Beverly Burns facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Beverly Lynn Burns
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Beverly Lynn Burns in January 1993
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| Born | August 15, 1949 Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
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| Occupation | Retired Continental Airlines captain |
| Known for | First woman in the world to captain the Boeing 747 jumbo jet |
| Spouse(s) | Captain Robert Allen Burns, Flight Instructor of Year, 1972 |
Captain Beverly Lynn Burns is a truly inspiring pilot. She was the very first woman in the world to be a captain of the giant Boeing 747 jumbo jet. This historic flight happened on July 18, 1984. She commanded People Express flight 604 from Newark International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport.
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Captain Burns's Amazing Career
Captain Burns had a long and successful career in aviation. By the time she retired in February 2008, she had been a captain for 27 years. She had flown for an incredible 25,000 hours!
Flying Many Different Planes
While working for People Express, she captained several types of planes. These included the Boeing 727, Boeing 737, and the famous Boeing 747.
After People Express joined with Continental Airlines in 1987, she flew even more jets. She added the DC-9, DC-10, Boeing 757, and Boeing 767 to her list. In 2001, she became captain of the Boeing 777. This was one of the most advanced airplanes of its time.
More Than Just a Pilot
Captain Burns understood the airline business very well. From 1971 to 1978, she worked as a stewardess for American Airlines. At the same time, she was also attending flight school.
In 1978, she became a flight instructor and a charter pilot. The next year, she flew as a captain for Allegheny Commuter. Then, in 1981, she joined People Express.
Unique Roles at People Express
At People Express, Captain Burns had many different jobs. She worked in reservations and scheduling. She was also a gate agent and even a baggage handler. She also trained others on airplane electronics.
It was unusual for pilots to have so many different duties back then. The company's CEO had to get special permission from the FAA. This allowed Captain Burns to become the first woman to work as a certified aircraft dispatcher while also being a line captain.
Awards and Recognition
Captain Burns received many awards and honors for her achievements.
Early Awards
On January 31, 1985, she received the Amelia Earhart Award. This award was given to her for her historic flight as captain of the Boeing 747. The Governor of New Jersey, Thomas Kean, and the CEO of People Express presented it to her.
Before that, in August 1984, she received an Award of Recognition from Baltimore Mayor William Donald Schaefer. She was called "one of Baltimore's best." New Jersey Senator C. Louis Bassano also congratulated her. U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg said she was "opening doors for millions of American women." Maryland Governor Harry Hughes named her an "ambassador of goodwill" for the state.
On November 16, 1984, she received a letter of congratulation from President Ronald Reagan. She was also invited to the 50th American President Inaugural event.
Later Honors
More recently, she received a citation from U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski in 2001. President George W. Bush also sent her a congratulatory letter in 2001.
On February 6, 2002, Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley declared it "Beverly Burns Day" in Baltimore. In 2003, she received an award from USAF General John W. Handy. This was for her support during Operation Iraqi Freedom as part of the Civil Reserve Air Fleet.
