Ingrid Pedersen facts for kids

Ingrid Pedersen (born April 17, 1933 – died September 11, 2012) was a brave pilot from Sweden and America. She made history as the very first female pilot to fly an airplane all the way over the North Pole.

Ingrid Pedersen: Pioneer Pilot

Early Life and Flying Dreams

Ingrid Elisabeth Liljegren was born in Stockholm, Sweden. Her parents were Sivert Roland Liljegren and Maud Berg. Ingrid loved aviation from a young age. In 1957, she earned her private pilot license in Sweden. This was a big step towards her future adventures in the sky.

In 1958, Ingrid married Einar Sverre Pedersen. He was also a skilled aviator. Together, they shared a passion for flying.

Flying Over the North Pole

In 1962, Ingrid and Einar moved to Anchorage, Alaska. Einar worked there as a navigator for Scandinavian Airlines. He helped guide planes on long flights across continents.

Just one year later, in 1963, Ingrid made her famous flight. With her husband Einar as her navigator, she flew a single-engine Cessna 205 airplane. They started their journey from Fairbanks, Alaska. Their amazing route took them right over the geographic North Pole. After crossing the Pole, they continued their flight all the way to Bodo, Norway. This incredible journey showed Ingrid's skill and courage as a pilot.

Life in Alaska

Ingrid and Einar officially moved to the United States in 1979. They continued to live in Alaska, a state known for its vast landscapes and aviation history. Einar Pedersen passed away in 2008. Ingrid Pedersen died in 2012 in Anchorage, Alaska, the city that became her home. Her legacy as a pioneering female aviator continues to inspire many.