For Burns it meant becoming the first woman to ever work as a certified aircraft dispatcher while performing duties as a line captain.

On January 31, 1985, she received the Amelia Earhart Award—presented by New Jersey Governor Thomas Kean and the CEO of People Express, Donald Burr—for her historic flight as captain of the Boeing 747 on July 18, 1984.

Senator Frank R. Lautenberg of New Jersey credited her with "opening doors for millions of American women" and read her deeds into the Congressional Record.

On October 17, Maryland Governor Harry Hughes sent a letter of congratulation and named her an "ambassador of goodwill" for the state.

In 2003, she received a Certificate of Appreciation from USAF General John W. Handy for outstanding support for Operation Iraqi Freedom while serving as a member of the Civil Reserve Air Fleet.