National
Air and Space Museum visitors frequently ask, "Where are
the women pilots?". The answer is that they are in nearly
every gallery of the Museum. This guide will lead you
to all the women that have artifacts or photographs in
the Museum. Women's participation and contributions are
noted from our Early Flight gallery (107) to Space Race
(114), from the earliest female pioneers to racing pilots
to the first female commercial pilots to women in space.
Although
women have flown since 1908, nearly all of them were restricted
to general aviation, i.e. private planes, or support jobs,
and our exhibits reflect those historical roles. However,
women have now gained full access to military and commercial
cockpits, as well as the Space Shuttle and aerospace technology,
and as we update old and create new exhibits, we will review
and include the growing contributions of women throughout
the Museum. Enjoy the tour
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