Helen Ritchey was the first documented and verified female pilot to be hired to fly as a pilot of a commercial scheduled passenger carrier when the U.S. carrier, Central Airlines, hired her on December 13, 1934. The pilots wouldn't allow her to join the all-male pilot union so she was forced to resign in October of 1935. We are currently investigating two other woman that may take Helen's place in history, Betty Russell - purported to be flying for Royle and Andrews Flying Service in 1930 out of Alameda, California, and Marga von Etzdorf, purported to have flown Junkers F-13's for Lufthansa in 1927.

The following modern day airline industry data is correct to the best of our knowledge. "Airline" is defined as an FAR 121 carrier or international equivalent that operates at least one aircraft with a gross weight of 90,000 pounds (40,723 kg) or more.

As you will see, these lists are incomplete. ISA always accepts new information, additions, and corrections to the FIRSTS lists. Please email the "FIRSTS" Director
with your documentation. You may also fill out a complete form (below) and mail it in.

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