Helen Richey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Helen Richey
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Helen Richey
November 21, 1909 McKeesport, Pennsylvania, U.S.
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| Died | January 7, 1947 (aged 37) New York City, New York, U.S.
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| Occupation | Aviator |
Helen Richey (born November 21, 1909 – died January 7, 1947) was an amazing pilot. She was a true pioneer in aviation. She became the first woman ever hired as a pilot by a commercial airline in the United States.
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A Young Pilot Takes Off
Helen Richey was born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. She finished McKeesport High School in 1927. Her father, Joseph Burdette Richey, was a school superintendent. Helen was quite unique for her time. As a teenager, she was one of the few girls in McKeesport who wore pants.
She learned how to fly a plane when she was 20 years old. After she earned her pilot's license, her father bought her a "Bird" plane. This helped her start her exciting journey in aviation.
Setting Flight Records
In December 1933, Helen Richey teamed up with another female pilot. Her partner was Frances Marsalis. Together, they set an incredible endurance record. They stayed in the air for almost 10 days! This amazing flight happened over Miami, Florida.
They refueled their plane, a Curtiss Thrush, while it was still flying. The plane was named "Outdoor Girl" after a makeup company. Helen described the refueling process as very difficult. She said it was like "wrestling with a cobra in a hurricane." Frances Marsalis sadly passed away in 1934 during another air meet.
Breaking Barriers as an Airline Pilot
In 1934, Helen Richey won the main air race. This was at the first National Air Meet for women in Dayton, Ohio. Later that same year, she made history again. Central Airlines hired Helen as a pilot. This airline later became part of United Airlines.
On December 31, 1934, she made her first regular flight. She flew a Ford Trimotor plane from Washington, D.C., to Detroit. This made her the first woman to be a pilot for a commercial airline in the U.S. However, the all-male pilots' union eventually forced her to stop flying for the airline.
More Amazing Achievements
Helen Richey continued to achieve great things. In May 1936, she set an international altitude record. She flew a light plane to 18,448 feet (about 5,623 meters). This was a record for aircraft weighing under 200 kilograms (440 pounds).
After leaving Central Airlines, Helen kept performing at air shows. In 1936, she joined forces with the famous Amelia Earhart. They competed in the Bendix Trophy Race, a long-distance air race. Helen and Amelia finished fifth, even beating some all-male teams.
During World War II, Helen Richey flew with the British Air Transport Auxiliary. This group helped move planes and supplies for the war effort.
Besides being the first female commercial airline pilot, Helen had other "firsts." She was the first woman sworn in to pilot air mail. She was also one of the first female flight instructors.
Helen Richey passed away in her apartment in New York City on January 7, 1947. Her pioneering spirit opened doors for many women in aviation.
