First Woman to Fly Faster Than Speed of Sound
Jacqueline Cochran made history on May 18, 1953, by becoming the first woman to fly faster than the speed of sound, achieving speeds over 600 miles per hour in an F-86 Sabre jet at Edwards Air Force Base in California. Born around 1910 in Pensacola, Florida, Cochran faced numerous challenges early in life, including growing up as an orphan and starting work at just eight years old. Her resilience led her to establish a successful cosmetics company in New York City, providing her the financial stability to pursue flying as a hobby. During World War II, she played a pivotal role in organizing the Women’s Air Force Service Pilots (WASPs), showcasing her leadership and dedication to aviation. Throughout her career, Cochran not only broke the sound barrier but also set multiple records for speed, distance, and altitude. By the time she passed away on August 9, 1980, in Indio, California, she had accumulated more aviation records than any other pilot, regardless of gender. Cochran's legacy continues to inspire generations, highlighting the contributions of women in aviation and challenging gender norms in a male-dominated field.
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First Woman to Fly Faster Than Speed of Sound
First Woman to Fly Faster Than Speed of Sound
Jacqueline Cochran became the first woman to fly faster than the speed of sound on May 18, 1953, at Edwards Air Force Base in California when she took an F-86 Sabre jet to a speed of over 600 miles per hour.
Cochran was most likely born in 1910 (although the exact date is unclear) in Pensacola, Florida. She was an orphan and had to go to work at the age of eight. A very strong and self-reliant individual, Cochran grew up to become a successful businesswoman and built her own cosmetics company in New York City. During the 1930s, ownership of this company gave her the financial security necessary to pursue a new hobby—flying. Cochran competed in various air races, and by World War II she had the experience necessary to successfully organize the Women's Air Force Service Pilots (WASPs) for the United States military. For her achievements she was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal and eventually rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel.
After the war, Cochran maintained her interest in flying. She not only broke the sound barrier but in following years set other records for speed, distance, and altitude. By the time of her death on August 9, 1980, in Indio, California, Cochran held more records than any other pilot, male or female.