- The Wright brothers� first flight at Kitty Hawk, NC could have
been performed within the (150-foot) economy section of a 747-400.
- Before Air Traffic Control Towers were developed, pilots
avoided other aircraft by a method called "see and be seen".
- Prior to 1926, a person could fly passengers or goods without obtaining
a pilot�s license.
- The first animal aviators were a sheep, a duck and a
cockerel that were sent aloft in a hot air balloon in 1783.
- "Air stewardess" was the official title given to
the position that we now refer to as "Flight Attendant". The
first Air Stewardess was Ellen Church and she began work with United
Airlines in May 1930.
- Amelia Earhart was the first woman to fly the Atlantic solo.
In 1935, Earhart achieved two solo firsts; Hawaii to the mainland
and Mexico to New York City.
- Elizabeth Dole was the first woman to become Secretary of Transportation.
- Harriett Quimby was the first woman to earn a pilot�s
license. The year was 1911.
Page last modified: September 08, 2006 4:22:00 PM EDT
This page was originally published at: http://www.faa.gov/education/student_resources/kids_corner/ages_10_12/facts/