“NATIONAL AMELIA EARHART DAY”

Jul 24th “NATIONAL AMELIA EARHART DAY”

Amelia Earhart – 1897

The first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic, Amelia Earhart captured the hearts and minds of Americans. Her story would become one of legend and speculation when her attempt to circumnavigate the globe ended in her mysterious disappearance of the Pacific ocean in 1937.

Each year on July 24th, National Amelia Earhart Day honors the achievements of the aviation pioneer on the date of her birth.

Author and American aviation pioneer, Amelia Mary Earhart was born on July 24, 1897. One of Earhart’s most impressive achievements took place on May 20th, 1932. In 1927, Charles Lindbergh completed the first solo flight across the Atlantic. He flew from New York to Paris in 33 hours and 30 minutes.

Earhart took off from Grace Harbor, Newfoundland four years to the day Lindbergh completed his flight. Throughout the flight, she faced many technical difficulties. Her goal was to land in Paris, France. The previous year, Ruth Nichols also attempted to fly solo across the Atlantic. Had she succeed, she would have been the first woman to do so. However, Nichols’ crashed while attempting to land for refueling in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia.

Due to Earhart’s challenges in flight, she landed the red Lockheed Vega 14 hours and 16 minutes later in Derry, Ireland. All in all, the flight was a success. She became the first woman pilot to complete the journey. Following Earhart’s record-setting accomplishment, she earned the United States Distinguished Flying Cross.

More Earhart Facts

Broke many other records
Wrote best-selling books about her flying experiences
Instrumental in the formation of The Ninety-Nines (an organization for female pilots)
Joined the Purdue University aviation department faculty in 1935 as a visiting faculty member to counsel women on careers and help to inspire others with her love for aviation.
Member of the National Woman’s Party
Supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment

In 1937, Earhart attempted to circumnavigate the globe. Unfortunately, her Purdue-funded Lockheed Model 10 Electra disappeared over the Pacific Ocean near Howland Island in July.

Today, her successes continue to draw women around the globe to the world of aviation. Fascination with her life, career, and disappearance continues to this day. Whether or not the mystery will ever be solved remains to be seen.

HOW TO OBSERVE #AmeliaEarhartDay

Celebrate the day by researching and reading more about this famous female aviator. Add to your research other women aviation pioneers that led the way such as Bessie Coleman and Louise Thaden. Another way to celebrate includes exploring other amazing firsts in flight. We get you started with these 8 amazing aviators. There are also more aviation days to celebrate! Check out these 7 Fantastic Day Celebrating Flight. You can also cast your doubts or share your wonder by using #AmeliaEarhartDay on social media.

NATIONAL AMELIA EARHART DAY HISTORY

We know this day commemorates the birth date of Amelia Earhart of July 24, 1897. However, our research was unable to find the creator of National Amelia Earhart Day.