Amelia Mary Earhart (/ˈɛərhɑrt/ AIR-hart; July 24, 1897 – disappeared 1937) was a noted American aviation pioneer and author Earhart was the first aviatrix to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. She received the U.S. Distinguished Flying Cross for this record.She set many other records, wrote best-selling books about her flying experiences and was instrumental in the formation of The Ninety-Nines, an organization for female pilots. Earhart joined the faculty of the Purdue University aviation department in 1935 as a visiting faculty member to counsel women on careers and help inspire others with her love for aviation. She was also a member of the National Woman’s Party, and an early supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment.
During an attempt to make a circumnavigational flight of the globe in 1937 in a Purdue-funded Lockheed Model 10 Electra, Earhart disappeared over the central Pacific Ocean near Howland Island. Fascination with her life, career and disappearance continues to this day.
The Disappearance of Amelia Earhart
In July 1937 the female flyer disappeared in her plane somewhere over the Pacific Ocean.
She was attempting to fly around the world following the Equator.
With her record breaking solo fights and her striking looks she had become an international celebrity by the time she died.
Listen to the Witness Program Podcast of BBC World Service Last broadcast on Sun, 8 Jul 2012, 01:50 on BBC World Service
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