Rationale for Inclusion
- Breaking Barriers: Richey was the first female pilot hired by a commercial airline in the United States, making her a trailblazer for women in a male-dominated industry. Her hiring by Central Airlines in 1934 was a significant milestone for gender equality in aviation.
- Pioneering Achievements: She set multiple flying records, including in 1933, she and Frances Marsalis set a new women’s endurance record by remaining airborne for nearly ten days in a Curtiss Thrush biplane. Further in May 1936, flying a light plane, she set an international altitude record for aircraft weighing under 200 kilograms. She reached 18,448 feet (5,623 m). Her achievements highlighted to the broader public the capabilities of female pilots at a time when their abilities were underestimated.
- Advocacy for Women in Aviation: Richey was a strong advocate for women in aviation, using her platform to inspire and train future generations of female pilots. Her work as a flight instructor and her efforts to promote women’s involvement in aviation were crucial for the advancement of female aviators.
- World War II Contributions: During World War II, Richey served both in the British Air Transport Auxiliary and the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) in the United States. Her contributions to the war effort demonstrated her skill and versatility as a pilot, further proving that women could perform as well as men in critical roles.
- Endurance in the Face of Discrimination: Despite facing significant discrimination and resistance throughout her career, Richey persevered and continued to pursue her passion for flying. Through this, she became the first woman to be licensed as a flight instructor by the Civil Aeronautics Authority.
- Historical Significance: As a historical figure, Richey represents the struggles and triumphs of early female aviators. Her story is a testament to the progress made in gender equality and serves as a reminder of the importance of continuing to advocate for equal opportunities for all.
Biography
- Early Life and Education: Helen Richey was born on November 21, 1909, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. A 1927 graduate of McKeesport High School, she developed an early interest in aviation and took her first flying lessons in her late teens. She earned her pilot’s license at the age of 20, becoming one of the few women to do so at the time.
- Career: She quickly began making a name for herself, in 1929 she became the first licensed female pilot in Allegheny County. In August 1932, Richey and Frances Marsalis set a new women’s endurance record when the pair stayed aloft for almost ten days. They did so by using another airplane to refuel. In May 1934, Richey won the main race at the first National Air Meet for Women in Dayton, OH. Richey was the first female pilot to be hired to fly by a commercial scheduled passenger carrier on December 13, 1934, with Central Airlines.
- Military: Richey served both in the British Air Transport Auxiliary and the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) in the United States.