Sisters in the Air: Louise McPhetridge Thaden and Phoebe Fairgrave Omlie

by Helen Dewitt Whittaker

The story of Louise McPhetridge Thaden and Phoebe Fairgrave Omlie, who were born when aviation was in its infancy. They shared an uncommon bond—a love of flying. Orville Wright’s signature is on the pilot’s license of both women. Louise won the first women’s air race and was the first woman to win the Bendix Transcontinental Air Race, beating her friend Amelia Earhart in both races. Phoebe, a well-known stunt flier and wing-walker, was the first woman to earn an airplane mechanic’s license and was the first female government official in aeronautics. When these women met in 1929, they quickly became friends and sisters in the air and flew into the pages of history.

64 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2002