Bonnie Tiburzi facts for kids

Bonnie Tiburzi (born August 31, 1948) is a famous American pilot. In 1973, when she was 24, she made history. Bonnie became the first female pilot for American Airlines. This also made her the first woman to fly for a major American airline. She was also the first woman globally to get a special license. This license allowed her to work as a flight engineer on powerful jet planes.

Early Life

Bonnie Linda Tiburzi was born on August 31, 1948. Her birthplace was Connecticut, in the United States. Bonnie's father was also a pilot. He flew for airlines like Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and Trans World Airlines (TWA). After leaving the airlines, her father, August Robert "Gus" Tiburzi, owned his own company. It was called Tiburzi Airways. This company was a flight school and a charter service.

Flying Career

Bonnie Tiburzi started her aviation career as a flight instructor. She also worked as a charter pilot. In 1973, at age 24, she joined American Airlines. This made her the first female pilot for a major American airline. She flew large passenger planes. These included the Boeing 727, Boeing 757, and Boeing 767.

In 1986, Bonnie wrote a book about her life. It was called Takeoff: The Story of America's First Woman Pilot for a Major Airline. She worked for American Airlines for 26 years. Bonnie retired from flying in 1999.

Helping Others in Aviation

Bonnie Tiburzi did more than just fly planes. She also helped other women in aviation. She created something called the "Information Bank." This was a network for the International Society Of Women Airline Pilots. It helped future female pilots with their careers.

Bonnie also gave speeches at many schools and colleges. She spoke at places like the Federal Aviation Association. She also visited the Smithsonian Air&Space Museum. Her talks inspired many young people.

Awards and Recognition

Bonnie Tiburzi has received many awards for her achievements.

• 1974 – She received the Amita Award. This award honors Italian-American Women of Achievement.
• 1979 – She was recognized as a "Super Sister." Her picture was put on Supersisters trading cards. These cards were given to children in schools across the country.
• 1980 – She received the "Amelia Earhart Award." This was from the Northeast Chapter of Airport Managers.
• 1984 – She received the "Women of Accomplishment Award." This was from the Wings Club of New York City.
• 1985 – She received the "Non-Stop Achievement Award." This was from the Zonta Club of New York.
• 1987 – Woman's Day Magazine chose her as one of "50 Women Who Have Changed Our Lives."
• 1988 – Family Circle Magazine featured her in "Women Who Make a Difference."
• 1998 – She received the "Women Making History Award." This was from the National Women's History Museum.
• 2014 – April 2, 2014, was named "Bonnie Tiburzi Caputo Day." This was in the Town of Brookhaven, New York.
• 2017 – She received the "Women That Soar Award" in Dallas, Texas.
• 2018 – She was added to the "Women in Aviation International Hall of Fame." This happened in Reno, Nevada.

In 2018, a new award was created in her honor. The Independent Spirit Awards started the Bonnie Award. It is named after Bonnie Tiburzi. Chloé Zhao was the first person to receive this award.

You can see Bonnie Tiburzi's American Airlines pilot uniform. It is on display at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.

See also

• Emily Howell, Frontier Airlines pilot
• Turi Widerøe, SAS pilot
• Yvonne Sintes, UK pilot