Wonder Women of Aviation – Details, episodes & analysis

Ever heard of DOC? This B-29 Superfortress didn't see overseas action in WWII, but it has an amazing story! We talk with Mary Green about DOC's role in radar training, its near demise as a Navy target, and its incredible restoration. Find out how you can support DOC and keep this piece of aviation history alive! b29doc.org

Ever wondered what happened to Elvis Presley's jet? The Wonder Woman of Aviation has the answer!

Natalia interviews Jimmy of Jimmysworld, who rescued the abandoned aircraft and turned it into a rolling tribute to aviation history.

Listen to the incredible story, who owned it and how you can see it in person, and learn how you can support Wings of Compassion, the veteran aviation nonprofit behind this amazing project.

Visit ElvisJet.com to see the video and SaveThe310.com to learn more!

In the upcoming episode of "The Wonder Women of Aviation," we are thrilled to bring you an inspiring and informative conversation with our special guest, Gigi Coleman. Gigi is not only the great-niece of the legendary Bessie Coleman – the first African American and Native American woman to hold a pilot's license – but also an accomplished performer, speaker, and educator committed to preserving and advancing her great-aunt's incredible legacy.

In this episode, Gigi will discuss her one-woman show, "Queen Bess," where she portrays her trailblazing Great-Aunt Bessie to captivate audiences both young and old, encouraging them to dream big and challenge convention. We'll learn about some of the prestigious venues where Gigi has performed, such as the Cleveland OH Women's Air and Space Museum, Embry Riddle University, Florida Memorial University, United Airlines, Charles H. Wright Museum, the Northern IN Mayor's Roundtable, and the world-renowned OSH KOSH Air Show.

As someone who is passionate about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), Gigi is also the founder of the Bessie Coleman Aviation All-Stars (BCAA), a 501(C)3 program aimed at inspiring the next generation. Gigi will share more about BCAA's mission to expose disadvantaged youth to the world of STEM and aviation, and how learning about Bessie's accomplishments has the power to ignite their dreams and aspirations.

Throughout our discussion, we will dive deeper into the remarkable history and legacy of Bessie Coleman, and explore how her fearless spirit continues to inspire and shape the future of aviation. We'll also discuss the importance of promoting diversity and inclusion within the field, and how woman aviators like Gigi and her Great-Aunt Bessie are breaking down barriers and making history.

Join us as we take flight with Gigi Coleman and uncover the incredible story of the Wonder Women of Aviation!

https://www.bessiecolemanaviationallstars.org

The B-25 Mitchell Bomber, affectionately nicknamed "Panchito," is a symbol of American ingenuity and determination during World War II. This medium bomber was developed by North American Aviation and produced between 1940 and 1945. A staggering total of 9,815 B-25s were built throughout the war, making it one of the most widely produced aircraft models in history. The B-25 holds a special place in the pantheon of military aviation due to its versatility, dependability, and widespread use.

The B-25 was designed to excel in various combat scenarios, focusing primarily on medium-altitude bombing missions between 8,000 and 12,000 feet. It was equipped with a robust suite of armaments, including up to twelve .50 caliber machine guns, 3,000 pounds of bombs, and a 75mm cannon, making it a formidable adversary for enemy forces. The bomber's twin engines gave it a top speed of over 300 miles per hour, allowing it to evade enemy fire and deliver payloads with precision.

One of the most iconic moments involving the B-25 occurred on April 18, 1942, in what is famously known as the Doolittle Raid. This daring mission was a key turning point in the Pacific Theatre, as sixteen B-25s took off from the USS Hornet to carry out a surprise bombing raid on Tokyo, led by Lieutenant Colonel James H. Doolittle. This feat demonstrated the bomber's incredible adaptability and solidified its place in aviation history.

Nowadays, the public has the rare opportunity to experience a piece of history through the offerings of the Delaware Aviation Museum in Georgetown. The museum is home to Panchito, one of the few remaining operational B-25s, which has been meticulously restored to its original specs. It holds a place of honor as the lead plane for events such as the Sussex Air Force tribute to healthcare workers.

Visitors to the Delaware Aviation Museum can do more than just marvel at Panchito's impressive appearance; they can also experience the thrill of taking to the skies inside this legendary aircraft. By offering rides in Panchito, the museum allows aviation enthusiasts and history buffs to immerse themselves in the unique experience of soaring through the clouds in a bona fide World War II bomber, taking a journey through time and space that few can claim to have enjoyed.

In conclusion, the B-25 "Panchito" represents an era of innovative aviation design and a crucial moment in military history. Its versatility, power, and adaptability have secured its place not only as an essential weapon during World War II but also as an enduring testament to the human spirit of unity and perseverance. By preserving and celebrating Panchito, the Delaware Aviation Museum ensures that future generations can continue to appreciate the incredible legacy of this distinguished aircraft.

Laura Humphries, known as "The Flying Princess" to her friends and social media followers, is on a mission to help girls pursue their dreams of aviation. It all started when she saw a Black female airline captain working the same flight. That's all it took for Humphries to know that she could be a pilot. 

Since then, Humphries has created a book, titled You Look Like Me, which is designed to help inspire and expose our youth - especially young girls - to the amazing career fields where we have the least representation. Her goal is to show young girls that anything is possible if you set your mind to it. And she's well on her way to doing just that!

Humphries' love of aviation started at a young age. She was born in London and raised in Florida, both places with strong aviation traditions. Her father was a private pilot and her uncle was an aircraft mechanic, so she grew up around planes and airports. But it wasn't until she saw that Black female captain flying the same route as her that she realized her dream of becoming a pilot could become a reality. 

Since then, Humphries has been on a mission to help other young girls pursue their dreams of aviation. In addition to writing her book, Humphries also gives talks at schools and community events. She wants to show young girls that there are endless possibilities for their future - they just have to be willing to go after them. Humphries is also working on getting her own pilot's license. She knows that it won't be easy, but she's up for the challenge. After all, if there's one thing we know about The Flying Princess, it's that she always strives to reach new heights!

If you're looking for an inspiring story about following your dreams, look no further than Laura Humphries - aka The Flying Princess. Humphries is on a mission to help girls pursue their dreams of aviation, and she's well on her way to doing just that! We can't wait to see what new heights she reaches in the future!

This Women's History Month, join us in honoring Sharon McDougle, a former Air Force veteran and NASA suit technician. She was the first African-American woman to don a flight suit and help prepare the SR71 aircraft for its incredible missions. Hear her story of what it was like to be a pioneer in aviation and the struggles she faced along the way. Plus, learn all about NASA flight suits - the materials they use, the features that make them different from regular flight suits, and even some special features like diapers that are designed for astronauts! She even suited Dr Mae C. Jemison an American engineer and Astronaut. Listen to this episode to appreciate her accomplishments and gain insight into space technology.

Links  & People mentioned in the podcast:

Natasha Lee- Make your Dreams come True 

Annette  Smith- https://www.mrsanniebooks.com/

Suit up with Shay https://www.sharoncaplesmcdougle.com/

 UniteBookstore - https://www.wordsunitebookstore.com/

SR71- Terry Pappas

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Terry-Pappas/author/B00DKK71WM?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

ExtremeFlight- Patrick McAlee

Extreme-Flight.Com

Join us for this engaging podcast as we explore the extraordinary story of Erin Miller - a modern woman living her grandmother's legacy. After WWII, Erin's Nana was one of only 1,000 Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs), paving the way for future generations by breaking gender barriers in aviation. We'll discuss what prompted these brave women to take flight and how it inspired today’s generation through an exclusive look into their book dedicated to honoring these heroes who soared against all odds!

Our latest episode of the Wonder Women Podcast features an exclusive interview with none other than Ed Warnock, CEO of The Airbus Perlan Mission II. We discussed their mission to push stratospheric boundaries and soar higher - literally! Their glider has already set a subsonic record up in the heavens at 76,124 feet; but they plan on taking it even further next year by reaching 90,000 feet- shattering all previous crewed wing-borne aircraft flight records. It's science that goes beyond what we thought was ever possible – so make sure you tune into our podcast for more details about this incredible undertaking!

Learn More about The Perlan II Project

Join us this week as we speak with Sloth Queen Meghan, a Tik Tok influencer Sloth Queen_170 who has a swearing parrot, makeup tutorials, and a Dispatcher.  Learn more about what it takes to become an influencer and what a dispatcher does! I was going to edit, but I think the raw conversation works!

 Have you ever wanted to chat with a real-life airshow pilot? We have the chance to do just that today as we introduce you to Jessy Panzer. At 18, Jessy earned her aeronautical science degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and has since enjoyed a career as a corporate pilot. Her passion for aerobatics eventually led her to compete in competitions, which she began in 2000. In 2012 she made the U.S. Advanced Aerobatic Team and is now an air racer and the pilot of a Pitts Special biplane that can withstand +6/-3 gs. Today we are honored to talk with this incredible woman who truly has left her mark on aviation history!