In a time when most people said flying was only for men, Amelia Earhart climbed into a plane and soared. She became the first woman to fly all alone across the huge Atlantic Ocean, proving that girls can do anything they set their hearts on.
Quick facts
- Born
- 24 July 1897, Atchison, Kansas, USA
- Famous for
- First woman to fly solo across the Atlantic (1932)
- Loved
- Adventure, speed, and the open sky
- Mystery
- Her last flight in 1937 is still unsolved
🖼️ Photo coming soon
In love with flying
The first time Amelia rode in a plane, she knew she had to learn to fly. She worked many jobs to pay for lessons, and soon she was zooming through the clouds, setting records for how high and how far she could go.
Across the ocean alone
In 1932, Amelia flew her little plane all by herself across the Atlantic Ocean — through storms, ice, and darkness. It was a daring trip, and she made it! The whole world cheered for the brave pilot.
Inspiring others
Amelia told girls everywhere that they could be pilots, scientists, or anything else. She helped start groups for women flyers and showed that courage has no gender.
"The most difficult thing is the decision to act; the rest is just tenacity." — Amelia Earhart
Why we remember her
Amelia's bravery opened the skies for everyone. Like the scientist Marie Curie, she pushed past what people thought was possible and lit the way for others to follow.