Jacqueline Cochran

aviation pioneer · women in flight · speed records · courage

First woman to break the sound barrier. On May 18, 1953, Jacqueline Cochran flew faster than the speed of sound, becoming the first woman ever to achieve this incredible feat. This made her one of the most accomplished pilots in the world.

Led the Women Airforce Service Pilots. During World War II, Cochran commanded the WASP program, which trained about 1,000 civilian women to fly military aircraft. These brave pilots ferried planes from factories to ports, freeing up male pilots for combat missions.

Champion of women aviators. Throughout her career, Cochran fought to prove that women belonged in the cockpit and could handle any flying challenge. She set numerous speed and altitude records that inspired generations of female pilots.

Supported space exploration for women. Cochran was one of the first supporters of the Mercury 13 program, which tried to train women to become astronauts. She later changed her position, but her early backing showed her belief in women reaching for the stars.