Aviation is fuelled by as much by testosterone as Avgas – but many of the bravest and most pioneering aviators have been women.
These unsung heroines of the skies – and beyond – are celebrated in a new book, ‘The 100 Greatest Women in Aviation’ by Liz Moscrop and Sanjay Rampal. The lavishly illustrated book was launched at the show yesterday by The Aviation Bookshop.
“With so many celebrations going on at this year’s Farnborough show we though it would be a lovely idea to celebrate 100 years since women first took to the air - and what better way than to tie it in with the rest of the celebrations here,” says Moscrop.
Aisha Al Mansoori and Salma Al Balooshi, the first two female cadets in Ethihad, and two of the women included in the book, made a special appearance at the launch.
“It was a great surprise to be included in the book. It’s very inspirational for women in particular,” says Al Balooshi.
The book covers 100 profiles of some of the bravest and most inspirational women in flight history. Profiles include Harriet Quimby, Patty Wagstaff, Amelia Earhart, Amy Johnson and Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman in Space.
A ‘Fighter Chicks’ section in the book adds a touch of glamour to current aviation. One ‘chick’ in attendance was Julie ‘Disco’ Moore who says; “This book represents what women can achieve. People need to be influenced. My sister was my inspiration as she too is a pilot.”
Visitors can buy review copies of ‘The 100 Greatest Women in Aviation’ at The Aviation Bookshop, on the static display by Gully Road, near the Indian Airlines B777 and the food hall. Hardback copies will be on sale from October online at www.aerocomm.aero for £19.99.
Source: Flight International