Amelia Earhart was a pioneering aviator who made a significant mark on the history of aviation during the early 20th century.
Born in 1897 in Atchison, Kansas, she developed a passion for flight and became one of the most iconic and influential figures in the world of aviation.
Her achievements include becoming the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean and setting numerous aviation records.
However, her daring spirit also led to an enduring mystery, as she disappeared without a trace during her attempt to circumnavigate the globe in 1937.
Amelia Earhart’s life and legacy continue to inspire generations, making her an enduring symbol of courage and determination.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| July 24, 1897 | Amelia Mary Earhart is born in Atchison, Kansas, USA. |
| 1916 | Attends an air show in California and takes her first airplane ride, sparking her interest in aviation. |
| 1920 | Begins taking flying lessons from Neta Snook, a pioneering female aviator. |
| 1921 | Sets her first aviation record by reaching an altitude of 14,000 feet. |
| 1922 | Buys her first airplane, a Kinner Airster, and sets a women’s altitude record of 14,000 feet. |
| 1928 | Becomes the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean as a passenger on the plane “Friendship.” |
| 1930 | Sets an altitude record for autogyros, reaching an altitude of 18,415 feet. |
| 1931 | Marries George Putnam, a publisher who becomes her promoter and manager. |
| 1932 | Becomes the first woman to fly solo nonstop across the Atlantic Ocean. |
| 1935 | Becomes the first person, male or female, to fly solo nonstop from Hawaii to California. |
| 1937 | Embarks on her ill-fated attempt to circumnavigate the globe and disappears over the Pacific Ocean. |
| 1939 | Declared legally dead. |
Timeline of Amelia Earhart
July 24, 1897: Amelia Mary Earhart is born in Atchison, Kansas, USA
Amelia Earhart was born on this day in Atchison, Kansas. She was the daughter of Samuel “Edwin” Stanton Earhart and Amelia “Amy” Otis Earhart.
Also Read: Amelia Earhart Accomplishments
From a young age, Amelia exhibited a sense of adventure and independence that would later define her life. Her interest in aviation, however, didn’t fully develop until several years later.
1916: Attends an air show in California and takes her first airplane ride, sparking her interest in aviation
In 1916, Amelia Earhart attended an air show in Long Beach, California. It was during this event that she had her first experience of flying.
She took a short airplane ride with a barnstorming pilot, and this thrilling experience ignited her passion for aviation.
From that moment, she was determined to become a pilot herself, even though opportunities for women in aviation were limited at the time.
1920: Begins taking flying lessons from Neta Snook, a pioneering female aviator
In 1920, Amelia Earhart took her first step toward becoming a pilot by enrolling in flying lessons. Her flight instructor was Neta Snook, a pioneering female aviator. Earhart’s dedication and determination quickly became evident, and she proved to be an apt student.
Also Read: Amelia Earhart Facts
These lessons marked the beginning of her journey to becoming one of the most famous and accomplished aviators in history.
1921: Sets her first aviation record by reaching an altitude of 14,000 feet
In 1921, Amelia Earhart set her first aviation record by ascending to an altitude of 14,000 feet. This achievement was remarkable, especially considering that aviation was still in its infancy, and there were limited opportunities for female aviators.
Earhart’s record-breaking flight was a testament to her determination and skill in the cockpit, setting the stage for her future accomplishments.
1922: Buys her first airplane, a Kinner Airster
In 1922, Amelia Earhart took a significant step in her aviation career by purchasing her first airplane, a bright yellow Kinner Airster. With this aircraft, she continued to push the boundaries of what women could achieve in aviation.
In the same year, she set a women’s altitude record, matching her previous achievement of 14,000 feet. Earhart’s passion for flying was evident in her determination to break records and excel in a male-dominated field.
1928: Becomes the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean as a passenger on the plane “Friendship”
Amelia Earhart’s fame soared to new heights in 1928 when she became the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean.
While she wasn’t the pilot of the aircraft, she played a crucial role as a passenger on the flight known as “Friendship.” The aircraft was piloted by Wilmer Stultz and Louis Gordon.
The historic journey departed from Trepassey, Newfoundland, and arrived in Burry Port, Wales, covering a distance of approximately 2,000 miles. Earhart’s participation in this historic flight propelled her to international recognition and acclaim.
1930: Sets an altitude record for autogyros, reaching an altitude of 18,415 feet
In 1930, Amelia Earhart achieved another aviation milestone by setting an altitude record for autogyros. She reached an impressive altitude of 18,415 feet, demonstrating her expertise and versatility as a pilot.
This achievement showcased her commitment to pushing the boundaries of aviation and solidified her reputation as a skilled aviator in a variety of aircraft.
1931: Marries George Putnam, a publisher who becomes her promoter and manager
In 1931, Amelia Earhart married George Palmer Putnam, a prominent publisher and promoter. Their marriage was not only a personal union but also a professional one.
Putnam became Amelia’s manager and publicist, playing a crucial role in promoting her aviation career and securing sponsorship deals. Together, they formed a strong partnership that helped Earhart achieve her ambitious goals in aviation.
1932: Becomes the first woman to fly solo nonstop across the Atlantic Ocean
On May 20-21, 1932, Amelia Earhart made history by becoming the first woman to fly solo nonstop across the Atlantic Ocean.
She piloted her Lockheed Vega from Harbour Grace, Newfoundland, to Londonderry, Northern Ireland, covering a distance of approximately 2,026 miles in just under 15 hours. This remarkable feat solidified her status as an aviation pioneer and a symbol of women’s empowerment.
1935: Becomes the first person, male or female, to fly solo nonstop from Hawaii to California
In 1935, Amelia Earhart achieved yet another milestone in her aviation career. She became the first person, male or female, to fly solo nonstop from Hawaii to California.
Her flight from Honolulu, Hawaii, to Oakland, California, covered a distance of approximately 2,408 miles and marked another significant achievement in her long list of aviation records and accomplishments.
1937: Embarks on her ill-fated attempt to circumnavigate the globe and disappears over the Pacific Ocean
In 1937, Amelia Earhart embarked on her most ambitious and ill-fated journey – an attempt to circumnavigate the globe along the equator. Accompanied by her navigator, Fred Noonan, Earhart set off from Miami, Florida, on June 1, 1937, in her Lockheed Model 10 Electra.
Their journey took them across the United States, South America, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Ocean. However, tragedy struck on July 2, 1937, during the final leg of their flight.
While attempting to reach Howland Island in the Pacific, Earhart and Noonan lost radio contact with their support team and disappeared without a trace.
Despite extensive search efforts, no conclusive evidence of their fate or the wreckage of their aircraft was found, leading to one of the greatest mysteries in aviation history.
1939: Declared legally dead
After an extensive search and rescue mission that spanned months, Amelia Earhart and Fred Noonan were declared missing and presumed lost at sea. On January 5, 1939, Amelia Earhart was declared legally dead, bringing an official end to her extraordinary life and career.
Her disappearance remains a source of intrigue and speculation, with various theories proposed about what may have happened to her during her final flight.