Ida Van Smith facts for kids

Ida Van Smith (born in 1917 – died May 13, 2003) was an amazing African-American pilot and flight instructor. She was born and passed away in Lumberton, North Carolina. Ida inspired many young people to learn about flying and aerospace.

Early Life and Education

Ida Van Smith was the youngest of three children. She grew up in a caring family. Her interest in aviation started when she was a child. She loved watching exciting air shows where pilots did tricks and even walked on wings!

Ida was a very bright student. She graduated from Redstone Academy in 1934 as the best student in her class. She continued her studies at Barber Scotia Junior College and then at Shaw University. She earned a degree in social studies and mathematics. Later, she received a scholarship to the City College of New York, where she earned a Master of Science degree in 1964.

Even after all her schooling, Ida decided to learn something new! In 1967, at the age of 50, she took her very first flying lesson at LaGuardia Airport. She became a licensed pilot, which meant she could fly planes. She also became an instrument-rated pilot, allowing her to fly even in bad weather. Plus, she became a ground instructor, teaching others about flying from the ground.

A Career in the Sky

Ida Van Smith started her career as a teacher in North Carolina. After marrying Edward D. Smith, she moved to New York City and continued teaching in Queens. She taught in New York City public schools for many years.

Starting Flight Clubs

After becoming a pilot, Ida wanted to share her love for flying with young people. In 1967, she started the Ida Van Smith Flight Clubs. Her goal was to introduce children to exciting careers in aviation and aerospace. Adults could join too, by special request.

Ida was very creative in her teaching. She used a special airplane instrument panel in her own living room to teach her students! Her program grew and was even offered in public schools. She also started an introductory aviation course for adults at York College.

Inspiring Young Aviators

Volunteers from different parts of the aviation world helped Ida. They gave her students tours of airplanes and airports. They even took the students flying in small planes, seaplanes, and helicopters! These volunteers also gave talks and demonstrations for different age groups.

Students in the program learned about plane controls and how instruments work. They even got to sit in Ida's own Cessna 172 cockpit! They met many people who work in aviation, like airline pilots, flight attendants, air traffic controllers, and aircraft mechanics.

Ida first used her own money to start the clubs. Later, she received help from companies and private donations. Her flight clubs grew from 11 locations in New York, Texas, and St. Lucia to more than 20 clubs across the United States!

Recognition and Legacy

Ida Van Smith's amazing work is recognized in many places. Her photographs and stories are featured in the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. You can also find her story with the Tuskegee Airmen's Black Wings in The Pentagon and at the International Women's Air and Space Museum in Cleveland, Ohio.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) even funded her aviation career programs for high schools in New York and New Jersey. Later, the FAA adopted these programs!

Ida also created an aviation-themed coloring book for kids. She hosted a cable television show about aviation and published five booklets about her flight clubs. She often spoke about aviation at schools, churches, and museums.

Ida Van Smith was a member of important aviation groups like Tuskegee Airman's Black Wings, Negro Airman International, and the Ninety-Nines.

In 1984, Ida made history by becoming the first African-American woman to be inducted into the International Forest of Friendship. In 1997, she was honored in the "Women in Flight" exhibit at the National Air and Space Museum. In 1998, the Ninety-Nines group gave her an Award for Achievement for her contributions to flight education.

Ida Van Smith was also the paternal grandmother of the talented soul singer Sy Smith.