Gráinne Cronin facts for kids

Gráinne Cronin (born around 1953) is a very important person in Irish aviation history. She was the first woman to become a pilot for Aer Lingus, which is a big airline in Ireland. She was also the first woman in Ireland to work as a pilot for a company.

Her Early Life and Family

Gráinne Cronin was born in Ennis, County Clare. Flying was in her family's blood! Her father, Felim Cronin, was also a pilot captain. Her sister, Caroline, grew up to be a commercial pilot too. Even Gráinne's husband is a pilot. Their daughters, Alana and Louisa Johnston, also love flying. They both have private pilot licenses. Louisa even has a commercial license, just like her mom!

Gráinne learned to fly when she was at university. She used her father's small plane, a Piper Cub. Instead of teaching her himself, her dad asked his co-pilot, Neil Johnston, to teach her. Neil taught Gráinne how to fly, and later they got married! Today, Gráinne lives in Malahide, Ireland.

Her Amazing Career

Gráinne Cronin started her journey with Aer Lingus in 1975. She was 22 years old and began working as a flight attendant. But she had bigger dreams! By the time she was 24, she went for special flight training in Oxford, England.

In 1977, Aer Lingus hired Gráinne as a pilot. Her very first flight as a pilot was in January 1978. At first, she worked as a co-pilot. This means she helped the main pilot fly the plane. Then, in 1988, she made history again! Gráinne became the airline's first female captain. This was a huge achievement!

Gráinne flew for many years and retired on May 25, 2010. It's interesting to know that SAS was the first airline in Europe to hire a woman pilot. Aer Lingus was the second. After Gráinne, Aer Lingus hired two more women pilots within the next two years. It took a bit longer for other airlines. For example, British Airways didn't hire their first woman pilots until about six years later. Gráinne Cronin truly paved the way for many women in aviation!