Amelia Earhart

Amelia Mary Earhart was an American aviator and aviation pioneer who became one of the most celebrated figures of early flight. Born on July 24, 1897, she made history in the world of aviation through her remarkable achievements.

In 1928, Earhart was the first female passenger to cross the Atlantic by airplane. Three years later, in 1932, she became the first woman to make a nonstop solo transatlantic flight, for which she was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Earhart was also a strong advocate for commercial air travel and wrote popular books about her flying experiences. She helped found the Ninety-Nines, an organization supporting female pilots.

Earhart's legacy took a tragic turn on July 2, 1937, when she disappeared over the Pacific Ocean while attempting to become the first female pilot to fly around the world. Since then, she has become a global cultural icon, and her story continues to inspire many through films, documentaries, and books.

Early life

Amelia Mary Earhart was born on July 24, 1897, in Atchison, Kansas, the daughter of Samuel "Edwin" Stanton Earhart and Amelia "Amy" Earhart (née Otis). She was named after her two grandmothers and grew up with her sister Grace. From a young age, Amelia showed a spirit of adventure, enjoying outdoor activities like climbing trees and playing with her sister.

Amelia’s interest in flying began after she saw her first aircraft at the Iowa State Fair when she was 10. Later, she took her first passenger flight in California, which inspired her to pursue aviation. She began flying lessons in 1921 and eventually earned her pilot’s license in 1923. Despite facing financial difficulties and health issues with chronic sinus problems, Amelia continued to pursue her passion for flying and became an important figure in early aviation.

Aviation career and marriage

In 1928, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to cross the Atlantic Ocean by airplane. She was a passenger on a flight led by pilot Wilmer Stultz. This historic journey began when American heiress Amy Phipps Guest decided to sponsor the flight and sought out Earhart as the right person to make this milestone.

Earhart’s role evolved from passenger to a key crew member, and she helped navigate and keep records during the flight. Despite challenges like poor weather and equipment issues, the crew successfully landed in Wales, making Earhart a celebrated figure. Her achievement brought her widespread recognition and marked the start of her career as a pioneering aviator.

World flight in 1937

Amelia Earhart began planning an exciting journey in 1936—to fly around the world and become the first woman to do so. Her flight would cover about 29,000 miles, following a route close to the equator. She received support from Purdue University, which provided funds for a special airplane called the Lockheed Electra.

Earhart’s first attempt to fly around the world began in March 1937, but the airplane crashed during takeoff. She tried again a few months later, flying from Oakland to Miami before heading across the Pacific. On July 2, 1937, Earhart and her navigator, Fred Noonan, took off from New Guinea toward a small island called Howland Island. Unfortunately, they lost contact and vanished. The U.S. government later concluded that their plane probably ran out of fuel and crashed into the ocean. Many searches were conducted, but no trace of the airplane or the pilots was ever found.

Speculation on disappearance

Main article: Speculation on the disappearance of Amelia Earhart and Fred Noonan

Many people have wondered what happened to Amelia Earhart and her navigator, Fred Noonan, after they vanished during their around-the-world flight in 1937. Most historians think their plane crashed into the Pacific Ocean. However, several other ideas have been suggested. One theory is that they landed on Nikumaroro, an island in the Phoenix Islands, though no proof has been found there.

Another theory suggests that Japanese forces might have captured them. Some of Earhart’s family believed this was possible. Yet another idea is that they turned back and tried to reach an airfield in Rabaul, on the island of New Britain near Papua New Guinea. In 2006, a television show suggested Earhart might have survived, changed her identity, and lived under a new name, but this idea was later disputed.

Legacy

Amelia Earhart was a strong supporter of women’s rights and became a global role model after her disappearance. Many tributes have been made in her name. For example, in 2012, the U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton praised Earhart’s lasting influence. In 2013, Flying magazine ranked her among the top heroes of aviation.

Earhart’s brave spirit inspired many, especially women who followed her into aviation. Her home in Atchison, Kansas, is now a museum, and a festival is held there every year in her honor. Her story continues to motivate people around the world.

Tributes and memorials

Tributary flights

In 1967, Ann Pellegreno flew a similar plane to complete a round-the-world trip in honor of Earhart. In 1997, Linda Finch retraced Earhart’s final flight path. In 2001, another flight followed the route Earhart took in 1928.

Buildings and structures

Purdue University opened Earhart Hall in 1964 and later added a bronze statue of her. In 2025, the university opened a new airport terminal named after her. The Amelia Earhart Light on Howland Island marks where she was expected to land. Amelia Earhart Airport in Atchison, Kansas, and the Amelia Earhart Dam in Massachusetts are also named for her.

Other

The Amelia Earhart Fellowship, started in 1938, helps women study aerospace engineering and space sciences. The United States issued a commemorative stamp in 1963 to honor her. Statues of Earhart have been placed in Los Angeles, California, and Lafayette, Colorado. In 2019, Time magazine featured her on a special cover celebrating women of the year.

In popular culture

Amelia Earhart's life has inspired many writers, artists, and creators. Books, plays, and poems have been written about her, including an alternate history story where she fights in World War II and a musical titled Amelia: The Girl Who Wants To Fly.

She has appeared in films and television shows too. Movies like Flight for Freedom and Amelia feature her story, and she was even part of an episode of Star Trek: Voyager. Musicians have also honored her with songs and albums, such as Joni Mitchell's song "Amelia" and Public Service Broadcasting's album The Last Flight.

Earhart’s legacy extends into toys and games as well. Lego made a special set in her honor, and she was included in a special Barbie doll collection. Her name is also remembered in science, with a minor planet, a planetary corona, and a lunar crater all named after her.

Records and achievements

Amelia Earhart set many important records in aviation. She was the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean in 1928 and the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic in 1932. She also achieved other "firsts," such as being the first person to fly solo between Honolulu, Hawaii, and Oakland, California.

Earhart received many honors for her achievements, including being the first woman to receive the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1932. Her flights helped inspire many people and pushed the limits of what was possible in early aviation.

Books by Earhart

Amelia Earhart was also a talented writer. She wrote for magazines and newspapers and published several books about her flying adventures.

Her first book, 20 Hrs. 40 Min., tells the story of her trip across the Atlantic Ocean as a passenger. Her second book, The Fun of It, shares her experiences as a pilot and talks about women in aviation. A third book, Last Flight, collects her journal entries from her attempt to fly around the world. This book was put together by her husband after she went missing during her flight near New Guinea.