Joan Merriam Smith facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joan Merriam Smith
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | August 3, 1936 Oceanside, Long Island, New York |
| Died | February 17, 1965 (aged 28) San Gabriel Mountains near Big Pines, California |
| Cause of death | Plane crash |
| Occupation | Aviator |
| Known for | First person to complete the longest single solo flight around the world |
| Awards | Harmon Trophy (1964) |
Joan Merriam Smith (born August 3, 1936 – died February 17, 1965) was an American aviator. She became famous for her amazing solo flight around the world in 1964. This journey started and ended in Oakland, California. Joan wanted to follow the same path that Amelia Earhart had planned in 1937.
Joan achieved many "firsts" during her life. She was the first person to fly solo around the world near the equator. She also completed the longest single solo flight around the world. Joan was the first woman to fly a twin-engine plane around the globe. She was also the first woman to fly across the Pacific Ocean from west to east in a twin-engine plane. At just 23, she became the first woman to get an airline transport rating. This is a special license for airline pilots. She was also the youngest woman to fly solo around the world.
Joan hoped to be the very first woman to fly solo around the world. However, another pilot named Jerrie Mock started her flight in the same week. Jerrie Mock finished her journey a little earlier than Joan.
Joan's Early Flying Career
Joan was a very skilled and experienced pilot. She started flying at a young age. By the time she was seventeen, Joan had already earned her private pilot's license. She had also flown alone for 35 hours.
At seventeen, Joan was the youngest person to enter the All Woman's International Air Race. This shows how talented and brave she was. When she was 23, Joan became the first woman to get an Airline Transport Rating (ATR). She earned this special license at the youngest possible age. In 1960, she married Marvin "Jack" Smith, Jr.
Her Historic World Flight
In 1964, Joan Merriam Smith began her incredible solo flight around the world. She flew a twin-engine plane, which was a big achievement for a woman at that time. Her journey was long and challenging. She had to cross vast oceans and different continents.
Joan's flight showed her amazing skill and determination. She faced many difficulties during her trip. But she kept going and completed her goal. Her flight was a major event in aviation history.
Later Life and Legacy
After her historic flight in 1964, Joan had flown about 8,500 hours without any accidents. However, she was involved in two plane crashes shortly after. In the first crash, on January 9, 1965, Joan had to land her plane in the California desert. This happened because her electrical system caught fire.
A few weeks later, on February 17, 1965, Joan died at age 28. The light aircraft she was flying crashed into the San Gabriel Mountains. This happened near Big Pines, California. A news reporter, Trixie Ann Schubert, also died in the crash.
Joan received the Harmon Trophy after her death. This award was for the Outstanding Aviatrix of 1964. Vice President Hubert Humphrey announced this award at the White House. In 1966, a group called The Ninety-Nines started a special fund to remember Joan. In 1969, John H. Reading, who was the Mayor of Oakland, California, declared May 12 as "Amelia Earhart-Joan Merriam Aviation Day." This day honors both Joan and Amelia Earhart.
