Births on February 14

Katherine Stinson, American aviator (d. 1977)

Katherine Stinson (February 14, 1891 – July 8, 1977) was a celebrated American aviation pioneer whose daring feats and remarkable achievements significantly shaped the early days of flight. Often hailed as "The Flying Schoolgirl" for her youthful appearance and exceptional talent, Stinson became a trailblazer for women in a nascent and challenging industry, setting numerous records and pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible in aviation.

A Pioneer Pilot: Earning the FAI Certificate

In 1912, at a time when aviation was still in its infancy, Katherine Stinson achieved a monumental milestone by becoming the fourth woman in the United States to earn the coveted Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) pilot certificate. Issued as FAI Certificate No. 154, this credential was a testament to her skill, courage, and dedication, placing her among an elite group of early female aviators. The first three women to achieve this distinction in the U.S. were Harriet Quimby (1911), Matilde Moisant (1912), and Julia Clark (1912), making Stinson part of a pioneering quartet that defied societal norms and embraced the skies.

Record-Breaking Achievements in the Air

Stinson's passion for flight was matched only by her talent for pushing the limits of aerial performance. She distinguished herself by setting a multitude of flying records across various categories, solidifying her reputation as a leading aviator of her time.

• Aerobatic Maneuvers: Katherine Stinson was the first woman in the world to perform a "loop-the-loop" in 1913, a highly dangerous and exhilarating acrobatic maneuver that thrilled crowds and showcased her exceptional piloting skills. Her mastery of aerobatics made her a star on the exhibition circuit, where she would entertain thousands with her breathtaking aerial displays.
• Distance Records: Demonstrating the growing capabilities of early aircraft, Stinson set new benchmarks for long-distance flights. A notable achievement was her non-stop flight from San Diego to San Francisco in 1917, covering approximately 610 miles, a significant distance record for a female pilot at the time.
• Endurance Records: Beyond speed and distance, Stinson also excelled in endurance, proving her ability to maintain sustained flight, which was crucial for the development of practical aviation.

Pioneering Airmail Services

Beyond exhibition flying, Katherine Stinson played a pivotal role in the development of airmail services, demonstrating the practical application of aviation for communication and commerce.

• First Female Pilot for the U.S. Postal Service: In 1918, she made history as the first female pilot to be employed by the US Postal Service, flying experimental airmail routes. This pioneering role helped lay the groundwork for what would become a vital national service, proving that air travel could reliably transport mail across distances.
• First Civilian Pilot to Fly Mail in Canada: Her influence extended beyond U.S. borders. In December 1918, Stinson became the first civilian pilot to fly the mail in Canada, successfully completing flights between Calgary and Edmonton. This historic feat marked a significant step forward for Canadian airmail and international aviation.

Night Flight and International Trailblazing

Stinson's innovative spirit led her to conquer challenges that few others dared to undertake, including the formidable task of night flying.

• One of the First Pilots to Ever Fly at Night: In 1915, Katherine Stinson achieved another first by performing a spectacular night flight over Chicago. In an era before advanced navigation systems and illuminated runways, this required immense courage and skill. She famously used magnesium flares attached to her Curtiss biplane to illuminate the ground below and even spell out the word "CAL" in the night sky, a groundbreaking act of aerial advertising.
• First Female Pilot to Fly in Canada and Japan: Her international tours were groundbreaking. Beyond her airmail flights in Canada, Stinson traveled to Japan in 1916–1917, becoming the first female pilot to fly in both countries. Her exhibition flights in Japan captivated audiences and were met with immense enthusiasm, making her a global sensation and introducing the marvel of aviation to new cultures.

Katherine Stinson's career was a testament to her fearless spirit, exceptional skill, and unwavering determination. Her legacy continues to inspire, underscoring her vital role in advancing aviation and empowering women in the field.

Frequently Asked Questions About Katherine Stinson

When was Katherine Stinson born and when did she pass away?

Katherine Stinson was born on February 14, 1891, and passed away on July 8, 1977.

What made Katherine Stinson an "aviation pioneer"?

She was an aviation pioneer due to her numerous "firsts" and record-setting achievements in the early 20th century. These included being one of the first women to earn a pilot's license, performing groundbreaking aerobatic maneuvers, setting distance and endurance records, pioneering airmail services for both the U.S. and Canada, and being among the first to fly at night and in international territories like Japan.

Which significant pilot certificate did she earn in 1912?

In 1912, Katherine Stinson became the fourth woman in the United States to earn the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) pilot certificate, demonstrating her professional qualification as a pilot.

What were some of her notable flying records?

She set records for aerobatic maneuvers, including being the first woman to perform a loop-the-loop in 1913. She also established distance records, such as her non-stop flight from San Diego to San Francisco in 1917, and set various endurance records.

What was her role in early airmail services?

Katherine Stinson was the first female pilot employed by the US Postal Service for airmail delivery and the first civilian pilot to fly mail in Canada, specifically between Calgary and Edmonton, significantly contributing to the development of airmail services.

Did she fly at night?

Yes, she was one of the first pilots to ever fly at night. Notably, in 1915 over Chicago, she used magnesium flares to illuminate her path and even spell out "CAL" in the sky, an early form of aerial advertising.

In which countries was she the first female pilot to fly?

Katherine Stinson was the first female pilot to fly in both Canada and Japan, where her exhibition flights introduced aviation to new audiences and cemented her international fame.