneering aviatrix.

Undeterred by the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field, Thaden continued to push the limits of her abilities. In 1931, she set a new world altitude record for women, reaching an impressive height of 19,900 feet.

The Bendix Trophy and the "Powder Puff Derby"

Thaden's most famous achievement was her victory in the 1936 Bendix Trophy Race, one of the most prestigious air races of its time. Flying a Beechcraft Staggerwing with her co-pilot, Blanche Noyes, she triumphed over 23 male competitors, cementing her legacy as an exceptional pilot.

In the same year, Thaden and Noyes established the "Powder Puff Derby," an annual air race exclusively for women pilots. This groundbreaking event aimed to encourage women's participation in aviation and became a symbol of female empowerment in the skies.

Advocate for Women in Aviation

Beyond her accomplishments as a pilot, Thaden was a tireless advocate for women in aviation. She served as the first president of the Ninety-Nines, an international organization dedicated to supporting women pilots.

Through her role in the Ninety-Nines and her influential voice in aviation circles, Thaden played a pivotal role in promoting opportunities for women in the field and challenging the prevailing biases against them.

Later Life and Legacy

After a groundbreaking career in aviation, Thaden transitioned to a life of writing and public speaking. She authored several books and became a respected aviation historian. Her contributions to aviation earned her numerous accolades, including induction into both the National Aviation Hall of Fame and the International Women's Air & Space Museum.

Louise Thaden's legacy extends far beyond her own achievements. She inspired countless women to pursue their dreams of flying and paved the way for generations of aviatrixes to come. Her unwavering determination and pioneering spirit continue to resonate with those who aspire to soar to new heights.

Louise Thaden was a true pioneer, a woman who defied societal constraints and soared to unprecedented heights in the world of aviation. Her courage, tenacity, and dedication to promoting women in the field have left an enduring mark on history. As we look to the future of aviation, we owe a debt of gratitude to trailblazers like Louise Thaden, who dared to dream big and shattered barriers that once seemed insurmountable. Her legacy serves as an inspiration to all who dare to chart their own paths and make their dreams a reality.

High, Wide and Frightened

by Louise Thaden

4.8 out of 5