Louise Thaden: She Beat Amelia Earhart, She Beat the Men, and She Raised the Bar for Women in the Air Forever.

2022-11-16

On November 2, 1959, Louise Thaden was reminiscing about her 30 years of setting records when she received a call from the future. In her twenties, Louise Thaden promised her boss that if he taught her to fly, she would set records. He loved the idea because if a woman could fly on the ragged edge and survive, that would prove that the aviation industry was safe. If it was safe for women, it was safe for everyone. In this episode you’ll hear Louise tell stories of how she raced and beat Amelia E...

On November 2, 1959, Louise Thaden was reminiscing about her 30 years of setting records when she received a call from the future.

In her twenties, Louise Thaden promised her boss that if he taught her to fly, she would set records. He loved the idea because if a woman could fly on the ragged edge and survive, that would prove that the aviation industry was safe. If it was safe for women, it was safe for everyone.

In this episode you’ll hear Louise tell stories of how she raced and beat Amelia Earhart and the men.

How she rigged and used equipment taken from hospitals to set and hold the altitude, speed, and endurance records.

And why the obnoxious drunk, who she regretted allowing on her plane, lost his life in a crash.

But most importantly, you’ll be inspired. Louise pushed the limits of her time and yet found a way to live a balanced life with a career and a family. Because she wasn’t a self-promoter, you may have never heard her name. But once you hear her speak, you’ll never forget it.

Start the episode now and join the conversation.

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