Jennifer Murray facts for kids

Jennifer Murray, born Jennifer Mather in June 1940, is an amazing pilot. She was born in Providence, Rhode Island. In 2000, she flew her Robinson R44 helicopter all the way around the world! She traveled 36,000 miles (58,000 km) in just 97 days. This incredible journey earned her a Guinness World Record for being the first woman to fly a helicopter around the globe.

Jennifer's Early Life and School

Jennifer Mather was born in Providence, Rhode Island, in June 1940. She went to school at Downe House School in Berkshire, UK. Her grandfather was Sir William Mather, a well-known British businessman. He was in charge of a company called Mather & Platt.

Jennifer's Amazing Flights

Flying Around the World: First Time!

A display about Jennifer's flight at the Oakland Aviation Museum.

This map shows Jennifer's flight path (in white) around the world. It's on display at the Oakland Aviation Museum. The red line shows another pilot's route.

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 named Quentin Smith. They flew eastward, completing their trip in 97 days. This flight also set a speed record for a helicopter powered by a piston engine.

Their journey started on May 10, 1997, from Denham, Buckinghamshire, UK. They stopped at Oakland Airport in California on July 20. This stop is remembered at the Oakland Aviation Museum. On September 6, 2000, Jennifer Murray made history again. She became the first woman to fly a helicopter solo (by herself) around the world. She was also the first person to do it without using an autopilot system.

Flying to Both Poles

In 2007, Jennifer Murray and her co-pilot Colin Bodill achieved another amazing feat. They were 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, ended in a crash in Antarctica. Luckily, they survived. Before that crash, Jennifer had already become the first woman to fly a helicopter to the South Pole.

Racing in Nepal

When she was 71 years old, Jennifer decided to take on a new challenge. She entered a very long race called RacingThePlanet Nepal. This race was an ultramarathon that covered 250-kilometre (160 mi). It started on November 20, 2011. Jennifer had to stop after the second part of the race.

Jennifer's Family Life

Jennifer Mather married a businessman from Hong Kong named Simon Murray in 1966. They have three children.

Awards and Special Recognitions

Jennifer Murray has received many awards and honors for her incredible achievements:

• She was added to the Rhode Island Aviation Hall of Fame in 2005.
• The Gambia even made a special 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 won the Brabazon Cup.
• She received the Harmon Trophy.
• She was welcomed into the International Forest of Friendship.