By 1920, though, her parents pulled her out of school in New York City and forced her to live with them in California. Still, this unexpected move is what ultimately thrust Amelia into aviation.
After traveling to California, Amelia embarked on her first-ever airplane ride, and a new fire was lit inside her. Then, once in the golden state, she began taking flying lessons to pursue her new passion.
By 1921, Amelia had already purchased her own plane and earned her pilot’s license.
Women In Aviation
In 1928, promoters of emerging air flight began seeking women to fly across the Atlantic Ocean, and Amelia was selected for the mission.
So, on June 17, 1928, she set out from Newfoundland, Canada as a seaplane passenger that had been piloted by Louis Gordon and Wilmer Stultz.
The trip quickly catapulted Amelia to international fame, which prompted her to write 20. Hrs. 40 Min.– a book about her travels.
Then, the young pilot went on a lecture tour throughout the United States to orally share her experiences.
Still, Amelia was not satisfied that her fame was brought by being a passenger. In turn, she decided to embark on a solo flight across the Atlantic on May 20, 1932.
Amelia again departed from Newfoundland, Canada, and arrived in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, in record time.
The entire trip only took fourteen hours and fifty-six minutes.