Gordon T. Catanya
A supporter of women pilots worldwide

Gordon Catanya is a self taught artist who had studied aeronautical engineering in the '50s and had worked in various aviation busineses for over 20 years until a bad traffic accident which left him semi-invalid. During his long hospitalization, he taught himself drawings and later expanded into paintings and sculptures. Currently he is also freelancing in Aviation Business.

Gordon wished to still be active in aviation by any means. So he started a project of portraits of aerospace women pioneers titled as "Those Magnificent Women in Their Flying Machines". The project also serves as a role model for younger generations of both sexes for many years to come.

Amelia Earhart, USA
1898-1937

The first woman pilot flew solo
across the Atlantic in 1932.
Her aircraft: Lockheed Vega

Beryle Markham, Kenya
1902-1986 

The first woman pilot to hold a commercial license in Africa as well as the second woman pilot to fly solo across the Atlantic. However, it was the first east to west.
Her aircraft: Percival Gull-6

Amy Johnson, United Kingdom
1903-1941

The first woman pilot flew solo
from England to Australia in 1930.
The journey took 19.5 days.
Her aircraft: DeHavilland Moth

Jean Batten, New Zealand
1909-1982

The first woman pilot to fly solo from England to New Zealand in 1936
and the journey took 11 days.
Her aircraft: Percival Gull-6

Lt. Manja Blok
Currently, De Koninklijke Luchtmarcht
The Royal Netherlands Air Force

The first woman fighter pilot in the RNAF. Operational in 1993.
Also the first in the west.
Her aircraft: General Dynamic F-16

Lt. Mette Groetteland,
Royal Norweigian Air Force

The First Norweigian Woman Fighter pilot, F-16, operational in 1994.

To Commemorate Women Pilots
Airwoman statuette, 21 cm height

F/O.Ruth Smith
British Airways