Powerhouse Woman Aviator: Amy Johnson, 1930

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Amy Johnson was the real deal. She was apparently hell-bent on flying:  she took her class “A” flying license in 1929 (at age 26) after just sixteen hours of training, and got her aviation engineer license a few months later (becoming one of the first women in England to do so.)  She was then off to Australia, by herself, becoming the first woman to make this as a solo flight.  Ms. Johnson covered all the bases in flight, knowing how to fly, having the stamina and courage for flight, and also being able to work a trade in the engine.  (Here she was the only woman ground engineer certified by the Air Ministry.)

When you look closely at this happy picture you can tell that Ms. Johnson came upon her frayed and worn pant cuffs honestly, as she did her oil/grime stained trouser legs.  This was no glam shot.

Amy Johnson accomplished other feats and firsts in aviation history before dying in the line of duty flying in 1942.     

Comments

[Ray Girvan]

From YouTube: "Amy, Wonderful Amy" ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHAXpCL2y5U ). Women and film: both sides of the camera, E. Ann Kaplan, 1988, argues that the cultural reaction to Amy Johnson was doubled-edged: celebrating her achievement, but at the same time diminishing its significance into making her a love object, "a little lady who has captured every heart" - (see http://tinyurl.com/msrujd ).