Watch Following Amelia Earhart : Heroines of the Sky

Following Amelia Earhart: Heroines of the Sky is a documentary that showcases the inspiring stories of five female aviators who defied gender norms during the early days of aviation. The film explores the challenges they faced, their accomplishments, and their contributions to the aviation industry. The documentary begins with Amelia Earhart, the world-famous aviator who disappeared during her attempt to become the first female to fly around the world. Her story serves as a backdrop for the film’s main focus, which is to spotlight the lesser-known female pilots who made significant strides in aviation.

The first woman to be featured is Bessie Coleman, the first African-American woman to hold a pilot’s license. Despite being denied entrance to flight schools in America due to her race, Coleman traveled to France to earn her license. She returned to the United States to headline airshows and inspire young women to pursue aviation.

Next, the film focuses on Louise Thaden, a record-breaking pilot who set multiple speed and endurance records. Thaden, along with co-pilot Blanche Noyes, won the renowned Women’s Air Derby, a cross-country race from Santa Monica, California to Cleveland, Ohio. The victory challenged gender norms and paved the way for future generations of female pilots.

The documentary then highlights the achievements of Florence “Pancho” Barnes, an adrenaline junkie who broke several speed records and was known for her fearless flying. She was a prominent member of the Happy Bottom Riding Club, where female pilots and Hollywood stars socialized and flew together.

Moving forward, the documentary shifts the focus to the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) program, which played a significant role in World War II. With men away fighting, the US Army looked to train women pilots to help with domestic transportation duties, freeing up male pilots for combat. The film features the story of Dora Dougherty Strother, one of the first graduates of the WASP program. Strother flew a variety of aircraft, including B-17 bombers and P-51 fighters, to transport goods and support the war effort.

Lastly, the film highlights the life and accomplishments of Jackie Cochran, a record-breaking pilot who, during the 1950s and 60s, broke nearly every aviation record. She was the first woman to break the sound barrier and the first female pilot to fly a jet aircraft across the Atlantic Ocean. She also helped form the Women in Aviation International organization, which continues to advocate for women in aviation today.

Following Amelia Earhart: Heroines of the Sky, directed by Heather Taylor, showcases the remarkable stories of these female aviators in a clear and concise manner. The film features interviews with historians and aviation experts, as well as archival footage and photographs, to provide a comprehensive overview of their lives and accomplishments.

The documentary is both educational and inspiring, providing insight into the struggles and triumphs of the pioneering women who helped pave the way for future generations of female pilots. It serves as a reminder of the importance of representation and persevering in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, Following Amelia Earhart: Heroines of the Sky is a well-made documentary that sheds light on the accomplishments of five remarkable women who defied gender norms and made significant contributions to the aviation industry. It is a tribute to their pioneering spirit and a call to action for generations to come.

Following Amelia Earhart : Heroines of the Sky is a 2002 documentary with a runtime of 28 minutes.