Suzanna Darcy-Henneman facts for kids

Suzanna Darcy-Henneman is a famous Boeing test pilot. She was the lead test pilot for the Boeing 777 airplane program. Some people know her as Susan Darcy.

In 2005, Suzanna piloted a Boeing 777-200LR on a record-breaking flight. She flew 21,602.22 kilometers (about 13,423 miles) from Hong Kong to London. This amazing journey went over the Pacific Ocean, across America, and then over the Atlantic Ocean.

Suzanna started working at Boeing in 1974. She spent seven years as an engineer. Later, she became a trainer for airline pilots. In 1985, she was named a Boeing Production Test pilot.

She studied at the University of Washington. In 1981, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautics and Aeronautical Engineering.

Becoming a Pilot at Boeing

Suzanna Darcy-Henneman joined the Boeing company in 1974. She began as an assistant engineer. However, she felt inspired to fly planes herself. So, she started taking flying lessons in 1977.

Around the same time, she went to the University of Washington. She studied aeronautics and astronautics there. In 1981, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree. The next year, Boeing promoted her to an instructor.

In this new role, she taught pilots how airplanes work. She also helped write parts of the airplane operations manuals. These manuals explain how to fly the planes safely.

First Female Test Pilot

On October 31, 1985, Suzanna was promoted again. She became a test pilot for Boeing. This was a very important moment. She was the first woman to be hired as a test pilot by the company.

In 1986, Suzanna was a speaker at a big event. It was the first World Aviation Education and Safety Congress. This meeting took place in New Delhi, India.

Over the next three years, Suzanna became certified to fly many planes. She learned to fly the Boeing 737, 757, and 767.

Flying the Boeing 747-400

In 1989, Suzanna became certified for the Boeing 747-400. This made her the first woman to be the Captain of that type of plane. As a test pilot, her job included testing new prototype planes. Sometimes, she would fly these planes to their new owners overseas.

By 1991, Suzanna was one of only two female test pilots at Boeing. The other was Rose Looper, who joined Boeing shortly after Suzanna.

Record-Breaking Flights

In 1995, Suzanna was part of a special tour. She helped promote the new Boeing 777 in Asia. During this tour, she was part of a team that set a world record. They flew a Boeing 777 from Bangkok, Thailand, to Seattle in record time.

Suzanna also appeared on TV. She was in Season 1, Episode 1 of Bill Nye the Science Guy in 1993. In the episode called “Flight,” she was shown as a test pilot for Boeing.