Sheila Scott facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sheila Scott
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Before her 1971 record-breaking trip
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| Born |
Sheila Christine Hopkins
27 April 1922 |
| Died | 20 October 1988 (aged 66) Royal Marsden Hospital, London, England, UK
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| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Aviator |
Sheila Scott was an amazing English aviator who broke more than 100 flying records! She was born on April 27, 1922, and passed away on October 20, 1988. Sheila was famous for her long-distance flights, including a huge 34,000-mile trip in 1971. On that incredible journey, she became the very first person to fly over the North Pole in a small airplane.
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Sheila's Early Life
Sheila Christine Hopkins was born in Worcester, England. When she was young, she went to the Alice Ottley School. During World War II, she helped out as a nurse in a hospital for the navy.
Becoming a Pilot
In 1943, Sheila started working as an actress and used the name Sheila Scott. She kept this name even after she stopped acting.
Her journey into flying began in 1958. She learned to fly and completed her first solo flight at Thruxton Aerodrome after nine months of training. Her first plane was a Thruxton Jackaroo, which she owned for five years.
Record-Breaking Flights
In April 1966, Sheila bought a new plane, a Piper Comanche 260B, which she named Myth Too. With this plane, she set an amazing ninety world records!
Her first solo flight around the world started in London on May 18, 1966. She returned on June 20, 1966. She flew about 31,000 miles (49,890 kilometers) in just 34 days. In 1969–70, she flew solo around the world a second time in the same plane. This plane is now on display at the National Museum of Flight in Scotland.
In 1971, Sheila bought a different plane, a twin-engined Piper Aztec 250, which she called Mythre. In this plane, she completed her third solo flight around the world that same year. This was the flight where she flew over the North Pole!
Helping Other Women Pilots
Sheila Scott was very important in helping other women pilots. She started the British branch of the Ninety-Nines. This is an organization for women pilots that was first created by the famous aviator Amelia Earhart. Sheila was also a member of other groups for women pilots, like the International Association of Licensed Women Pilots and the Whirly-Girls, which is for women helicopter pilots.
Awards and Recognition
Sheila Scott received many honors for her incredible achievements.
- In 1968, she was given the title of Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).
- One of the buildings at the University of Worcester is named after her.
- In 1967, she won a Harmon International Aviation Trophy for setting a new speed record in a light plane.
- She also received the Brabazon of Tara Award several times.
- In 1968, she was awarded the Britannia Trophy from the Royal Aero Club of Britain.
- In 1971, she received the Royal Aero Club Gold Medal.
Later Life
Sheila Scott passed away in London in 1988 at the age of 66. She is remembered as a brave and determined pilot who pushed the limits of aviation.
