Dorothy Spicer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dorothy Spicer
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
Dorothy Spicer
31 July 1908 Hadley Wood, Middlesex
|
| Died | 23 December 1946 Argentina
|
| Nationality | British |
| Spouse(s) | Richard Pearse |
| Children | Patricia Mary Pearse |
| Parent(s) | Norman Spicer, Hilda Mary Sisterson |
| Engineering career | |
Dorothy Norman Pearse (born Spicer, 1908–1946) was an amazing English aviatrix and engineer. She was the very first woman to earn an advanced qualification in aeronautical engineering. This means she was qualified to work on the design and building of aircraft.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Dorothy Spicer was born on July 31, 1908, in Hadley Wood, Middlesex. She was the only daughter of Norman Spicer and Hilda Mary Sisterson. Dorothy went to the Godolphin School in Brussels. Later, she studied at University College, London.
A Career in Aviation
Dorothy Spicer started learning to fly in 1929. She took lessons at the London Aeroplane Club. There, she met Pauline Gower, who was also studying to become a pilot. They became good friends.
Starting an Air Business
In 1931, Dorothy and Pauline decided to start a business together. Pauline had a special license to carry passengers. Dorothy was qualified as a ground engineer and had a private pilot's license. They first rented a plane, then bought their own Gypsy Moth.
It was hard to make enough money from their business. So, they joined an air show called the Crimson Fleet air circus. Later, they joined the British Hospitals' air pageant. This show traveled around the country to raise money for hospitals.
Breaking Barriers in Engineering
Dorothy joined the Women's Engineering Society (WES) in 1932. She was known as the "Ground Engineer to Miss Gower." Even though advanced engineering courses were mostly for men, Dorothy wanted to learn more.
She convinced the Spartan plane makers to let her train at their workshops. She earned her 'B' engineer's license, becoming the first woman in the world to do so! She also got a 'C' ground engineer's license. Her friend Amy Johnson was the first British woman to get this.
In 1935, Dorothy made history again. She became the first woman to achieve a 'D' license. This was a very high qualification. It allowed her to inspect, approve, and repair both aircraft engines and their bodies. She could even approve the materials needed to build a plane from scratch.
A famous pilot, Amy Johnson, once joked about Dorothy's many licenses. She asked Dorothy to confirm if she held "every licence that it was possible to hold."
In 1937, Dorothy gave a speech at a WES conference. She talked about choosing and treating steels for aero-engines.
Working for Civil Aviation
In 1938, Dorothy got a job with the Air Registration Board in London. This made her the first woman in the British Empire to get a technical job in civil aviation. That same year, she and Pauline Gower wrote a book. It was called "Women with Wings" and shared their flying adventures.
In late 1940, Dorothy started working for the Royal Aircraft Establishment. She became an air observer and research assistant. She helped develop new types of aircraft and equipment.
Personal Life
Dorothy Spicer got engaged to Flight Lieutenant Richard Pearse on March 2, 1938. They got married on April 26, 1938. Pauline Gower was her chief bridesmaid. Their daughter, Patricia Mary, was born in May 1939.
After World War II, Dorothy's husband, Richard, worked for British Aviation Services in Rio de Janeiro. On December 23, 1946, Dorothy and Richard were on a flight to Rio. Sadly, bad weather caused the plane to crash into a mountain. Everyone on board died. A memorial service was held for them in London.
