One of those who understood was Louise McPhetridge Thaden, another 99s founding member.

Born in Bentonville, Arkansas, in November 1905, Louise was fascinated with flying. Luckily, in the fall of 1926, Walter Beech, the aviation entrepreneur, hired Louise as an assistant for his San Francisco West Coast Travel Air distributor. Louise worked during the day. At night, she took flying lessons. In just a few months, she earned her pilot’s license. She logged enough flight hours to qualify for her transport license.

Between December 1928 and April 1929, Louise set three aviation records in altitude, endurance, and speed. She is the first American woman to hold these records simultaneously.

In November, 1929, Louise and many of the other Women’s Air Derby pilots formed the Ninety-Nines organization. Thaden served as vice president (1931-36) and as treasurer (1930-34).

In 1936, Louise was invited to race in the Bendix Transcontinental Air Race. She teamed with co-pilot Blanche Noyes, also a founding member of the Ninety-Nines. Flying a Beech Staggerwing C17R, Louise and Blanche won the $4,500 first place money, along with the coveted Bendix Air Trophy. They also won the $2,500 prize for first female team to cross the finish line. Today, that would be about $138,000. Later, Louise won the 1936 Harmon Trophy for Outstanding Aviator.

In her book, “High, Wide and Frightened,” Louise wrote, “Flight is the essence of the spirit. It nurtures the soul. It is awesome. Often ethereal. Glorious. Emotionally wondrous and all-pervading. Intangible.”

This feature is part of Elements' Aviation History Month Tribute.