Hazel Jane Raines (April 21, 1916 – September 4, 1956) was an American pioneer aviator and flight instructor with the Civilian Pilot Training Program.

She was born in Waynesboro, Georgia, on April 21, 1916, to Frank and Bessie Raines, into a family that already included sisters Frankie and Martha.

[4] As conditions led up to World War II, the United States joined European nations in strengthening its armed forces, which included the training of civilians for participation in the country's defense.

The legislation contained a key provision from Illinois congressman Everett Dirksen, "none of the benefits of training or programs shall be denied on account of race, creed, or color",[5] and opened the doors to people who would not otherwise have been eligible in the segregated armed forces that existed at that time.

Besides being an instructor, Raines held a commercial pilot's license, had a documented 1,300 hours of flying time, and was a member of the Ninety-Nines, the Macon Aero Club and the National Aeronautical Association.

Women pilots were accepted at a slightly younger minimum age, had an education requirement of completing high school, and needed two letters of reference.

[14] Raines and the 24 other female American flyers working for the Ferry Pool Service during that period established themselves in aviation history as the first women from the United States to fly military aircraft, and they did it in a theater of war.

[15] During her service with the ATA, Raines flew numerous types of British escorts, including the Hawker Hurricane, the Supermarine Spitfire, and the de Havilland Tiger Moth.

[18] She resumed her duties in June, flying Airspeed Oxford and Fairchild 24 planes, but was unable to wear a helmet due to ongoing issues with her injuries.

[20] The two groups were combined under the directorship of Cochran in 1943 to form the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), with training at Avenger Field in Sweetwater, Texas.

[22][23] In November, Raines joined the WASPs and was made squadron commander at Avenger Field, completing her training ahead of schedule after learning to fly the Martin B-26 Marauder.

She spent a year teaching at the Air Ministry of Brazil in São Paulo, where she used the Link Trainer, a type of flight simulator, for pilot instrument training.

Through determination and nonstop efforts to be recognized, Raines was finally returned to active status in 1950 and stationed at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama.