Timeline of women in aviation

This is a timeline of women in aviation which describes many of the firsts and achievements of women as pilots and other roles in aviation.

Women who are part of this list have piloted vehicles, including hot-air balloons, gliders, airplanes, dirigibles and helicopters.

Some women have been instrumental in support roles.

Others have made a name for themselves as parachutists and other forms of flight-related activities.

This list encompasses women's achievements from around the globe.

Four female pilots walking toward the camera away from a large aircraft — These pilots leaving their ship at the four-engine school at Lockbourne are members of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPS), trained to ferry the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress , c. 1944 .

Sophie Blanchard makes her ascent in Milan on 15 August 1811 to mark the 42nd birthday of Napoleon. — Sophie Blanchard makes her ascent in Milan on 15 August 1811 to mark the 42nd birthday of Napoleon .

A woman sits at the controls of an early aeroplane — Russian, Lydia Zvereva , the 8th woman to earn a pilot's license

German, Kathe Paulus, inventor of the modern parachute — German, Käthe Paulus , inventor of the modern parachute

Bessie Coleman and her plane (1922)

Elsie MacGill, the first woman to earn an aeronautical engineering degree — Elsie MacGill , the first woman to earn an aeronautical engineering degree

Fadiko Gogitidze monument at Batumi International Airport

Sabiha Gökçen in front of a Breguet 19, circa 1937 — Sabiha Gökçen in front of a Breguet 19, c. 1937

Women pilots of the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) in flying kit at Hatfield, 10 January 1940. — Women pilots of the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) in flying kit at Hatfield , 10 January 1940

Hazel Ying Lee, one of the first two Chinese Americans in the Women Air Force Service Pilots

Australian Women Pilots' Association member Meg Cornwell in the cockpit of Auster J-5G Cirrus Autocar monoplane VH-ADY at an airfield, 1954. — Australian Women Pilots' Association member Meg Cornwell in the cockpit of Auster J-5G Cirrus Autocar monoplane VH-ADY at an airfield, 1954

Beverly Burns and Lynne Rippelmeyer on the flight deck of a Boeing 737, September 1, 1982

The first female Air Force helicopter pilot in Afghanistan's history Col. Latifa Nabizada exits the stage after speaking at an Afghan Air Force International Women's Day celebration at Kabul International Airport, March 07, 2013. — The first female Air Force helicopter pilot in Afghanistan's history, Col. Latifa Nabizada , exits the stage after speaking at an Afghan Air Force International Women's Day celebration at Kabul International Airport , March 7, 2013.

A close up of 1st Lt. Jeannie Flynn, the first F-15E female pilot, sits in the cockpit as she performs engine star. — A close up of 1st Lt. Jeannie Flynn , the first F-15E female pilot, sits in the cockpit as she performs engine star.

Ms. Nancy Lee Baker, longtime Fairbanks resident, receives a special honor from Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Gen. Norton A. Schwartz. Baker, a Women Airforce Service Pilot flew various military aircraft during World War II, her contributions help pave the way for the integration of female pilots into the military. — Nancy Lee Baker, longtime Fairbanks resident, receives a special honor from Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Gen. Norton A. Schwartz. Baker, a Women Airforce Service Pilot flew various military aircraft during World War II , her contributions help pave the way for the integration of female pilots into the military.