Bobbi Trout, American pilot (d. 2003)

Evelyn "Bobbi" Trout (January 7, 1906–January 24, 2003) stands as a towering figure in the annals of American aviation, a true pioneering female pilot and a formidable endurance flying record holder during the transformative Golden Age of Aviation. Born in Santa Ana, California, her remarkable career significantly shaped the landscape of early flight.

Trout's passion for aviation ignited at a young age, with her career beginning at just 16 years old. However, her official entry into the skies as a certified pilot, marked by her first solo flight and the attainment of her solo certificate, did not occur until April 30, 1928, following a period of dedicated training and preparation. In a testament to her family's support for her groundbreaking ambitions, her mother acquired an International K-6 biplane for her in the spring of 1928. This sturdy aircraft would prove instrumental in Bobbi's early record-setting achievements. She further solidified her professional standing by receiving her official pilot's identification card from the newly established United States Department of Commerce on September 1, 1928, a crucial credential in an era that was rapidly formalizing aviation regulations.

Breaking Endurance Barriers: A Historic Flight and FAI Rule Change

One of Evelyn "Bobbi" Trout's most significant contributions to aviation unfolded in 1929 when she etched her name into history as the second woman to break the non-refueling endurance record for women. On January 2, 1929, flying her International K-6 biplane from Metropolitan Airport (then known as Mines Field) in Los Angeles, California, she achieved an impressive flight duration of 12 hours and 11 minutes. This remarkable feat not only surpassed the previous record of 11 hours and 1 minute, held by fellow aviator Viola Gentry, but also had a profound impact on international aviation standards.

Notably, Trout's record-setting flight was instrumental in prompting a significant revision by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), the world governing body for air sports. Prior to this, any incremental improvement, even by minutes, could be recognized as a new record. Following Bobbi Trout's substantial leap in endurance, the FAI stipulated that future endurance records had to exceed the previous one by a full hour to be officially recognized. This pivotal rule change, designed to encourage more substantial advancements and ensure genuine progress in aviation records, underscored the magnitude of her achievement.

The Pioneering Spirit: The Powder Puff Derby

Beyond endurance records, Bobbi Trout was also a trailblazer in competitive aviation. She famously participated in the inaugural Women's Air Derby of 1929, an event that quickly earned the popular moniker "Powder Puff Derby." This groundbreaking transcontinental air race saw courageous female pilots navigate challenging routes from Santa Monica, California, to Cleveland, Ohio, showcasing their exceptional piloting skills and boldly challenging prevailing gender norms in the male-dominated field of aviation. Her participation firmly cemented her place among the elite group of pioneering women pilots who dared to push boundaries.

A Lasting Legacy and Iconic Nickname

Decades later, Evelyn "Bobbi" Trout's enduring legacy was honored when, in 2001, she received a poignant recognition: she was celebrated as the only living participant from that historic first Women's Air Derby of 1929. This tribute underscored her remarkable longevity and her profound, lasting impact on aviation history. Her distinctive nickname, "Bobbi," emerged in 1928, a personal and stylish nod to the fashionable short "Bob" haircut popularized by the iconic flapper-era actress and dancer, Irene Castle. This stylistic choice not only gave her a memorable moniker but also subtly linked her to the vibrant cultural shifts of the Roaring Twenties, symbolizing her modern and daring spirit.

Frequently Asked Questions about Evelyn "Bobbi" Trout

What notable records did Evelyn "Bobbi" Trout hold?
Evelyn "Bobbi" Trout was an endurance flying record holder, most notably for breaking the women's non-refueling endurance record in 1929 by flying for 12 hours and 11 minutes. She also set multiple other records for altitude and endurance in various aircraft throughout her career.
What was the "Powder Puff Derby"?
The "Powder Puff Derby" was the popular nickname for the first Women's Air Derby, a pioneering transcontinental air race for female pilots held in 1929. It stretched from Santa Monica, California, to Cleveland, Ohio, and featured many prominent female aviators of the era.
How did Bobbi Trout's flight influence FAI rules?
Bobbi Trout's record-breaking 12-hour and 11-minute endurance flight in 1929 was so significant that it prompted the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) to revise its rules for endurance records. The new rule stipulated that future records had to exceed the previous one by a full hour to be officially recognized, encouraging more substantial advancements in aviation achievements.