description Harriet Quimby Overview
Harriet Quimby (1875-1912) was an American aviator and journalist who became the first woman in the United States to earn a pilot's license in 1911. In 1912, she gained international fame by becoming the first woman to fly across the English Channel, piloting a Blériot monoplane from Dover to Calais. Prior to her aviation career, Quimby worked as a screenwriter for early Hollywood films and wrote for publications including Leslie's Illustrated Weekly. Her distinctive purple aviator suit made her a recognizable figure in early aviation history, though her career was cut short by a fatal accident at an aviation meet in 1912.
insights Ranking position
Harriet Quimby ranks #76 of 195 in the Aviator ranking, behind Georges Guynemer, ahead of Günther Rall.
help Harriet Quimby FAQ
Was Harriet Quimby really the first woman to fly across the English Channel?
Yes, she flew from England to France on April 16, 1912, becoming the first woman to pilot an aircraft across the Channel. Her achievement received less newspaper attention because the Titanic disaster dominated headlines at the same time.
What pilot's license did Harriet Quimby earn?
The Aero Club of America issued Quimby license number 37 in 1911. That made her the first woman in the United States to receive a pilot's license.
Why did Harriet Quimby wear a purple flying suit?
She adopted a distinctive plum-colored satin flying costume instead of the more conventional clothing worn by many early aviators. The outfit strengthened her public image during exhibitions and in photographs.
How did Harriet Quimby die?
Quimby died on July 1, 1912, during an aviation meet near Boston when she and passenger William Willard were thrown from her aircraft. She was 37 and had earned her pilot's license less than a year earlier.
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