Pearl Laska Chamberlain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pearl L. Chamberlain
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Pearl Laska Chamberlain, WASP trainee
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Lelia Pearl Bragg
April 29, 1909 Chestnut Mountain, Summers County, West Virginia, U.S.
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| Died | November 22, 2012 (aged 103) Richland Place Nursing Home, Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.
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| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Pilot |
| Spouse(s) | Lewis Lincoln Laska Ed Chamberlain |
| Children | Lewis L. Laska (born 1947) |
Pearl Laska Chamberlain was an amazing American pilot. She was born Lelia Pearl Bragg on April 29, 1909, and lived until November 22, 2012. Pearl learned to fly in 1933 using a special bi-plane called a Kinner Fleet. She kept her pilot's license for a very long time, until she was 97 years old! Before World War II, the government started a program called the Civilian Pilot Training Program. This program secretly helped train many pilots who would later join the military.
Becoming a Pilot
Pearl was one of eight children in her family. During World War II, she joined a brave group of women pilots called the WASPs. These women helped fly planes for the military in the United States. After her service, Pearl was honorably discharged.
In 1944, Pearl decided to follow her dream of being a full-time pilot. She moved to Nome, Alaska, a place known for its wild beauty. There, she worked as a flight instructor, teaching others how to fly. She also became a bush pilot. Bush pilots fly small planes into remote, hard-to-reach areas, often delivering supplies or people.
Alaskan Adventures
Pearl had many exciting adventures as a pilot. She even took part in "Powder Puff Derbies," which were air races for women pilots! One time, she accidentally filled her plane's fuel tank with water instead of gasoline, which must have been quite a surprise!
The next year, in 1945, Pearl made history. She became the first woman to fly a single-engine airplane all by herself up the famous Alaska Highway. This was a huge achievement! The FAA, which oversees flying in the U.S., recognized her in 2006 for being a pioneer in Alaskan aviation.
Pearl believed that anyone could learn to fly, no matter their background. She taught many people, including Alaska Natives. One of her students, Holger Jorgensen, became the first Native person hired as a pilot by a regular airline.
Pearl also continued her education. She earned her first college degree from the University of Alaska in 1955. Later, in 1959, she earned her master's degree from Miami University of Ohio. In 2006, she received a special honor called the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. This award is given to pilots who have shown great skill and safety for at least 50 years.
Family Life
In 1946, Pearl married Lewis Lincoln Laska in McGrath, Alaska. He was a merchant and sold furs. Sadly, Lewis passed away just four months later when he was 50 years old. Their son, Lewis, was born the next year, in 1947.
After her husband's death, Pearl continued to run his store and a factory that made parkas (warm coats) for four more years. Later, she married Ed Chamberlain. They lived in California until Ed passed away in 1987. Pearl lived a long and adventurous life, inspiring many with her love of flying.
