Zoe Dell Lantis Nutter (June 14, 1915 – April 22, 2020) was an American dancer, actress and model who became a promoter, educator, marketer, commercial pilot, and philanthropist.
After one 1939 show, aviation executives approached her about promoting commercial aviation at the Golden Gate International Exposition on nearby Treasure Island, to promote air travel in general, and overseas flights to East Asia in particular, via the new China Clipper flying boats based at Treasure Island.
In the middle of a campaign against burlesque theaters, New York mayor Fiorello LaGuardia insisted she wear her coat over her skimpy costume in order to be photographed with him.
After a short film career with Paramount Pictures, she joined the United Service Organizations to entertain troops during World War II.
Among her responsibilities was to make flying accessible to ladies, to teach women to be able to read a map, handle the radio or land the plane in event of an emergency.
Elano developed a stainless steel manifold that boosted the performance of diesel locomotive engines for General Electric.
In addition to adding power, the manifold reduced engine maintenance for annual inspections, and enabled a quieter, better-heated cockpit.
She joined the Ohio Civil Air Patrol, flying search and rescue missions, and became active in the National Aviation Hall of Fame, with 12 years service as a board member, serving as its first woman president in 1988.