An insiders view of when the airlines started to hire women pilots. Originally banned from the airline cockpit. In 1973, the first woman pilot was finally hired; others followed. In this entertaining and informative story of determination, courage, and heartbreak. We learn about the first permanent woman airline pilot, as well as others, including the first African American woman airline pilot. We learn about the laws and events that moved their quest forward. Read about women pilots from all over the world who were first in their airline's cockpit, perhaps someone from your home country. There is a special chapter about the first African-American, and International women airline pilots. There is an airplane legend for readers, not familiar with the planes flown. The final chapter tells how the industry has changed. Told by one of the women who was there. From research, interviews, personal knowledge, and memoirs, the author presents a simple yet powerful story.

Praise for The Firsts:

"This book of firsts is a MUST have for any aviation history enthusiast!

Women with ordinary names like Emily and Bonnie, did the extraordinary!! They came FIRST and opened opportunities for other women!!

Once their uniforms graced the flight deck, but as proof of their trailblazing, now hang in the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum for all to see.

Their journeys were not easy, but led to an open door for others.

Shipko even talks about the challenges of African-American women pilots and tells us the story of how ISA +21, Zonta, International and Sisters of the Skies were born, out of necessity and have endured, thriving as models of sisterhood and support.

Shipko not only tells the story of U.S. women, but she also takes us around the globe of FIRSTS from Norway, to Australia, India, Kenya, Nigeria, China and Japan."Carole Hopson