Rosella Bjornson facts for kids

Rosella Marie Bjornson (born July 13, 1947) is a famous Canadian airline pilot. She made history by becoming the first woman in North America to be hired as a First Officer for a Canadian airline. She was also the first woman to join the Canadian Air Line Pilots Association, International. Rosella's journey opened doors for many other women in aviation.

Becoming a Pilot

Rosella grew up in Vulcan, Alberta. She went to Champion School and County Central High School. After high school, she studied at the University of Calgary. There, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology and Geography.

During her summer breaks, Rosella worked hard to get her Commercial Pilot License. She also earned an Instructor Rating, which allowed her to teach others how to fly. Her love for flying started early. In July 1964, for her birthday, her parents gave her a special gift: a flight lesson! This lesson took place at the Air West Flight School in Lethbridge, Alberta.

Rosella helped start the University of Calgary Flying Club. She also helped create an Alberta Flying Farmer Teen Chapter. She even volunteered with the first group of Girl Guide Air Rangers in Calgary. After finishing university in 1969, she was hired as a flying instructor by the Winnipeg Flying Club.

Breaking Barriers in Aviation

In 1973, Rosella made history. After being turned down many times, she was finally hired by Transair. She became the first female First Officer in North America. This made her the first female airline pilot in Canada.

Rosella was also the first woman to become a captain in Canadian aviation. She was the first woman to receive the 89th Gold Seal of Proficiency from the Royal Canadian Flying Clubs Association. She was also the first female officer to fly a Transair Fokker F-28 jet. And, as mentioned, she was the first woman to join the Canadian Air Line Pilots Association.

Rosella was a true pioneer. She helped make big changes for female pilots in Canada. One important change was about pregnancy rules. In 1979, when she was pregnant, a rule said women could not fly while pregnant. There was no maternity leave then, so Rosella had to take unpaid time off. After this, she worked with Transport Canada. Together, they changed the rules about flying while pregnant.

Rosella became well-known for her dedication. She was inducted into the International Forest of Friendship in 1988. In 1997, she joined the Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame. She is also part of the Women in Aviation International Pioneer Hall of Fame. She has received a National Transportation Award of Achievement too.

In 1990, while flying for Canadian Airlines International, Rosella became the first Canadian woman to be promoted to the rank of captain. She later worked for Air Canada and Zip. She retired in 2004, after flying for 18,000 hours with five different airlines. Today, Rosella is a motivational speaker. She encourages more women to join aviation. She still enjoys flying in her free time!

Awards and Recognition

Rosella Bjornson has received many honors for her amazing achievements:

• On May 25, 1972, she earned the 89th Gold Seal Proficiency. This was from the Royal Canadian Flying Clubs Association.
• In 1988, she was inducted into the International Forest of Friendship.
• In 1997, Bjornson was inducted into the Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame.
• In 2004, she was inducted into the Women in Aviation International Pioneer Hall of Fame.
• In 2014, Rosella was honored with a special commemorative postage stamp.
• In 2017, Captain Bjornson received a Masters Commendation. This was from The Honourable Company of Air Pilots. It recognized her work for equality for women in Canadian airlines.
• In 2018, she was appointed to the Alberta Order of Excellence.