Jennifer Murray facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jennifer Murray
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| Born | June 1940 |
| Known for | First helicopter circumnavigation of the globe by a woman |
| Spouse(s) | Simon Murray |
| Children | 3 |
Jennifer Murray, born Jennifer Mather in June 1940 in Providence, Rhode Island, is a famous pilot. She is known for her amazing helicopter flights around the world. In 2000, she flew a Robinson R44 helicopter 36,000 miles (58,000 km) (about 58,000 km) in 97 days. This incredible journey earned her a Guinness World Record as the first woman to fly a helicopter all the way around the globe.
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Early Life and Education
Jennifer Mather was born in Providence, Rhode Island, in June 1940. She went to school at Downe House School in Berkshire, UK. Her grandfather, Sir William Mather, was a well-known British businessman.
Amazing Flights and Records
Jennifer Murray has achieved many impressive things in her flying career. She has set several world records for helicopter flights.
Flying Around the World
In August 1997, Jennifer Murray made history. She became the first woman to fly a helicopter around the world. She flew her Robinson R44 helicopter with another pilot, Quentin Smith. They flew eastward, completing the trip in 97 days. This flight also set a speed record for a helicopter powered by a piston engine.
Their journey started from Denham, Buckinghamshire, UK, on May 10, 1997. They stopped at Oakland International Airport in California on July 20. This stop is remembered at the Oakland Aviation Museum.
Then, on September 6, 2000, Jennifer Murray achieved another first. She became the first woman to fly a helicopter around the world completely by herself. She was also the first person to do this without using an autopilot system. This means she had to control the helicopter herself for the entire journey!
From Pole to Pole
Jennifer Murray continued to push boundaries. In 2007, she and her co-pilot, Colin Bodill, made another historic flight. They became the first people to land a helicopter at both the North Pole and the South Pole.
This was their second attempt to reach both poles. Their first try, in 2003, had a difficult ending. They had a serious crash in Antarctica. Before the crash, Jennifer Murray had already become the first woman to fly a helicopter to the South Pole.
Personal Life
Jennifer Mather married Simon Murray, a businessman from Hong Kong, in 1966. They have three children.
Awards and Recognitions
Jennifer Murray has received many awards and honors for her incredible achievements in aviation:
- She was added to the Rhode Island Aviation Hall of Fame in 2005.
- The country of The Gambia even made a postage stamp in her honor in 2004.
- The Royal Aero Club gave her the Silver Medal in 1997 and the Britannia Trophy in 2000.
- She also received the Brabazon Cup and the Harmon Trophy.
- She was inducted into the International Forest of Friendship.
